Recently I have been thinking about my life and my life choices. I also thought about where I was a year ago today. Since we are approaching 2018 rapidly, I thought I would talk about some life lessons I have learnt over this year and just in general really. This may be a little long so sit back, get a cup of tea and relax.
I think it’s important to recognise your failures as much as your successes. It’s okay to get things wrong as long as you learn. I have definitely had my fair share of failures and things I shouldn’t have really done. One thing that sticks with me is giving up. I quit doing my LAMDA grades (acting grades) when I was younger due to thinking it would be too much with school work. Looking back I could have easily done it. I didn’t try to see how it went and that was my biggest mistake. I look back and am a bit disappointed in myself but never the less I have learnt from it. Always give things a good go and try to make it work. If it doesn’t then fine at least you have tried. Trying is better than never doing it at all. Prove to yourself you can do it.
I have had a bad experience with education, in a brief summary, I HATED IT! I’m not academic and you know that really doesn’t matter. I remember when I was in school and all my friends were in the top set Maths and English and I was in the bottom set. I hated it, I felt left out and just crap about myself. I was teased a lot for not knowing certain sums or academic knowledge and it hurt. I just didn’t understand Maths or English; it didn’t come to me naturally. I had tutors, went to extra maths classes and stayed behind after school. Nothing worked. By the time I got to GCSEs, I kind of gave up. I had lost all motivation and sort of had the “I don’t care attitude”. I faced the fact I was going to fail and guess what… I did. LOL! Part of me now, sat retaking maths for the 5th time, in counting; wishes I did pass it. It’s harder retaking. However, my head around GCSE time was all over the place and mental health wasn’t that great. So I looked after myself and I may have failed, but now looking back I’m in a better head space and I don’t blame myself for giving up on this one because I know how much I hated it. I still do hate it and my motivation is coming along… oh who am I kidding, I’m so going to be doing maths when I’m 30 ugh. The education system is crap; they have got it so wrong. My advice for anyone going through anything similar is wow your strong and you’re doing so much better than you think. Just keep your head down and ask lots of question. Which are something I don’t think I really did and I regret that. Don’t put yourself under so much pressure that you make yourself ill because at the end of the day it really isn’t that big of a deal. You can retake it and although I will be honest it’s not that great, it’s still an option.
One big thing I have learnt over the past 2 years is friendship. Here are a few rules and things I haven’t learnt.
- People can be nasty.
- You don’t have to tolerate that.
- Don’t let anyone make you feel sad, worthless or not wanted.
- Don’t stay with toxic people because you have no one else to chill with.
- Learn to be your own best friend!
- Be on your own for a bit; get used to your own company.
- Don’t let anyone talk down to you or make fun of you. If they keep doing it, it’s no longer a joke.
- Don’t believe everything you’re told.
- Stand up for yourself.
- Know your worth.
These are some key things to know. I have learnt that not everyone is your best mate and a smile to your face can easily turn to a knife in your back. I used to befriend everyone; I was nice and smiley. Sometimes people can take advantage of that. I’m still me and I am still that friendly smiley person, however, I don’t trust everyone. I know who likes me, who to be wary of and not to tell everyone my business. I have learnt that a listening ear can sometimes be a running mouth. Just be you and if anyone doesn’t like that then show them the door! You don’t need anyone who doesn’t need you. Get rid of the negativity, drama and watch how your life transforms. I did it! I cut off all the negativity and spent a good chunk of time on my own. It was good it got me thinking about what I really want. I was and am so much happier! I have now met the people who treat me right. I look back and smile because what happened to me was the best thing that could have happened. At the time it didn’t seem it but wow how it changes! One more lesson is focus on you and work on making yourself the best you can be and then watch all the people who have done you wrong come crawling back when you’re doing well.
We are all so young still and life can get overwhelming. There is so much stuff to do, see and learn. Just take it all in your own stride. Believe in yourself. Love yourself. Live in the moment and look forward to the future. Don’t worry, let life do its thing, sometimes the worst days/months can become the best thing that ever happened to you.
Lots of love and happiness
Alice xo
Alice Woodward 