I reconnected with an old classmate from college thanks to social media. She and I have a lot in common, actually. But what I admire about her most, is that she has a big heart, great style, innate awareness of what's happening in the world, is a great mother, tremendously creative, has an impressive career is honest and authentically herself. Another woman who inspires me deeply is someone across the world, building a sustainable boutique resort in the Philippines. Despite her riches, she lives minimally. She's travelled the world, studied architecture, is a great interior designer and is incredibly humble. There's also a woman in London, mother of 3 and a massive style icon. Her eye for modest style inspires me to dress comfortably and confidently. She wears minimal makeup, is a woman of few but thoughtful words. Lastly, my daughters inspire me most. I have to think about them in everything I do. They look to me and I want to be an example of someone confident, kind, decisive, questioning, mentally strong, intelligent, smart-working and creative.
I know that you are the best of us, learning from our mistakes and taking ideas further, higher. You must be. For sake of those that come after you. Take things at YOUR pace. Living fast or slow doesn't matter. So long as it's yours. Walk your own path, even if it's lonely. It's never linear, never wrong. Accept that life is a flow of ups and downs. Life is very fluid with very few constants. Question everything--you can't take it all at face value. Ask every question you can think of. Questions show interest, curiosity, intelligence, a thought process. The world is going to sell you everything it possibly can. Ask why. Take care of the earth in your own ways. Recycle (plastics, especially). Eat less meat. Conserve water. Shop preloved. Invest in a finance coach once you start working and handling money. Learn to invest once you start earning money. You could save enough money to buy property in 10 years. Allocate other little savings and turn them into goals. A graduation trip, maybe? Your own car? The stock market? Talk to God often. If you have faith and keep it strong, He will save you in your darkest times. I also truly believe that we are the dreams of our ancestors. Wouldn't we want to make them proud?
Currently, designing a tablet version of a mobile app that I'm volunteering for is keeping me awake at night. Knowing that it's a big task with a deadline and having limited time and resources is unnerving. My physical health is also of concern. I'm unhappy with my current physical state and know what I have to do, but when the time comes to build better habits, I fail. It's frustrating. Lastly, my daughters keep me awake some nights. I think a sleep regression is approaching.
Keeping imposter syndrome at bay is an ongoing challenge for me, especially now that I've earned a diploma to add more skills to my knowledge base. When I'm not using these skills every day, I fear forgetting them and therefore not fit to apply for the jobs out there that require these skills. Keeping my portfolio active would be the solution to keeping my skills current, but I'm met with the challenge of balancing my precious time between family, my full time job and doing things for myself to stay sane in a global pandemic.
I've made it a goal to find a full-time career in UX research this year. People have invested in me and believed in me to do this, including myself. I don't want to disappoint and would consider this move a huge career accomplishment. I'd love to do more of what I love, too. Since the pandemic, my business has lost almost all clients. My photography business was my source of inspiration, connection and an outlet for my creativity. I miss it dearly and would do it for free. I'd like to create more fine art photography, so that I can put more prints up on my shop. I love the idea of my work being on people's walls. It would validate ambitions as an artist. On top of that, I'd love to finish decorating my home so that it's fully liveable from attic to basement. I also want to trash a lot of what's in my closet and start almost fresh in building a new wardrobe that fits who I am today. Lastly, I'd love to get into reading all of my exciting books. Worlds of knowledge on my shelf just waiting for me.
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