Whilst I was sitting with my mum the other day she asked me ‘so what will you do next, now you’ve ran the London Marathon? Will you keep running?’ I sat there puzzled, as since I finished the marathon I’ve sort of just been winging it. Running the London Marathon was one if not the most overwhelming moment of my life. Preparing over a whole year for something that was over in a day, was a bittersweet feeling. One of the main things I have taken from the whole experience was that I could do something like that on my own. With my own strength, off my own back, I completed it. In turn I realised that I don’t have to turn my back on any part of me, life is about embracing all that you are, the good and the bad.

I’ve always been told to take inspiration from those around you, from your surroundings. So that’s what I have done with this blog post in a way. I have a t-shirt with a quote on it, which at the moment I resonate with a lot, it reads…

‘No stereotypes – If you continue to let others tell you who you are you won’t remember yourself. Be unique. Nothing else will do’

We often put ourselves into categories, subconsciously. I’ve labelled myself as the party girl, runner, marketer, swimmer, student, as crazy, compassionate, adventurous, forgetful and careless at times – when in fact I’m not just one, I’m all of them and much more. I’ve been so many different people throughout my teenage into adult years, lived completely different lives but they’re all a part of me still. Each one connects and has helped me to grow in some way. I don’t think it’s a case of having to choose between one part of you and another. Life to me is about balance, having fun but looking after yourself. 

Go to an event or a festival at the weekend, then to an art exhibition on a Tuesday, for work drinks on a Thursday. Make your life as colourful as you want & be unapologetic about it. We get one life, it should be spent filling it with as many moments of happiness as we can. I’ve spoken briefly on here about how last summer for me was filled with more darkness than light. I was so focused on how I was perceived by other people, what they thought of me, who they wanted me to be, I lost myself in the process. This summer I’m putting my own happiness first and doing anything and everything that makes me feel happy. Regardless of what it looks like to anyone else. 

For the first summer in what feels like a long time, I’m single. After quite a lot of ‘Situationships’ we’ll call them, since I became single last October. I’m now alone & quite content with staying this way. I saw a quote on one of my favourite Instagram accounts the other day that stated ‘Alone or not you have to walk forward’ a lot of us are naturally scared at the thought of being alone. However I have made the conscious decision to walk away from anything that no longer serves me or makes me happy. This summer I won’t allow myself to dwell, shit happens and life happens, the only thing we can do is adapt and carry on. I’m choosing to remember all the good within the past and take with me the lessons I’ve learnt from the bad.

What I tell myself everyday is you’re only in your 20’s Kath, its okay. You gain nothing from living your life looking back regretting the decisions you’ve made. If you feel you’ve made a mistake learn from it, work out why it was a mistake and continue to grow from it. The way I look at it is everything you have done is something you wanted at the time. So if it doesn’t work out, sit back realise it’s not for you and next time make a choice which is going to contribute to your happiness. It’s important to find joy in the little things and not wait until everything is perfect to be happy. Mistakes are fundamental in life and most of the time they’re what makes us the people we are today. 

This was just a small blog post while I navigate my way back into writing again. At work I’m writing from the voice of the brands we work with, so I’ve lost my own tone of writing slightly. I’m hoping this blog can be a positive light in my life again, and I can continue to give advice through my experiences. This summer so far has been amazing and is going to be filled with some crazy exciting shit, so stay tuned for a lot more positive posts and hopefully a lot more happiness to follow. Till next time. 🌞