October: the one full of ups and downs.
I won’t lie, I’ve been putting off writing this post. Mainly because of how many downs there have been. October has been a really rocky month for me and it resulted in somewhat of an implosion. However, here I am, writing this, able to reflect and look at both the good and the bad. Because, despite all the sadness, there were still a lot of ups.
Mentally: here's where the downs were
I’ve spoken a few times now about how I tend to overwork myself. Each time a new month starts, I look at my somewhat blank calendar and convince myself that this is the month I’m going to take it easy. However, every month I find myself drowning in plans yet again. This was no different.
When I look at how much I’ve done this month, it’s strange to think it all took place within 30 days… However, part of that may be due to the fact that I spent a lot of time mentally floating in and out. Between my hectic schedule, my feeling a little let down by some of my friends and the loss of a pet, my brain has been struggling to cope with it all. And that all led to a bit of a breakdown at midnight last week in which I felt like I was doing nothing and nothing was right and I required a whole lot of calming down.
I’m now in a bit of a weird place. I know that I should be calming down and I know that I should be doing less, but it’s a matter of actually doing and not just talking. I still keep stacking my calendar with activities and convincing myself that I can fit in more than I can. Honestly, until I learn to stop doing this, I’m going to keep going through this cycle. So, let’s hope I learn to manage my time.
Blog-wise again, it's been full of ups and downs
It’s been a weird month with my blog because I’ve advanced but also retreated. In terms of downs, though I still made money this month, it’s the least money I’ve made with my blog since June. In all honesty, it isn’t that big a deal because I don’t rely on this as income and it all goes into my savings anyway. Plus, I do this for the fun more than anything else. However, it’s still something worth noting.
On the gifting front, however, this may be my best month yet. I was a little worried blog-wise about moving back to London because I’d become somewhat “established” with brands in Bristol, and I’d be starting all over again in London. However, I’ve been putting in the work and I’m starting to reap the rewards. This month I’ve worked with some really established brands and I have some really amazing collaborations coming up that I could have only dreamed of.
I also went on my first ever press trip this month which was such a milestone moment for me! I felt super fancy and had some serious imposter syndrome, but it was a lot of fun and I’ve got a post all about it ready to go for next week (Look at me being all organised!)
Time-wise, I'm yet to find my stride
I read through last month’s post and this section involved me saying that things were slowing down… Turns out I played myself. I touched on this in the mental health section, but I’m yet to balance my time. I’m so used to working through the 5 day week like a “normal person”, but the difference is that I then have to go to my weekend job, tire myself out and repeat the process all over again. I want to say that next month will be different but I’m going away mid-month and then I’m working full time from the end of it, so I make no promises.
Money and Things
As I said earlier, this month wasn’t the best month for money. However, it was great for collaborations in general…
6 "Gifts"
Gaston Luga backpack
Clothes from Femmeluxe Finery
Clothes from Everything £5
Clothes from Mistral clothing
Gifts from Megabus
Chocolates from Godiva
3 Events
A Halloween party with Whittard x Glossybox
A test of the Carluccios Christmas set menu
A press trip to Margate with Visit England and My MicroGap
And so there you have it, that was my October! It was such a mixed bag of ups and downs, but I suppose as is life. That’s the point of this series – to highlight all aspects of this next year.
Lots of love,
Jas xx
I don’t think anyone had a perfect month last month, I also has some ups and downs. I’m looking forward now to the next couple of months of the year and going from there! X
Hope the next couple of months treat you well! Xx
I feel this so hard hahaha. It’s the worst and so exhausting constantly overworking yourself but feeling like you’re not doing enough! The rewards you’re reaping are clearly showing how fabulous you are doing, though. You do need to be less hard on yourself misses!
Alice Xx
I love you Al <3 Thank you so much xx
It sounds like you’ve had an interesting month, especially blogging wise. I had a better month gift wise too but a considerably lower one money wise. Perhaps it’s the time of year where brands are looking for Christmas promotion?
Yeah, I’m beginning to think that it might just be that time of year! xx
Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable here. I truly believe that it’s important to acknowledge that there ARE down times in our lives, and that’s normal. In fact, the bumps in the road are necessary to push us and help us to grow, enabling us to become who we need to be for the successes.
Thank you so much for reading! I also believe that it’s very important to share all experiences, and I love to keep my blog open and honest, sharing all aspects of life.
Jas xx