Looking Ahead

At any given moment, you have the power to say: this is not how the story is going to end - Christine Mason Miller

I love my PJs and I love my bed, my superhero blanket is amazing and even more so right now because I'm a bit poorly. It's safe to say that I'm kind of a lazy person. I'm happiest when I'm at home writing. 

Where am I going with this? That's the big question. I'm a writer of blogs, YA fiction, and poetry, but as well as that, I have a day job in a supermarket. When I look ahead to my future, though, there are things I would like to achieve, goals to aim for, and there is a way I want to live. 

I'd like to travel more, I'd like a house, I'd like to spend more time writing. I guess the question is, how do you change your life when you don't know where to start?

Why Do You Feel Stuck?

The first step is to identify why you feel the way you do? 

• People Change: Have you outgrown your current situation
• You Feel Safe: There's comfort in knowing what your day will bring, and maybe you fear what change will bring
• Negative Thoughts: Have you lost hope that things will improve? Sometimes negative thoughts feel more powerful
• Comparisons: Comparing yourself to others can make you feel defeated before you even start
• Fatigue: If you feel stressed or exhausted it can be hard to take that step

What Makes You Happy?

Being happy is a vital part of your life, so if you're feeling stuck take some time to contemplate what makes you happy. What do you enjoy doing? Do you like independence? Travelling? Animals? 

Once you know what you like it leads you closer to having goal to work toward, and then you can create your plan, whether you do that with a vision board, lists, or a Power Point presentation. 

What Don't You Want?

Next, think about what you don't like. If you don't enjoy working alone then you need a workplace with other. If you don't like an office environment then you can rule out many jobs. If you prefer not to work on your feet, then take that into account. 

What Do You Need?

If there are no limitations or restrictions then the world is your oyster. Unfortunately, for many of us, there are responsibilities that we have to consider. Be that kids, a partner, a pet. That means, maybe when considering a change, you have limitations because you can't give up financial security or you can only work specific hours. Make a note so you can work with what you need. 

Put Yourself First

If you truly want to make a change, then that requires a little bit of selfishness. What would you be doing if you had no limitations? And what can you do to achieve it? It's okay to put yourself first. It's okay to make yourself a priority. 

No Regrets

Don't look at your past with resentment. Maybe things haven't turned out the way you hoped or dreamed, but it's never too late to be happy, and never too late to be what you want. Look at this as a fresh start. 

Stay Positive

This might not be a smooth journey. There may be obstacles you didn't plan on. You might have setbacks. That's a normal part of the progression. That doesn't mean you can't feel sad, or irritated, angry. It just means, don't give up. Don't turn back. You've got this even when it feels like you don't. 

I'm on a Journey Too

I'm with you on this one. I'm starting from scratch. I'm building a plan. I'm working through these steps. Being a writer has always been my ambition, but now it's an active goal, and it's one of several. When I look into my future, I know I need to make a change, and so I am. 

If you enjoyed this blog then visit my website and take a look at some others I've written, or visit my social media pages and chat to me there.