And similar to that, it’s December and one other yr is coming to an in depth. 2022 was in some ways the precise reverse of the final two pandemic years – guided by a return to going out, travelling, and embracing a demanding work / social life with a vengeance. If I assess the yr passed by with a cool and calm thoughts, I’m undecided I can say it was a very good one.
That’s to not say it was a nasty yr in any means – I obtained many work alternatives, grew in my chosen profession as an impartial journalist, travelled loads, and met so many fascinating folks. But, my stress ranges additionally elevated. This affected my psychological well being and had me query the path I used to be taking in life; and it additionally affected my bodily well being which performed out by the worsening of my psoriasis.
And due to this fact, as I wrap up 2022 and welcome 2023, I’m conscious that the flexibility to make a distinction to my well being and happiness, is completely in my very own palms. Life should change, and I’m going to have to alter it whether or not I prefer it or not.
Apologies if that is all sounding like a really cryptic rant, however I did wish to put some ideas down, even when I’m unable to clarify an excessive amount of intimately. The Ayurvedic practitioner I’m consulting has prescribed writing my ideas / journaling as a aware wellness exercise. I additionally needed to get a non-sponsored submit up earlier than the following sponsored one, and so that is my try at killing two birds with one stone.
Listed below are some objectives I envision for myself within the new yr (or as I want to name it, a brand new section of life):
WORK IN A MORE STRUCTURED MANNER
As a freelancer who has completely no background in journalism, I’ve needed to be taught all the things on the job. Lest you assume I’m referring solely to writing and reporting abilities, you’re flawed. It means I’ve needed to discover ways to pitch, construct relationships with media homes and publications, in addition to myriad different jobs equivalent to navigating the tough PR-journalist partnership, networking with potential editors, enhancing abilities, sourcing abilities, folks pleasing abilities and a lot extra!! The writing is the straightforward half… All the pieces else? Not a lot!
In all of this, I usually find yourself taking up the flawed sort of work believing that it’ll hurt my profession development if I refuse it. Or I tackle an excessive amount of work which prevents me from exploring extra profitable and fewer demanding avenues.
So, right here’s my hope for 2023 and past. I hope to have the ability to tackle the work I like, earn the quantity that I really feel I deserve with out an excessive amount of wrestle, and to respect my physique and thoughts in not taking up greater than I can cope with. I additionally hope to have the ability to perform comparatively throughout the hours of a ‘regular working day’ i.e., 9-5 which sadly is nearly by no means the case for freelancers who discover themselves working in any respect odd hours!!
DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
As a hyper-sensitive individual, I usually take little issues to coronary heart fairly critically. After I was youthful, this response manifested in tears and anger, however now it comes out as excessive psychological agitation, stress, fights and naturally anger too. After the episode is over, most of the time, I remorse my fast response. Had I simply taken a second to breathe earlier than reacting, maybe issues would have turned out otherwise. My husband additionally counsels me with comparable recommendation. So, I hope 2023 is the yr the place I lastly be taught to not sweat the small stuff, as a substitute telling myself to breathe earlier than feeling unhealthy.
PITCH, PITCH, PITCH WITHOUT FEARING REJECTION
For the primary yr and a half of my journalistic follow, I harboured the mistaken perception that it’s troublesome to interrupt into most mainstream publications as an impartial journalist. The very fact is I by no means actually tried. Then this yr, I joined a Fb group of impartial writers which proved to be a tremendous fount of knowledge and steering. Not solely was I capable of crack into a lot of mainstream publications after that, I additionally obtained a couple of worldwide commissions, which is the purpose for many impartial writers as a result of it permits one to earn a good amount of cash. And so, within the coming yr, I must utilise the time I save streamlining my work and never sweating the small stuff and use it to pitch article concepts throughout the board – largely internationally but in addition in India.
LOVE YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND
This isn’t a brand new want and to be honest to myself, I do are inclined to my physique by understanding pretty usually. Nonetheless, my hectic work / social occasions schedule must be given an intensive break I really feel – for no less than six months, until I’m capable of obtain a steadiness. Maybe that is the one means I’ll actually be capable to love each my physique and my thoughts.
LEARN TO SAY NO!
It is a downside I’ve harboured all my life – the shortcoming to say no to conditions and folks even when I’m conscious that I’m going to remorse saying sure. I’m engaged on this slowly. It’s going to take some time. However it’s my ardent hope that by the top of subsequent yr, I’ve managed to discover a candy spot for myself the place this explicit downside is worried.
Do share your objectives for 2023 within the feedback part beneath and reflections on the yr passed by. It’s all the time good to talk with my readers.
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