Positivity Journal

For my 22nd birthday I was given a dotted-paged journal, which reads “and at the end of the day your hair should be messy, your feet should be dirty, and your eyes should be sparkling” on the front cover. It’s a beautiful little pink book purchased from www.emmakateco.com and if you haven’t checked it out, I definitely recommend you do.

As a child I loved keeping a diary, and as I got older, I tried my best to keep a journal to keep myself organised. Every year I would purchase a diary for the new year, with hopes to fill it out every day with any upcoming plans, or when my assignments were due. However, I soon realised that I’m not exactly the organised type. Within a few months the diary would be forgotten, collecting dust.

I decided not to buy a journal for 2018 as it just seemed like a waste of money. Why purchase something you know you’re not going to use? In the end, I ended up receiving a travel themed calendar for Christmas 2017, which I absolutely love, and I still use it to this day! I find that it’s much more useful and convenient, as all of your plans for the month are right in front of you, plus the travel photos are very inspiring to look at!

Anyway, back to the point… When I received this journal, I decided straight away that it would be my little positivity book. Within the journal I will write my goals for the year, and quotes that reflect how I’m feeling that day. I might even write what my favourite song is at the time. Then, at the end of the year, I will have a positive reflection of 2018.

One person who did inspire this idea was YouTuber, Jordan Clark. She creates aesthetically beautiful videos about her arts and crafts, and in particular, journaling. If you haven’t seen any of her videos I highly recommend that you do, if you are after some creative inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/user/xoStellaire

So far I have written one page in my journal, but at the end of the year I will definitely show the results, and discuss on whether I did manage to achieve my goals, and my overall experience. I also believe that by writing things down and by focusing on them, you have a higher chance of achieving it. I have big dreams for 2018, a total of four actually. Only one of them is currently guaranteed though, so hopefully the rest shall follow on.

I hope that this journal will remind me to not just be more positive, but also mindful and grateful about where I am in this point of time. If you have ever kept a positivity journal let me know about your experience in the comment section.

xx

My 5 Year Plan

Would you believe me if I told you that I never really had a plan? Everything in my life has always been spontaneous. It’s always linked, one thing after another, and I’ve never imagined beyond the next year of my life.

For example, when I was applying for University I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do. The idea of Nursing or Teaching didn’t sound interesting, or me, at all. The only thing that I could think of that actually made sense was Film and TV. I had been working at a cinema throughout high school and edited videos as a hobby. It wasn’t something I ever thought about but something that developed throughout my life, for example, when I asked for a video camera for my 10th birthday.

In my second year of University I decided that I wanted to study abroad. The plan was to spend a semester studying at Lancaster University in England. If you have read my previous posts, you would know that I lived in England for three years as a child, so I thought to study there could be an amazing opportunity. However, before I started my application, my friend told me about her experience at UCLA. Thanks to her, I applied that day and ended up being accepted.

I managed to start my career before even graduating University. A job opportunity that involved filmmaking and travelling was advertised on campus. Naturally I applied, but considering the other applicants, I didn’t think too much into it. Who knew that one month later I would be flying to New Zealand to work on the Number One Sailing Channel on YouTube – Sailing La Vagabonde. It was definitely the most insane thing I have ever done considering I that don’t know how to sail, but I definitely don’t regret it. I believe that I was meant to have that experience, but it also wasn’t meant to last. Three weeks after returning home, I went to Sydney for a wedding and made a last minute decision to stay. Ultimately, I landed a job at a leading television studio within one month.

Like I said, I never really had a plan but that’s because I am a very impulsive person. Nevertheless, I believe that everyone needs to have goals. I need to keep moving in order to keep growing. So, here are my three main goals that I must achieve within the next five years.

1.Work Overseas
I definitely have a strong travel bug, but I am also very career focused. I have already worked overseas (in New Zealand) but to take my career to either America, Canada or England would be an amazing opportunity!

2.Travel
After I turn 28, I will be saving for a house, and, I guess, preparing for my 30s. But, until then, you will probably see me go on multiple round-the-world trips.

3.Be Successful
Honestly, my brain doesn’t stop working as I’m always looking for my next project. Alongside this blog and full time employment, I have a YouTube Channel. Through these platforms, I hope to improve and develop my skills. The ultimate goal from this blog, is to keep growing as a writer, and eventually publish a book. As for my YouTube Channel, I hope to grow as a filmmaker and, one day, work on feature films.

And that’s it! You might think it’s very broad, but I prefer it that way. By not planning too much, you leave room for opportunities and experiences, that you never even imagined. I would much rather live an unpredictable life than one I’ve always known. I will definitely work towards my goals as they all include my passions of travelling, filmmaking and writing. However, life can change at any second and it can throw anything at you. At the end of the day, I’m only 21 years old. Who knows what’s going to happen next.