Tuesday, December 31, 2019

recap of 2019!



More often than none, I feel that is easy for us as individuals to reflect upon all the negative within a season of our lives instead of all the good that transpired during that time. As i've been reflecting upon all that has occurred over this past year, it's easier to be reminded of all the bad and the ugly that went on throughout the year, despite all the good that was by far more beneficial. Sure, we have all have had our fare share of heartbreak, stress and whatnot throughout this year, but it's always encouraging to be reminded that their is always so much more ahead of that garbage!! Taking a further step back to realize that despite some majorly minuscule roadblocks i've faced this year, 2019 has been an unbelievably transformative year for me in such a positive way.

If you've been following along with me though my blog, instagram, or even if you know me personally, I've always seemed to have labeled myself as being this "indecisive" mess off a person that can't ever stand firm on any decision present to me. (If you care to read more about when I finally snapped out of this mindset, check this out!) Obviously, this way of thinking is completely toxic and destructive, but I am confident that even though it did take some time, I eventually took my life by the reins and made it how I really want it to be! Once you come to terms that the only person that will push yourself to become all that you aspire to be in this life is yourself, it's liberating to realize that the world is essentially at your fingertips, go seek it out! If your not happy about where you are currently, you have all the power to change your life for the better!

Who I was this time last year in comparison to who I am today is night and day. I can confidently say that I am no longer afraid of thinking if i'm "making the right decision for myself or not," because you know what? I've made so many new friendships, memories, experiences since i've said yes to some uncertainty; to me that's the beauty of life! I have made such tremendous growth within myself for not only knowing what I want for my life, but gaining a new sense of personal independence from living alone in my apartment. Not to mention, this year I was more than grateful to experience two of my all time favorite bands live, Fleetwood Mac and Vampire Weekend...... truly an iconic experience I will never forget!

So sure, 2019 has been one hell of a year, but if it wasn't, I don't think I would be this new version of that I am today. This year has made me become the version of "Jillian" that would make my younger self very proud. With all of this being said, 2020, am I more than ready for all that you are, bring it on!

Hope you all have a magical and safe new years! Chat soon!

Sunday, December 15, 2019

college update: fall 2019 recap



Each year, its no surprise that school gets harder and harder no matter if you are in college or even middle school. I've been super MIA not only on here, but on my instagram as well since i'm still trying to play the balancing act between blogging, academics, a social life, sleep, applying for summer internships and work. I can at least strive to do all, right?? I think one of biggest take away, or lesson however you wanna look at it, that I have learned over this past semester is the importance of being independent, thanks to living alone in my own apartment. This new season of independence wasn’t really something I could’ve eased my way into, I was catapulted into it and had to quickly adjust to my new “adult” way of life. Even though things have been very hectic, this chaos has allowed me to manage my time wisely and make me realize how I love having a constant routine. Days can sort of seem to blend together considering most days are kinda repetitive, school, gym, study, etc. But when I’m intentional about having a specific time to complete these task as well as having a. Set dinner time, each day seems to be more fulfilling. 

Speaking of food, that has been one challenge I’ve faced this past semester. When I first moved in and before classes officially started, I enjoyed being able to whip up a frozen Trader Joe’s entree and spruce it up a bit to make it feel like “It’s homemade” lol. Soon as events with my sorority picked up, long study hours in the library hit and everything in between, I’ve found it harder for myself to cook food meals that I enjoy, and aren’t the same frozen meals on repeat, or my my case, a meal that isn’t a couple of big handfuls of cheese it’s. What I find to be annoying is that instances where I wanna cook and whatnot I have to buy so many ingredients that I end up wasting because I’m never really gonna use again?? And it’s just myself so a lot of food goes wasted?? Idk, I guess it’s all trial and error. I’m definitely going to try hello fresh for next semester lol! 

Academically, this semester has been very challenged and I have to admit, i nearly got by with one class. Since changing my major for the summer to marketing, I am now required to take a lot more rigorous classes like calculus, accounting, stuff like that instead of the fluff I was taking while on the communications track. I know that all of this hard work and stress will pay off when I get my degree, but it hasn’t been easy. Especially for someone who thought the only math she would be taking in college would be math for liberal arts. Noting good comes easy, so I’m holding onto that sentiment for this next phase in my school career!! 

 

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