Since going freelance in April and pushing the blog more (or trying to) I've enjoyed being more flexible with time. I can attend the last minute events, I can turn up to breakfast networking events and shuffle my schedule to suit others. I guess whilst I was working full time I had some FOMO and now I have more time, that feeling has gone away.
You'd probably expect that though, since how can I feel I'm missing out if I have all these opportunities? Well, it's not quite that simple actually. I turn down events (and I mean this in the most sincere way, no shade intended) and instead I seek out opportunities myself to try and offer an alternative view; something a little different. I find myself drifting from the local blogging community and maybe it's because I'm not filling my calendar with events, or maybe it's more than that. I actually feel closer to people who are further away from me and if that perplexes you, well you're not the only one.
Now let me set things straight here; I'm not sharing this for sympathy. In fact it's quite the opposite. I see so many bloggers burning themselves out trying to attend every event, to feature every new release and whilst I'm in no position to tell anyone what they should do, I just want to say it's okay to do something different. You don't have to force yourself to events every night of the week. It's okay to do your own thing and it's normal to not get along with every person you ever meet. There's many bloggers I've met and formed friendships with; equally there are some who I clash with and some I've drifted from, but there's no hard feelings on my end to any of that. But it's something else to walk into a room and feel immediately unwelcome. Not a nice feeling. Cliques form everywhere; just look at the situation I was in at my last job, but it's a strange one when people you know and would usually have a quick chat with, act like you're a total stranger. I'll chat to anyone, enjoy meeting and speaking to new people but I absolutely cannot abide rudeness.
I guess this is partly the reason I'm distancing myself from events. That and the other reason being that I only want to attend events and write things that I would want to read myself, create content that excites me and pushes me creatively - whether that's addressing something more personal and putting myself out there, challenging opinions, or trying to do something different visually.
Events can be tricky to write about and I'm not into drinking every night of the week so you won't see me falling out of the latest bar; I'd rather be tucked up with a cuppa in bed. No judgment if that's what you want to do, but it's just not my scene and since this is my place to share my thoughts, as well as the latest outfits I'm wearing, I felt like typing up something that hopefully 1, makes sense and 2, maybe resonates with some of you.
Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth.
Worrying about missing out is normal and it's a feeling we'll all have from time to time, but instead of worrying about what other people are doing, focus on you and what you could do, what opportunities you could make for yourself. Whether that's reaching out to attend the next event if you're so keen, catching up with that friend who seems to be traveling everywhere and has stories to tell, or setting yourself a goal, working hard and showing yourself how capable you really are. Take a more positive approach.
Being selective with content is where I am right now and I think it's the best decision I've made in a while. It's time to do things for me, my own way and take Hello Freckles in a new direction.
What're your thoughts? Let me know what content you like best too!
Jumper - AllSaints / Rings - A mix of Thomas Sabo, Kate Spade and Accessorize