5 Lessons We Should All Learn from 2019

December 31, 2019 2 Comments

I know I’m not the only one who feels like 2019 went by in a SECOND, but here we are — it’s once again New Year’s Eve. This time we’re not only celebrating the end of a year, but also the end of a decade.

As we count down the final hours to the new year, we often look back and reflect on the opportunities we received, chances we took and any regrets still lingering with us. Personally, 2019 was an incredibly wild ride — so much happened that it took me some time to sort through my camera roll and notes to remember everything that happened (and I’m sure I still missed some key moments!). Overall, it was a really positive year filled with so much learning and growth, and I hope to continue that in 2020.

Now, what’s next? I don’t necessarily believe in making New Year’s Resolutions, but here are five of my 2019 lessons as we head into 2020 and the decade ahead.

1. Learning doesn’t stop after school. In fact, it gets better.

I graduated university this past spring, marking the end of my formal education journey. I quickly started getting the typical questions like “Do you miss school?” or “Do you prefer working or being in school?” I’ve always said, without a doubt, that I preferred working. Truth be told, part of me always felt trapped at school — I had so much I wanted to do, but my time was taken up by assignments and studying. However, once I lost that daily source of learning, I actually started to miss parts of the routine. I realized that I cherished the never-ending opportunities to challenge myself, question things and work my brain, and I enjoyed being around people who asked questions that had me thinking in new ways.

Congrats Ryerson Grads — The last selfie I took before graduating university! “This is your moment. You are ready.” …little did I know how much I really was ready as this was just the beginning.

In 2020, I want to continue to stimulate my brain by reading daily, listening to new, exciting podcasts (if you have any recommendations, please send them my way!), and, most excitingly, travelling more. I’ve realized it’s about finding the avenues that complement my learning style best and allow me to incorporate education back into my daily life.

2. Getting to know yourself can be scary — and that’s OK.

This year, I had the unexpected opportunity to take my first solo trip, which led to me falling in love with the city of Portland and, in many ways, myself. I’m an only child, so doing things by and for myself has never really phased me. I’m not ashamed to admit I LOVE going to concerts alone — not only because I’m completely free to meet new people, but I also don’t need to tone down my excitement or feel bad about my terrible singing. I’ve also always pushed myself to get out and walk around, try new cafes and coffee shops and attend other events solo. But somehow, the thought of doing those things in another city/country/etc. was beyond daunting.

That said, spending my first night in Portland travelling to my hotel, exploring the city, trying a bar I had fallen in love with on Instagram and watching TV in my room felt so good and normal. Moral of the story here is I had nothing to be afraid of — I was the only one holding myself back. It took that one uncomfortable situation to get me comfortable with being uncomfortable, and I honestly can’t wait for my next solo trip, wherever it may take me.

I’m 22, and this year I learned more about myself than I ever have before. I reconnected with friends who truly have my back, tried new experiences, set new goals and reminded myself to live in the now. Along with this, I also learned, once again, to trust my gut; it never lies. This applies both to multiple choice answers on tests and deciding whether or not you’ll wear a $40 shirt you want to buy, but also your intuition on situations and people to stray away from. Always listen to yourself.

Playlists

July Playlist: Summer Fling

July 31, 2019 No Comments

Summer is always a hot season for love. There’s simply no denying that summer romances just hit different and inspire endless possibilities for incredible memories. From sunsets to patio nights and drive-in dates, there’s so much to see and do with your boo (or your BFFs, because you are just as amazing on your own!).

Of course, you need a bangin’ soundtrack to fill the air during your summer road trips (with the windows down, of course), pool parties and chill days in. Luckily, fun and flirty love songs are a summer staple. Check out 60 of them — plus a breakup banger or two for those lost loves — below on this month’s playlist.

“Chase the Summer” – Chantel Jeffries feat. Jeremih

Get ready for an endless summer with DJ and producer Chantel Jeffries’ club-ready summer single as your amp-up anthem! Joining forces with rapper Jeremih, Chantel’s latest release is perfect for every summer occasion — the beat is irresistible and instantly puts you in a good mood. The music video will also spark your inner travel bug, so stick around YouTube to start trip planning with some stunning travel vlogs.

General, Travel

5 Must-Read Books for Summer 2019

July 25, 2019 No Comments

Must-Read Books for Summer 2019 blog post header

One of my FAVOURITE parts of prepping for summer trips is picking out new books, especially for poolside reading. I’ve loved reading since I was a little girl — hence why I got into journalism and blogging! — and only wish I had more time to delve into some fictional (and non-fictional) worlds. Fortunately, doing so while laying under the summer sun is the best time to do it!

I just got back from a beautiful getaway to Maui, Hawaii, which I will have *so* much more to share from soon. But first, I wanted to share some of the incredible books I started — and sped through — that will make perfect adds to your summer reading list.

For words of inspiration to kickstart your vacation

I’ve had Michelle Obama’s Becoming on my book shelf since Christmas, and finally had the chance to start and finish it on a 10+ hour travel day. From cover to cover, it’s total female boss vibes! I will admit the opening section on Michelle’s childhood and upbringing definitely dragged on in some parts, but once she writes about meeting Barack you get a lot of interesting behind the scenes secrets and stories that make the wait worthwhile. I ended up bookmarking a few passages that particularly resonated with me, including:

“Beneath my laid-back college demeanor, I lived like a half-closeted CEO, quietly but unswervingly focused on achievement, bent on checking every box. My to-do list lived in my head and went with me everywhere. I assessed my goals, analyzed my outcomes, counted my wins. If there was a challenge to vault, I’d vault it. One proving ground only opened onto the next. Such is the life of a girl who can’t stop wondering, Am I good enough? and is still trying to show herself the answer.” (Becoming Me)
“New York always awakened a sense of awe in me, big and busy enough to dwarf anyone’s ego.” (Becoming More) (It’s true, New York is a such a remarkable and special place and I look forward to spending more time there!)
“The important parts of my story, I was realizing, lay less in the surface value of my accomplishments and more in what undergirded them—the many small ways I’d been buttressed over the years, and the people who’d helped build my confidence over time.” (Becoming More)
“My early successes in life were, I knew, a product of the consistent love and high expectations with which I was surrounded as a child, both at home and at school. … I’d been lucky to have parents, teachers, and mentors who’d fed me with a consistent, simple message: You matter. As an adult, I wanted to pass those words to a new generation. … I wanted to be the opposite of the guidance counselor I’d had in high school, who’d blithely told me that I wasn’t Princeton material.” (Becoming More) (To quote Beyonce, “best revenge is your paperrrrr…”)
“…I am still in progress, and I hope that I always will be. For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end. … It’s all a process, steps along a path. Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor. Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there’s more growing to be done.” (Epilogue) (AMEN!!!)

Playlists

February Playlist: Love/Hate Love

February 28, 2019 No Comments

Every time February rolls around, I’m prepared to be inundated with love songs thanks to that commercial holiday that falls on the 14th. Fortunately, I actually don’t mind love songs at all—in fact, would it be weird to say I love love songs?

I once had a conversation with an artist who pointed out that love is such a common theme across all musicians and musical genres because it’s the one thing that everyone can relate to in some way, shape or form. Even if you don’t have a significant other, you hold love for other people in your life—friends, family, your pets and, hopefully, yourself. Of course, love songs aren’t always about the happy parts of partnerships. But if you can’t relate to heartbreak, you can at least recall moments of deep pain or heartache and translate the meaning of those songs to fit your past experiences.

I definitely find that the most gut-wrenching, beautiful, honest and real songs are about love, so I wanted to compile a few of my faves. In this month’s playlist, enjoy three hours of tunes about love and being so over love (because sometimes it can all just be a little ugh).

I purposely ordered this playlist to reflect the entire cycle of love, from beginning, to end and back again.

General

5 Lessons 2018 Taught Me

December 31, 2018 1 Comment

It feels like just a few days ago that I was counting down to the start of 2018! When the clock struck midnight, I kicked off what would turn out to be one of the most influential years of my life. Now we’re about to do it all again!

Looking back, this past year has been one of opportunity, change and plenty of lessons learned – but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. To wrap things up, I challenged myself to categorize the year’s ups and downs into 5 lessons that I’ll be carrying with me into 2019.

1. Not everyone’s going to like you – and that’s OK.

Growing up we hear this a lot but it can get complicated when we want to impress certain people or attract specific attention or even just have a certain number of friends. The reality is that everyone has different taste, and some people are just permanently bitter. You could change everything about yourself and still not please people – so don’t! Live life for you. Find the people that really matter – those that love you for who you are and are there for you at your highs and your lows – and keep them real close. If you’re feeling down because your circle’s smaller than you’d like it to be, or you’re caught up in comparison, remember that everything is not always as it seems. People can have tons of “friends” but no real ride-or-dies – quality over quantity always!