Friday, 15 January 2016

#everydayissues: FoMO... Is it really a thing?

Hello my lovelies!

Do you ever feel like you're missing out on things? Maybe that you're not being social enough so you feel like you're not experiencing things that people your age are supposed to experience? I know I do. I feel that way all the time. I guess some might say I have a major fear of missing out - or as it is so often called, FoMO. But I don't fear missing out, I just know that by not doing certain things or going to certain places I'm not going to get to feel and experience something. Sometimes it bothers me, sometimes it doesn't. But I never fear it. 


Let's take meeting people as an example. I don't go to places where one might meet a handsome stranger who will ride off in to the sunset with me... or do I? I go in to town, I go to bars, I go to the library and I go to coffee shops. I go to places where there are plenty of people to bump in to. Am I really missing out on finding that Mr Right? No. Does it feel like I am? Yes. You might now be thinking... why? So let me tell you. I feel like I'm missing out on the opportunity to meet someone because I don't go out on the big student nights, I don't go to the SU and I don't go to parties. See where this is heading? I feel like I'm missing out because I don't enjoy doing the things that a lot of other students do, even though I know that if I were to participate in the same things, I certainly wouldn't enjoy it.

I feel like a lot of people who are said to experience FoMO, aren't really missing out. They are experiencing the same problem as myself, simply not wishing to take part in the first place. I do not feel I am missing out until someone tells me that by not participating, I am indeed missing out on meeting someone. This FoMO is the influence of the people around me who do enjoy the things that I do not telling me that my dislike of such things is wrong because it is not the norm. That surely can't be right?! I guess it's a little like peer pressure, not wanting to do something, but feeling like you should because everyone else is doing it and therefore you are expected to also enjoy it. But what if you don't? What if you can't stand it? Would you really be missing out by not going? No, of course you wouldn't. All you would be missing out on is feeling out of place and like you don't want to be there. 


Now in my third year at university, I'm often told I'm missing out. I've learnt to reply by reminding myself that instead of joining in with what everyone else wants to do, I'm taking control. I'm not missing out because I'm doing the things I enjoy, going to the places I like and meeting people who are just like me. I'm no longer a slave to social media where everyone constantly posts about how much fun they're having, instead, I'm having my own fun.

Never be afraid to be yourself, it's the only way you'll discover the things that you will truly fear missing. Give JoMO* a try instead. 

Love you all!
T
xxx

*that's joy of missing out.. way more fun! 

Friday, 1 January 2016

New Years Resolutions 2016

Hello my lovelies!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

This is becoming a tradition! I've decided to write up my resolutions for you guys once again as I do enjoy sharing and seeing what everyone else has decided to do over the next year.


1. Drink 1 glass of water first thing in the morning. My skin has been so much better this year as I've cut down on fizzy drinks and taken up drinking more water so I'd like to stick to the more water plan. However, I've decided to kick-start my day with it rather than drink it as and when I feel like it. I think this may be something that can really help me to start each day feeling healthy and happy. 

2. Set and stick to a sleeping pattern. I've always been a terrible sleeper so I'd like to really push for a routine in my life. Throughout the past couple of years I've had brief periods of a brilliant sleeping pattern and it left me feeling better than I think I ever have before! I'd like to say 11.30pm-7.30am would be ideal but I know it's going to take a while to get to that point.

3. Drop a couple dress sizes. This year has been the worst for me in terms of loving myself and feeling self confident. I don't think I've ever hated myself more than I have this year and I'm determined to turn it around. I'd like to lose a chunk of weight, tone up and feel good again. I'll be joining a local gym, going swimming, attempting to take up running properly... doing anything and everything to help me get a little more exercise in my life. 

4. Expand my kitchen repertoire. I'd like to be able to cook a wider variety of meals for myself that are not only tasty but also completely healthy and good for me. 

5. Push myself to the limit to get the best results. This applies to job hunting, trying new things, coursework and everything related to my degree and general life. 

Let me know what you're planning to stick to in the new year!

Love you all!
T
xxx

Thursday, 10 December 2015

Reception Class Blogmas 2015 - Day 10

Hello my lovelies!

Boy oh boy am I tired! Today was my first day working with a lovely local Primary School in order to gain some further, more recent experience working in the classroom and I was fortunate enough to work with the reception class. I have only worked with the Early Years Foundation Stage once before so I was rather nervous about how I would be able to handle them but the children were so sweet and all of the staff so friendly that I had no need to be concerned. 

For those of you who may not know, I have quite a vast life plan. I've always know that I wanted to be a Primary teacher but in more recent years that plan has expanded. I'd like to start my career teaching, progressing to higher roles in school; head of department, head of year, head of faculty, then Deputy Head, Headteacher and Super-head. I'd eventually like to progress in to the political side of education, working with the Department of Education. The biggest role, right at the top of my list, is Minister for Education, but who knows maybe Prime Minister could be stuck in there too! However, I do believe in progressing to said career points, meaning I'm determined to gain the experience in order to earn those places. I want to teach because I am passionate about educating people and sharing knowledge. I'd like to think I will be the kind of teacher who inspires her pupils, pushing them to become the best version of themselves not only academically but socially and personally. A well-rounded person, in my opinion, will always go far.

Source: http://quotesgram.com/walt-disney-quotes-on-education/
Anywho, back to my day! I really enjoyed working with the Reception class. I got to work on independent maths skills at one of the best times of the year in schools so the students were incredibly excited and terribly eager to learn. I also got to experience Physical Education, it certainly isn't how I remember it! The class participated in hockey, something I didn't do until at least Year 5 or 6! I remember my Primary P.E classes being mostly athletics, gymnastics and dance. Maybe a little bit of football. One particular class that springs to mind was the Tudor Dance class we had for a few weeks as P.E in order to learn a routine to use in the school play - I played Queen Elizabeth that year, it was awesome having everyone bow down to me haha! - but i certainly do not remember being allowed near a hockey stick.

Photo courtesy of University of Chester Orchestral Society
This evening was rather hectic as well, as it was the Orchestral Society's Christmas Performance. I was shattered, had barely had any time to eat and get changed and really did not feel like putting on a show. In the end, however, it was a great night. We raised a bunch of money for charity - even if the University Choir did let us down last minute - and we put on one hell of a show. My Orchestra family has been one of my biggest support networks at uni, I've made friends there who I know will be in my life for a long time.

Now though, I think it's time for me to sleep. Goodnight!

Love you all!
T
xxx