People reading the title of this blog post have already come into it with a perception. And I can guess it very well. They’ve seen the title and gone, ‘Oh! This’ll be some sort of feminist, empowering statement about standing up to your significant other’ – basically the same sort of statement and general mentality that is starting to take over our Facebooks, Tumblrs, Twitters, Buzzfeeds .. you get the gist. And while I’m very much a feminist and very much for self empowerment, this blog post is not that. Not even a little bit.
It is, in fact, about MY ability to say no. To any opportunity. Ever.
Now generally, this can be taken as a positive thing. It’s good to take part and it is definitely imperative to take advantage of the opportunities you are provided with. But with me, it’s like too much of a good thing, you know? Whenever I see something, I apply for it. I take on WAY too much! There have been times that I’ve double booked myself on work shifts, there have been times when I’ve had three essay deadlines in one week and EXTRA STUFF ON TOP!
I realise I sound a bit ungrateful here. Not my intention at all. I’m just making sure the world knows my good and bad qualities. In my last post, I talked about how I handle criticism well, here I’m talking about how I take on more than I can cope with. 7 modules, an editorship, 3 gym classes and work seemed like a good idea last year but I was literally like a headless chicken. I have to physically stop myself this year – note to self! Although, one thing I’ll never regret is applying for a Leadership Course in Cyprus and a trip to Paris where I designed a literary tour of Victor Hugo’s Paris. There are some experiences in life that come out of nowhere but they’re so amazing that you’re left shocked that you were a part of it!
The moral of the story, kids, is that yes, apply to opportunities, apply to LOTS of opportunities. But don’t overload yourself and burn yourself out. Ultimately it ends up being bad because by the sheer laws of physics, it means you can’t possibly give your 100% to each thing and by not having some free time to yourself to enjoy a cup of tea and an episode of Friends (*insert book/tv/leisure preference here*), you can become almost a hindrance in your own life and goals! Take it from someone who knows all too well.
P.S. I WILL be posting up that promised feature – just need to check with Mr Editor if I’m allowed to.
P.P.S. I will also be posting that Victor Hugo Tour.
P.P.P.S. I am FINALLY moved into Uni for my third and final year (eep!) and after a couple of rocky days with no internet (hence no posts for a while) and a lot of boxes, I am fresh faced and ready to dive into the final year of my undergrad (eep.eep!). Cue panic induced crying.
Jas and Emily 