Hello Ghouls!
I don't usually write pieces regarding my personal life, so forgive me if this is something that you perhaps don't find very interesting, but today I've caught myself thinking an awful lot, and decided that maybe it is time for a little retrospective.
I've been away for a week on holiday in Egypt and during that time [and I'm certain this is a common occurrence for others too] I started to re-evaluate aspects of my life; what I want to happen next, what I would like to change, how I would like to develop as a person.
These are questions that I know we all ask ourselves, more than likely on a frequent basis, but we don't always see a straight forward answer to them. It's all good and well lounging on a boat in the baking Egyptian sun as it speeds across the Red Sea to a remote snorkelling location and thinking "yes, I'm going to change the way I think.." but am I really going to do that?
I'm the first to admit that motivation is a big issue for me, I'm so lacking in it that it is truly frightening. 2015 has quite literally flown by me at a worrying speed, and I've not been all too certain that I have achieved much in that time. So I thought I would take a good look at what I have been up too and uncover the positives.
Egypt
July-August
Dealing with anxiety on a daily basis can often throw curveballs at you, for me personally there are a lot of things that can cause me to feel anxious or initiate an anxiety attack.
I'm not a fan of flying for one, and trying new things, or being put in a new or challenging situation can spark serious worry. So flying over to and back from Egypt is a pretty big deal for me, not to mention sailing out into the middle of the sea, jumping right on in it and swimming out to snorkelling locations. I'm proud to say that I did these things, and although they may potentially seem like little things to you, they were massive achievements for me.
25th Birthday
June
June saw me turn 25.
I personally thought this would be a game changer of sorts, but to be quite honest with myself, and you, it hasn't been. Though perhaps that is because I haven't been pushing myself as hard as I could in order to achieve things?
I went up to Newcastle early June and got to see one of my best friend's [Sarah] degree show work, as well as see the rest of my coven [Alice, Kay]. This is personally significant because all of these women are beautiful and unique, talented and strong and I am proud to know them. I think it is truly imperative to have a support group around you that can be both understanding and honest. Honesty is oftentimes rare, but is a quality I always promote and hold in highest regard.
The Bowes Museum
April - Present
I started volunteering here in April.
I have learnt and experienced a lot, and I have achieved some really unique things here.
The 10th of July saw me attend the YSL preview evening where I was able to enjoy the spectacle of the event, as well as document it and gain experience within the field. I've also had an article published for This Is Durham which has been a great opportunity.
Petition
March
I started a petition, that I won't go into detail about today, but it garnered much attention and it was ultimately successful in it's goal. This is something I am very proud of. It's important to stand up for what you believe in and for what is right.
Medieval Morticia
January - Present
I started MM in early January with the intention of exploring my creativity.
Through this project I have opened an online shop, started this blog, and launched Instagram and Facebook pages to further connect with likeminded people.
Although MM is currently in her infancy the small network that has started to form around her is inspiring. I have found the individuals that make up this network to be equally interesting and talented, and I am excited to continue my interaction with you, and find new people to connect with as MM grows.
What have been some of your positive moments/achievements so far this year?
Let me know in the comments below!
- VM








I identify a lot with this post. Anxiety gets me at moments like this. Ringing people I don't know etc and large crowds stress me out so well done you for facing up to yours.
ReplyDeleteI turned 30 this year and expected something change or to feel different but i was just another day. Only just recently tried to make myself a better person and embrace the differences in life and get rid of unnecessary hate. But always find I could do more. My lack of motivation scares me on a daily basis. I have periods where I get loads done but soon fall back in to lazy-iatis.
My baby girl is due in September which when I look back is probably going to be the biggest change of my life. Other changes I have just taken in my own laid back style - new job, own house, marriage. I guess it all changes you without realising.
I admire what you've achieved though. Your little shop and creation of Morticia. Something I would love to do though I have no talent for art. I'm trying to make ways with my photography but I have only just started. Set a Facebook page up so will see how that goes and might move into a stand alone page. I fancy moving into model work as a lot of photographers I admire work in this field and I have yet to try my hand at it.
At the end of the day as long as you are happy is all that matters I find. Stop been so hard on myself for not being were I want to be just be happy I am on my way.
All the best with your future.
Thank you!
DeleteI think it's really important to do just that; embrace life and get rid of unnecessary hate. I'm working on doing just that! I am the same, my motivation is quite literally nonexistent.
How exciting for you both! I hope everything goes smoothly, as I'm sure it will!
Thank you :) I feel like the old "practice makes perfect" saying is relevant here, give it a go and you never know, you might find you are actually good at it, and even if you're not sure if you're doing something that makes you happy that's all that matters. I need to take my own advice here, and really work at creating things, and even if they don't come out how I want them too I'm still creating things and putting them out there.
Even though I did photography at A Level, and then university I feel I largely taught myself, and that's not always a bad thing! You can teach yourself anything if you put your mind to it and art is also subjective, which works in everyones favour I think. I have some books I can recommend you in terms of photography research if you like, but I'd recommend just constantly using your camera and experimenting.
That's exactly it!
Thank you, and likewise! :)