Come on and meander with Michelle!
Monday, 1 September 2014
Post #1
So no longer being in eduction means I have time. Yes, TIME. Time to do exciting things and time to write about them. I've always wanted to blog but every time I start and fail. But now I have no excuse. I have the time and the experiences to write about so this has become my new hobby.
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
21 Things To Do Before You're 21
So yesterday was my 20th birthday and since I had a quiet morning I had a chance to reflect (yes reflection-this is what being a student does to you) on the past year and past two decades of my life. I couldn't help but think there was so much more I wished to achieve but at the same time I'm happy with what I've done in this the beginning of the 20th year of my life. But I'm becoming a bit of a goal orientated person lately so have been thinking about what I want to have achieved in the next 365 days (by my 21st birthday). So I trawled the internet for posts on what to do before you're 21, and to my surprise-there's not that much stuff out there! I know, disappointing right? Out of the lists that I found there were things from each I liked and disliked so I didn't want to follow one of them. I figured I might as well pick and choose what sounds good and come up with a few ideas so I can make my own little list of realistic, achievable things. So here it is! I've tried to make sure it isn't just applicable to people turning 21 so whatever your age feel free to give it a go! Or pick and choose the bits you like, even if that's a bit of a cop out ;)
1. Dear me...
Write a letter to your future self. It doesn't matter what age you choose to read it. Write what have you learnt, where you expect yourself to be, and who with etc. Write as much as you can and think of how much fun it'll be to read.
2. Read 21 new books
Knowledge is power right? And it's also good to to take a break from the complexities of life by getting into a really good book. I think this one requires spending some time in some local charity shops to see if they have any best-sellers for a fraction of the usual price. Or find a topic that interests you. I'm loving all things feminist right now so some feminist literature would be great!
3. All night long, and the next morning
Not just any all nighter though. Stay up all night (finishing an assignment doesn't count) and maintain a degree of normality the next day while doing something reasonably challenging like doing Christmas shopping or going on a date. See how well you do.
4. Start a diary and write in it every day
Whether you're having the time of your life, or the most difficult time of your life, you want to remember it right? Even reading it a few months later will make you chuckle at how irrational you were or how much things have changed. See how you progress as a person. I've kept a diary before and regret stopping it. It's honestly an amazing thing to have and not just for yourself.
5. Go on a technology detox
Basically goodbye phone and social networking. YES you heard that right! It might be tough but TRY to see what kind of difference it makes. ESCAPE, read a book, spend time with family and friends. Do anything, just as long as it doesn't involve technology.
6. Start a savings account
Sounds boring I know, but it's never to early or late to start saving for a rainy day. Just think, a year from now you'll regret not starting now. It's great practice for life as an adult and you can use that money for anything (your future kids, a trip abroad, a home etc.). £10 saved a week is £520 in a year which you never would've had at your disposal.
7. Get to your ideal weight/appearance Life's too short to hate your appearance so go do something about it! I'm a great believer in changing things if you can. Who says you have to accept that you're a bit pudgy? Join a gym, find a workout buddy, move you feet. Your ideal you is waiting.
8. Write a letter to one of your living heroes
And actually send it to them. Yes, another letter, get over it. You might even hear back which would be nice. Most importantly it'll get you thinking about who your heroes actually are and who inspires you.
9. Win something
Everyone loves to be a winner. Whether it’s a race, a competition (try entering loads and see what happens), an award big or small, just win something.
10. Go camping with friends/family
Even if it's just in someone's back garden backyard, camping can be awesome. I'm no Outback Jack so wouldn't mind glamping as my sister Grace calls it. Roasted marshmallows, making noise, not showering-it's all part of the fun.
11. Have a movie marathon
Call a group of friends and each bring a film to watch. Everyone's film HAS to be watched. You may want to pick a small group for this. Play your favourite list of movies and enjoy them with lots of food of course.
12. Spend the whole day in sports gear
According to my brother Dylan, New Yorkers have adopted this and seem to live in their Nikes (Or 'insert your preferred sports brand here'). It's super comfy plus it'll make you look fit even if you aren't.
13. Sign at least 5 petitions
This is an easy one! It's good to get involved with things you believe in and there's no easier way to get involved than taking a minute of your time to sign a petition. You can do so here. It really is that simple.
14. Attach yourself to a political party
And actually know what it stands for. You know, read their manifesto be very familiar with it. No good saying who you vote for and not knowing exactly why and what you expect of them. And don't forget to vote!
15. Take a vow of silence (for at least 24 hours)
Use it to be alone with your thoughts for a while and listen to others. This one might be quite hard so pick a day when it'll be possible i.e. when you're NOT going to be loads of social situations but this doesn't mean avoid people altogether.
16. Double your iTunes library
Listen to some new music! There's plenty of it out there. Find a new artist that you love and purchase all their music.
17. Re-enact a childhood photo
I've always found this interesting so would love to do one of my own. If possible try going back to where the photo was taken as see if it the same. Do a few if you want. It'll be a good laugh!
18. Watch all the seasons of Lost
It's meant to be epic and the only way it'll make sense is if you watch it from the very beginning. So buy the dvds, or find a way of watching it, I vote Netflix.
19. Quit a bad habit in 21 days
Habits take a while to break, so there's no time like the present. Whether it is eating with your mouth open, or checking your phone religiously, or not getting enough sleep, just QUIT IT. A keep up the good work!
20. Read the Book of Mormon
From start to finish. Even if you've done it before, do it again you WILL learn something new. Or even if you've never read it before or never heard of it before. Give it a go! What's the worst that can happen? Tell me how it goes if you do. You can get one here.
21. HAVE AN EPIC 21st (or whichever birthday it is)
Of course! after getting through a year of all these challenges it's the least you deserve. The number one priority when turning 21 is to make it a celebration your will remember. But be responsible, you are a grown up now!
Well that's it! When I've completed something on the list I'll post as a go along. Wish me luck!
P.S. anyone else ever written a goal plan on their birthday?
1. Dear me...
Write a letter to your future self. It doesn't matter what age you choose to read it. Write what have you learnt, where you expect yourself to be, and who with etc. Write as much as you can and think of how much fun it'll be to read.
2. Read 21 new books
Knowledge is power right? And it's also good to to take a break from the complexities of life by getting into a really good book. I think this one requires spending some time in some local charity shops to see if they have any best-sellers for a fraction of the usual price. Or find a topic that interests you. I'm loving all things feminist right now so some feminist literature would be great!
3. All night long, and the next morning
Not just any all nighter though. Stay up all night (finishing an assignment doesn't count) and maintain a degree of normality the next day while doing something reasonably challenging like doing Christmas shopping or going on a date. See how well you do.
4. Start a diary and write in it every day
Whether you're having the time of your life, or the most difficult time of your life, you want to remember it right? Even reading it a few months later will make you chuckle at how irrational you were or how much things have changed. See how you progress as a person. I've kept a diary before and regret stopping it. It's honestly an amazing thing to have and not just for yourself.
5. Go on a technology detox
Basically goodbye phone and social networking. YES you heard that right! It might be tough but TRY to see what kind of difference it makes. ESCAPE, read a book, spend time with family and friends. Do anything, just as long as it doesn't involve technology.
6. Start a savings account
Sounds boring I know, but it's never to early or late to start saving for a rainy day. Just think, a year from now you'll regret not starting now. It's great practice for life as an adult and you can use that money for anything (your future kids, a trip abroad, a home etc.). £10 saved a week is £520 in a year which you never would've had at your disposal.
7. Get to your ideal weight/appearance Life's too short to hate your appearance so go do something about it! I'm a great believer in changing things if you can. Who says you have to accept that you're a bit pudgy? Join a gym, find a workout buddy, move you feet. Your ideal you is waiting.
8. Write a letter to one of your living heroes
And actually send it to them. Yes, another letter, get over it. You might even hear back which would be nice. Most importantly it'll get you thinking about who your heroes actually are and who inspires you.
9. Win something
Everyone loves to be a winner. Whether it’s a race, a competition (try entering loads and see what happens), an award big or small, just win something.
10. Go camping with friends/family
Even if it's just in someone's back garden backyard, camping can be awesome. I'm no Outback Jack so wouldn't mind glamping as my sister Grace calls it. Roasted marshmallows, making noise, not showering-it's all part of the fun.
11. Have a movie marathon
Call a group of friends and each bring a film to watch. Everyone's film HAS to be watched. You may want to pick a small group for this. Play your favourite list of movies and enjoy them with lots of food of course.
12. Spend the whole day in sports gear
According to my brother Dylan, New Yorkers have adopted this and seem to live in their Nikes (Or 'insert your preferred sports brand here'). It's super comfy plus it'll make you look fit even if you aren't.
13. Sign at least 5 petitions
This is an easy one! It's good to get involved with things you believe in and there's no easier way to get involved than taking a minute of your time to sign a petition. You can do so here. It really is that simple.
14. Attach yourself to a political party
And actually know what it stands for. You know, read their manifesto be very familiar with it. No good saying who you vote for and not knowing exactly why and what you expect of them. And don't forget to vote!
15. Take a vow of silence (for at least 24 hours)
Use it to be alone with your thoughts for a while and listen to others. This one might be quite hard so pick a day when it'll be possible i.e. when you're NOT going to be loads of social situations but this doesn't mean avoid people altogether.
16. Double your iTunes library
Listen to some new music! There's plenty of it out there. Find a new artist that you love and purchase all their music.
17. Re-enact a childhood photo
I've always found this interesting so would love to do one of my own. If possible try going back to where the photo was taken as see if it the same. Do a few if you want. It'll be a good laugh!
18. Watch all the seasons of Lost
It's meant to be epic and the only way it'll make sense is if you watch it from the very beginning. So buy the dvds, or find a way of watching it, I vote Netflix.
19. Quit a bad habit in 21 days
Habits take a while to break, so there's no time like the present. Whether it is eating with your mouth open, or checking your phone religiously, or not getting enough sleep, just QUIT IT. A keep up the good work!
20. Read the Book of Mormon
From start to finish. Even if you've done it before, do it again you WILL learn something new. Or even if you've never read it before or never heard of it before. Give it a go! What's the worst that can happen? Tell me how it goes if you do. You can get one here.
21. HAVE AN EPIC 21st (or whichever birthday it is)
Of course! after getting through a year of all these challenges it's the least you deserve. The number one priority when turning 21 is to make it a celebration your will remember. But be responsible, you are a grown up now!
Well that's it! When I've completed something on the list I'll post as a go along. Wish me luck!
P.S. anyone else ever written a goal plan on their birthday?
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