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NEWSLETTER

Not a "Where I've Been" Post, I Swear.

Saturday, 28 September 2019

Not a "Where I've Been" Post, I Swear.

Oh. Wow. Hello. It’s been a while.


This is well awkward; a whole lot more awkward than I thought it would be.


For someone who claims she is a passionate writer, and who writes for a living (oh yes, I’ve got a whole lot to update you on!), I’ve been pretty crap at the whole blog thing. But, I really needed a break.


I could spew the same line of shite – not enough time, writer’s block…same ol’, same ol’.

*Diss-gus-tan

But the truth is I was just kind of bored of it.


It was actually pretty sad at first, if I’m honest. I really treasured my little space online. It’s not fancy or pretty or anything like that; it’s got no real theme or aesthetic. Yet, this little platform is a physical tracking of all my thoughts. It’s a way I can progress my personal change over time, share my thoughts and opinions, that kind of dramatic, emotionally charged drivel, blah blah blah.


But, yeah. For some reason – and I’m still struggling to figure out why – I got really bored of the idea of blogging.
"Diss*-gus-tan!"


It was like all my energy and efforts had dried up. I just blamed it on the stress of uni (oh yeah, I’ve graduated too…that’s another update too!) and putting all my time and concentration into that. Uni was my priority and that, on top of a part-time job, editing the university newspaper, trying to have a social life, maintaining an exercise routine, trying to get enough sleep at night (you’ve all seen the memes!), blogging just fell to the back of an endlessly growing list.


George Michael's "Freedom" featuring my pathetic hand-eye co-ordination.


My ideas dried up because I was constantly thinking about the same things. I resented the thought of pulling up an empty word doc because that’s all I seemed to do every day regardless; the blank page didn’t seem to hold the same optimistic excitement as it once did. Not when you have three essays, a dissertation, and an entire newspaper to edit.


And I promise I’m not complaining. If you know me personally, you know I’m the gal who thrives off being busy. I need to be on-the-go, with a jam-packed schedule (S T A T I O N A R Y – A D D I C T) and a brain buzzing with a “so much to do, so little time” mentality.


But…I don’t know. For a reason I am yet to entirely understand, I just fell out of love with it all. An English Lit grad-turned-writer who fell out of love with writing. Who’du’thunk it?


Like I said, though, I’m not here to complain. After a bit of space (ok, 12 months’ worth of space!), I’m back with a fresh outlook, a bit more perspective, and a ton of drive. I’m not making any promises or committing to a strict uploading schedule but I’d like to get back into this whole thing.


You’re about to see (well…read?) a whole lot more from me! www.gapsbetweenthestories.co.uk is back; a bit different, like, but we all love a bit of change, don’t we?






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"New Year, New Me": Overdone, Overrated, Over It?

Monday, 31 December 2018

"New Year, New Me": Overdone, Overrated, Over It?

We've heard it all before.

"NYNM" is the phrase of the season. Each January, we're going to give up sugar; we're going to learn a new language; we're going to exercise more. It's always the same. In the new year, we're all going to actively change!

Let's be real, everybody has something that they want to change. Whether it's changing our toxic traits, whether it's adding something to ourselves and our character, we all think we need to change. I can think of millions of things I would like to change about myself in the coming year: I need to stop procrastinating, I need to text back quicker, I need to see my family more, blah blah blah…

Image result for new years resolution

But surely I don't need to wait until 1st January to begin these changes. Why wait? 

I know I'm definitely not perfect and that I have more than my fair share of traits that I would like to change. And because change is so important to me, when I identify my flaws, I try to act on them ASAP. Maybe it's being a perfectionist, maybe it's just me being a freak...idk. I see things I'm not great at and I try to work on it...why live with your flaws until the new year to change?

What is the difference between changing during the new year and changing now?

If you want to better yourself in any way you can, why wait to do so? Surely waiting means that active opportunities have come and gone. We can't take chances waiting for something to happen. Why hesitate on changing yourself for the better?
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A University Survival Guide

Sunday, 23 December 2018

A University Survival Guide

I'm currently in my final year at Queen Mary University of London. And while I'm loving third year, there's no denying that it's been a stress-filled semester. I'm exhausted and constantly busy. I have deadlines and reading and rehearsals and am applying for grad schemes and have to go to work and exercise and socialise...it's gotten to that point where all I want is a good cry but I can't even find the time to do that! 

I started this year on a "quit dicking about" note: I knew what I was in for and had been preparing for the very worst. I'd been told that third year was "the worst year of your entire life" and that "it's hell. Literally hell." 

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But, if I'm being honest, third year isn't all that hellish. Like, some days I barely have time to breathe because I have so much to do. However, as a part of my "quit dicking about" vow, I have forced myself to keep on top of my game - and I have done this via what I like to call my University Survival Guide.

"Survival" may be a bit extra but, hey, if it gets the job done, who am I to complain?

I'm going to be sharing some tips and strategies I've found useful in the course of my university career, especially during this final year. It's a way of working around the stress and exhaustion, being productive whilst also remaining positive and motivated.

FIND YOUR PLACE (OF STUDY)

You will work most productively if you are comfortable: if that means studying in bed, then do it! I can't be behind a desk for long periods of time; I get fidgety and restless and distracted and it all goes  downhill. I like to take my laptop and move around: from my sofa, to the ground, even lying across the stairs! I feel as though my best ideas come to me when I move around a little bit. Hence, I get more done! You need to create a little work-sanctuary for yourself, wherever you feel most comfortable and motivated. If you do, you'll find that you feel more engaged in your work and are more productive.

Image result for studying


BREAK IT DOWN

No, not breakdown - cba with that anymore: no time for it (literally)! 

Something I find really useful is breaking down my assignments into small tasks because it lets me trick my mind into starting/finishing essays early. I think "ok, I have an hour...I'll research xyz." Specificity is key. Being able to tick little tasks off your to-do list is far more motivating than thinking "ok, I have an hour to start this whole assignment." It looks like you're making faster progress and keeps me on track and less overwhelmed. If you focus on specific targets, you're more inclined to reach your goal quickly. 

BRIBERY WORKS: DO IT!

Bribery is the best form of motivation. Whatever it is - a night out, a cinema trip, a snack, or even just a few hours' nap - do it! You know what you can bribe yourself with to get work done. It's the best reward for hard work. Just make sure you keep your reward in check though: a twenty minute nap might accidentally turn into four hours of dangerously blissful sleep (speaking from experience).

GO OUTSIDE AND EXERCISE

This is probably going to sound like the worst advice ever, but the gym really makes me switch off. I don't think about uni, work, anything. I don't even mean to; it just happens naturally. If the gym isn't for you, even something as simple as going for a walk outside is essential. Fresh air helps clear your mind and the busy outdoors offers distraction for any stress you might be feeling. You can go home later and sit down with a more productive and positive attitude.

Image result for tumblr aesthetic workspace


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