2017 has been a year of ups and downs for me, and I believe for many as well. Whether it be your career, relationships or individual wellbeing, I wish to tell you this – “Take things in stride”.
Taking things in your stride means to accept advances or setbacks as the normal course of events in your life, and to deal with them calmly. This is something I’ve learnt to do in 2017, in all aspects of my life.
WARNING: LONG POST AHEAD.
Blogging Life
Being a blogger is no easy feat. I would call myself a blogger because I blog but I wouldn’t go so far to call myself an influencer because I never liked that word. (I mean, what does it mean to be an influencer? Someone that influences others? -.-) Anyway, being a blogger/influencer doesn’t actually make a person one-up above others. We are just normal people who love to share our experiences and knowledge on different subject matter, or, for some, they just happen to love dishing out every aspect of their life on social media.
For me, I’ve started Parade Of Love (@paradeoflove) right from the very idea of wanting to share my knowledge on all-things-beauty. From buying makeup not available in Singapore 3-4 years ago, to now buying even more makeup that’s not sold in Singapore, I would say I grew so much because of all you people who continuously support me. Whether you’re a Paradeoflove reader, brands that I’ve worked with, or PR companies, I just want to take this opportunity to say T H A N K Y O U. Thank you for believing in me always.
With the Instagram algorithm change, many things have changed as well. I know that in this blogosphere, it’s also a dog-eat-dog situation, but I just want to say to everyone – take things in stride. You’ll lose some but you’ll always gain some. God is and will always be fair. You’re meant to do great things, but sometimes, it may not be what you want to do, but what you are destined to do. Remember that.
Career
I don’t know about you but 2017 isn’t a year for my career (and health). I’ve been wanting to return to doing what I’ve studied (marketing) but there’s no luck even until now. Career is one important aspect in your life, so if you feel that you’re not moving forward anymore, it’s time to take that step to make a change. For me, work has always been something that has to give meaning to my life. I spend a whopping 9 hours every day at work – it better be something rewarding/enriching.
However, I’ve met so many road blocks (including evil people) along my career path this year and I’m still stuck in a rut. I guess when times are bad and there’s nothing you can do, just take things in stride. You’re not alone! Better things will come. In 2018 I hope. *fingers crossed*
Relationships
I’ve been told by many people this year that I am glowing! Hahahaha this is not meant to be self-praising but really, I’ve gotten many comments on how radiant I look this year. I would like to attribute it to all the awesome skincare I’ve been blessed with but the most part of this still goes to my man (let’s just call him W). I’m blessed with a caring, thoughtful, loving and very understanding boyfriend this year and I’m most thankful for that.
I’ve been in a long relationship (almost 10 years) previously and I sincerely thought that I wouldn’t be able to find true love again but W proved me wrong. You can prove yourself wrong too. I’ve made so many mistakes in my past relationships (it’s a long and complicated story) but I’m glad all those mistakes made me grow, and made me treasure the ones who never left me.
W is the most patient and the most understanding person I’ve ever met and I’m glad he offered his hand for me to hold at one of the lowest points in my life. If there’s someone like that in your life, don’t let him/her go. As you grow older, you’ll realise that it’s not about the lavish lifestyle, not about the material things but all about the support, love and understanding your boyfriend can give you. Nothing else beats undisturbed quality time as well so hold on to the person who can continuously make you grow by spending time to understand you and not one that makes you second guess yourself. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Take things in stride when it comes to relationships. You will be a happier person.
Individual Wellbeing
My 2018 resolution is to strive to continuously challenge myself to inspire others, spread love and share joy.
I have a very strong character and am “one who takes life too seriously”, as quoted by W. I’m sure some of you are like me. Honestly, sometimes I feel weary because of the expectations I set for myself, or if people don’t live up to my expectations. I’m a very critical person, especially to myself and I often find myself being unhappy over little things. W taught me to take things in stride, especially when it comes to others. You will never be able to control what others think of you, feel of you, or talk of you, so if it’s something you cannot manipulate, then just let it be. Hard as you may think it is, it’s actually not that difficult. I always tell myself that I need to strive to be a better person and if my intentions are good, people will see over time. I strongly believe that it’s the only thing you can do when the whole world doesn’t change for you. You change for the world, and for yourself. Try it and you’ll set yourself free.
And because the world needs more love, joy and inspiration, I want to be able to bring the best of me to the world.
2018 will be a year that I continue to share the most beautiful photos and the brightest side of life (or me).
Are you with me? 🙂
Create yourself & be gorgeous! XOXO, Roanna.
