The curse of the "20-something"?

Recently, when I've been online all I've been seeing is articles about "20-somethings", how hard is it to be this age, how tough life is, how doomed we are and the mistakes we're all making.  Some tell us that our twenties are the best years of our lives, they're a time for finding yourself, creating a life and doing a whole lot of partying. Then there are others giving us advice, telling us how to be happy and of course the endless articles in list form; "20 things 20-somethings love", "12 ways to be a happy 20-something" or even "7 things all 20-somethings are guilty of doing". It seems like everybody has an opinion of how we in our twenties should be going about life. 

When I read these articles, I'm not sure how to feel. 

On one hand I'm excited at the possibilities the future brings, I feel like these are my prime years and I should be living life to the full, enjoying the freedom of being 22. On the other though, I feel a bit lost and like I haven't achieved anything. I think there's an immense amount of pressure on myself to BE something, to make something of my life. It seems as though the clock is running out and I have a limited amount of time to create happiness.

Sometimes reading an article online comforts me, helps me realise I'm not the only one who isn't sure whats happening in life. Other times I feel disheartened and worried that I won't "make it".

I suppose what I need to remember is that we're all only human.

Not everyone has a plan for the future, even those who do don't know if they'll end up where they hoped. Your plans can change in a day. In an hour even.
There is no timeline for success, and so called "success" in a certain area in your life doesn't guarantee happiness. Maybe you think your best friend has the perfect job, the perfect relationship, everything. They don't, I promise. We don't all have the same journey and this should be celebrated. We aren't all the same and that's what makes us interesting and beautiful. 

If I'm feeling unsure of myself, I try to remember this quote

"Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't." - Mary Schmich

I'm not entirely sure where my life is going, I don't know what career I'll end up in, I don't know if I'll get married or have children or even where I'll end up living. I don't know exactly what I want right now. All I know is that I'll be okay. I'm going to say yes to the opportunities I get, enjoy the little things in life and treasure my friends and family.

We're all in this together after all!

Rachael x

THE WEEKEND | Spring/Summer OOTN.

Afternoon all!

Thought I'd pop up a quick little outfit post.

It's been seriously sunny and hot all week in Belfast, so I was so happy to get to break out the Summery clothes last night.

We just went for a few drinks so I didn't want anything too dressy so I opted for these little patterned shorts and this cami style top, both from River Island.

I used to work for River Island and I bought so much from there at the time with my discount that I can't usually stand to go in now, but I was actually pleasantly surprised with the nice things they have in at the minute.      

My heels are my trusty Zara babies. I got them last Summer and have lived in them since. I like my heels to be super high so generally comfort goes out the window, but these really aren't too bad! No pain no gain eh?

I'm really loving the clashing prints trend thats floating about currently, so I opted for this monochrome black and white striped clutch from Primark to mix it up a little.                                                                                    

I had to sneak in a few entertaining photo's from the night too!

Yup, that's a peg.. on my nose..

I wish I knew what was so funny?!

This seems to be my new go-to pose!

Thanks for reading!

What did you get up to this weekend?

Rachael x

                   

Motivational Monday | Week Four

Happy Monday guys!

Time for your weekly dose of motivation!

I like this little quote and I think its definitely something we can all relate to.

We're all encouraged to moan about things and to "let it all out", but we're rarely encouraged to tell people about the good things in our lives.

I'm going to set myself a challenge this week to try to focus more on the good things in my life and less on the negatives. Hopefully you guys will join in too!

A positive mindset is definitely the way forward!

Have a great week everyone!

Tell me something that you're thankful for in the comments :-)

Rachael x

Motivational Monday | Week Three

Morning lovelies!!

Todays post is about when things go wrong. We all have, to some extent, a plan for our lives. Some of know exactly what our end goal is, how we want to achieve it and how long it will take to happen. Some of us, myself included, aren't so sure. Our plans aren't set in stone, but we have an inkling of how we'd like it all to go.

Unfortunately we don't always get our way. Things change, people change, we change. It's easy to become disheartened and to beat yourself up about things when they don't go as planned, but that won't help. It will only make us feel worse.

My friend Matthew sent me this picture last week when I was having a bit of a hard time. It's something he's been trying to live by, and I think it's brilliant.

It's funny, it's simple and it works.

Life is an adventure, change is good and difficulties make us stronger. 

From now on, when something doesn't go my way, I'm going to do as this little quote says.
I'm going to scream "PLOT TWIST" and I'm going to move on. Our energy is far better spent improving ourselves and our lives than thinking about what could of been and living in the past.

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday and enjoy the rest of your week!

What helps you guys cope with Mondays?

Rachael x

The sky isn't always blue. The sun doesn't always shine. It's okay to fall apart sometimes.

I've had a bit of a tough week. 

The worst week in a very long time.

I'm not too good at talking about my emotions, I like to keep everything inside and deal with it in my own way. 

Normally my "dealing" with my emotions involves listening to my sad Spotify playlist and crying in my bed!

I'm lucky enough however to have wonderful family and friends.

People who allow and encourage me to cry/scream/vent with them.

I'm also lucky that I don't take anything too seriously and I enjoy the little things in life.

I love spontaneity and trying different things constantly.

On Thursday night at around 9.30, my friend Matthew and I were driving back to Belfast after having visited our ginger friend Stewart in Derry/Londonderry.

(Yes, that does say "Muff". Its a place in County Donegal in Ireland! Hahaha, we're very mature!) 

We were blasting a Mika CD we bought in Poundland (old school, I know) and singing at the top of our voices when we decided we wanted to go somewhere to watch the sunset.

We decided to climb to the top of Cavehill in Belfast.

We took the "scenic" route, which consisted of mud, mud and more mud.

We made it to the top hot, sweaty and with a few minutes to spare.

The view was beautiful and so worth the trek up the hills.

Apologies for the photo quality guys, the spontaneous decision meant I had to take the photos with my iPhone.

Of course we had to take some Selfies!

Scary drop!

 What isn't pictured is me falling into a nettle bush. It was dark and I was scared we would be murdered so clumsy old me decided to run and naturally I tripped. It resulted in nettle stings all over my body, three splinters and a big gash on my right knee. Ouch!

Sometimes when you're having a hard time you need to do something that makes you feel human. Something that makes you feel alive. Something that allows you to remember how small your problems are in the grand scheme of things. Everything is temporary. Including the hard times, which is something we often forget. 

What I'm trying to say is, if you're having a hard time it's okay to let yourself be sad for a little while. It's okay to bawl your eyes out while watching chick flicks and eating Galaxy. Just make sure you remember that things get better, and you're never truly alone. 

Thanks for reading guys, sorry about the depressing post!

I'll be back on Monday with a cheery, inspiring Motivational Monday post!

Rachael x