Let's talk ¦ Almost twenty

Hello Lovelies,

Today I thought I'd address a topic that I haven't really talked about on my blog, and that is the subject of growing up. I know I talked about what job I'd like to do in a recent post, but I never really addressed the subject that has been bothering me for a little while now.

You see, I am eighteen years old and in less than a month, I will be embarking on my last year as a teenager. This thought not only terrifies me that I will no longer be a baby but has made me start thinking about that experimental and shaping period of time that is 'your 20's'.

A J-O-B:

Getting a 9-5 job seemed so far away last year, yet now I've got to start planning little parts of my future. This includes researching what career path I wish to follow, preparing for interviews and learning what a mortgage is (I still haven't a clue) so if I get a job, I can have a roof over my head.

If I'm honest, I feel like a child playing dress up when I get invitations to PR events and when I write important emails that end 'yours sincerely'. I can't believe that I get addressed as 'Madam' when I go into a restaurant. You've grown up so much that you're no longer that little girl any more.

It's one of those changes that happen in adolescence, like when they stop giving you crayons with your spaghetti bolognese at Frankie and Benny's. It sucks.

M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E AND B-A-B-I-E-S:

This subject for me is very up and down. I love children and I would love to have them some day, but the fear is definitely there, especially the fear of having a child at such a young age.

My mother had me when she was twenty two and I'm very grateful that she did (thanks Momma!) but there's a part of me that thinks I'll still be a kid at that time, there's no way I could support a tiny human in my life. I do commend all young mothers, you're doing a brave thing that I am no way ready for.

Marriage too seems a world away for me, I mean I'd love it to happen someday but I'm not insistent on it either. If someone can put up with my shit for eternity, then fair play to him.

MY ADVICE:

There will always be that one relative who comes over to you at a wedding or a christening and says "you'll be next!" and the fear comes over you, especially if you're single. My advice is brush it off! You are your own person and you can do whatever you want.

I know now that being in your 20's does not mean you have to get married as soon as you can and start popping out children like the number balls on the national lottery.

I don't want to put a number on the time I will get all those things because planning that sort of stuff isn't healthy for your development as a person, you might not have fun because you're waiting for your 'five year plan' to kick in.

So yes guys, I'm scared for my twenties. I'm scared of growing up and looking out for myself, so I fully intend to make this last teenage year count. It's going to be a big shock to my system and I'm not ready at all, but it's the kind of fear you get as you ascend up a roller-coaster track.

Hopefully I'm in for an enjoyable ride.

Thanks for reading,


Jx

How to get a good night's sleep;

Hello Lovelies!


Now, as a young teenager, sleep was not my friend. I was one of those people who stayed up until 2-3am and woke up at 7am to go to sixth form. It was unhealthy and caused a lot of grief when I was rushing around the house looking for things when I'd overslept - admit it, we've all been there!

I have realised now how important a good night's sleep is and here's some tricks I used so I have a great night's sleep.


1.) Hot drinks

If you're into herbal teas, like me,camomile tea can knock you out! Having one of these in bed will make you drift off into a peaceful sleep in no time. I suggest going to Holland and Barrett and having a good root around their shelves to find the perfect blend for you. My personal favourite is their 'Night time' blend, but there's lots to choose from! However if you're not into herbs, don't fret! I've also heard that a hot chocolate or warm milk will do the trick too!

2.) Get up early

The early bird catches the worm! Getting up early means you make more of the daylight hours and tire yourself out so when it's time for bed you'll be out like a light! This will boost your productivity and you'll feel accomplished everyday.

3.) Go outside

I don't know about you, but fresh air makes me so sleepy! Since working outside is quite a big part of my job description at the safari park, I've been sleeping so much better. So go outside, walk the dog, go for a run, walk into town! Get yourself out in the fresh air and sleep like a baby afterwards!


There's some things I use to make sure I get enough beauty sleep! Hope these tips help and you feel so much more rested! If you've got any more tips for me, don't hesitate to comment below or get in touch!


Thanks for reading!



Jx

photo from indulgy.com

Things to learn before you move out:

Hello Lovelies!

As I've mentioned in previous blog posts, I will be moving back to Liverpool to continue my studies. I'm really looking forward to moving back to a city where I can focus on studying and enjoy living life as a second year student!

Although there are a few things I've had to learn before I branch out and start a new chapter of living alone, so I thought I'd depart my wisdom onto any of you wonderful first years and people who are moving away from Mum and Dad and start independence.

1.) Remember to sort out your finances. You're paying for everything now so you've gotta make sure you've got enough for food, commuting to uni and paying rent. Don't get caught out at the train station or in the restaurant eating your food without money.

2.) Don't forget to learn how to wash your clothes. You will look gross if you're going out with soy sauce / chocolate/ blood on your shirt (what you do on your own time is your business).

3.) Learn to say no, You can't do everything and you've got to make sacrifices in order to live a life within your means. If your friends want to hang out, suggest coming round to yours and having a night in, it 's cheap and fun too!

4.) Be handy. If something breaks, try to learn how to fix it (unless you could get electrocuted - then hire someone or tell your landlord).

5.) Find hobbies. Living alone, like myself, means you've got a lot of time to kill. Do your uni work, watch TV that you enjoy, read books! Maybe even start something creative, a project maybe?

6.) Get to know your city/town. Walk around and get to grips with where you live. Where to go, where not to go, where's cheap, where isn't. The better you know your city, the safer and more at home you'll feel.

Hopefully this will help you guys with moving away and make preparing for the process as easy as possible!

Thanks for reading!


Jx

It's not always rainbows and butterflies...

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is about how life isn't always perfect, and sometimes bad or stressful things happen that are out of our control. This is how I deal with it... 

When someone in your life is around you I'd say about 3/4 of the time and you see them loads, you talk often too - you then start building this comforting mind set around them. 

And when that mind set is challenged, say they've moved away, got a new job, found some new friends you don't mesh with, it puts a huge strain on your relationships with that person (friend, boyfriend, family member). 

When things like that happen, people usually just give up on their relationships...

But this post is saying don't do that! You can get through more difficult phases, make more effort and see what happens. 

Being in a relationship can be difficult sometimes but if your issues can worked through them don't give up!

(However if you are really unhappy, then yes you should get rid).

Personally I am ridiculously happy in my personal life right now and although sometimes things are difficult, I'm not ready to throw in the towel - at all. I will keep on keeping on, until further notice. 

So stay strong guys! Don't give up on someone you love! 

Thanks for reading, 

Jx