It seems as though the beginning of this year has passed by in a whirlwind. It’s almost as though yesterday was the beginning of January, and if I blink, tomorrow could end up being the middle of May. It hasn’t just been the days that seem to go by quickly, but the months as well. Consistently looking forward to the weekends, new assignments, collaborative projects and even new destinations – it all adds to the whirlwind that has been the beginning of an exciting year.

SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

One thing that I like to do each year, typically in the beginning months, is to set goals for myself – whether they’re personal, career oriented or skills oriented, it feels incredibly good to write them down on paper. It almost makes them feel more concrete and attainable if I’ve got a physical representation of the goals that I’d like to achieve. A key to setting these goals I’ve learned, is setting ATTAINABLE goals. Being able to see the progress made is always a big motivational factor for me when it comes to achieving the goals I’ve set.

Shop My Look

As I find myself starting to realize some of these goals, it turns my attention to other ambitions that I find myself truly enjoying. This past year, I’ve found myself truly enjoying the process of content creation (not just on Monochrome Minimalist) but in terms of PR edits and branding strategies for clients, and even just playing around with creative software. There’s something about the process of turning words, sketches and ideas into life that I’ve really become intrigued by. Redefining company aesthetics, or even creating them from scratch is becoming one of my favourite things to work on. Because of this, I’m more excited than ever to announce my next career move.

A NEW CHAPTER

If you’ve kept up with my social media for a while, you’ll know that this time last year I was living in the UK just north of London. It’s weird to think that my blog (at least on this platform) hasn’t even been around for a year yet, because it’s become such a huge part of my life. But anyways, last year – I was a university student that had the most incredible opportunity to travel on the weekends to countries that I didn’t think I’d get to visit (at least, any time soon), and I was taking some of the most interesting classes I’ve had to date. Jumping forward a year later, I’m set to leave the US again, but for a slightly different reason.

Every single time I begin to think about how my life will change again in May is just baffling – but in the best way possible. I’ll be moving back to the UK, but instead of just being a university student – I’ll be working there as well. I honestly don’t think I’ve been this excited for a career move in my life. Not only do I get to be in a city I love, but I’ll be working in a field that really ignites my creative passion, which is one of the biggest dreams that I hope I’ll be able to live throughout my entire career.

Living in London presents so many opportunities and so many new experiences that I can’t wait to be able to share. Just now I can imagine being back at some of my favourite little coffee shops typing away and enjoying a latte, or to be sat in the Kensington Gardens reading a book watching the outdoor sport going on all around. Let’s just say, I’ve really missed this city (and the people that I hold dear to my heart on this side of the Atlantic).

LOOKING FORWARD

Planning for the future can seem quite daunting, maybe even overwhelming at times. However, I think that there’s something exciting about making plans for the future. It creates excitement (at least in my case) for what’s to come, whether it’s a new project, job, maybe even a relationship – and it also allows for the expansion of interests and goals that you can set for yourself.

There’s much to say about looking forward to the future. It keeps one young at heart and thriving for the vitality that living each day comes with. The wonderful thing about the future is that even with plans, it can still be slightly unknown and unexplored. It is a constant adventure, with new challenges and rewards each day. The potential for the fullest life never evading your grasp. The future is within your reach, all that’s left is to take it upon yourself to find out what it holds for you. It may not be exactly what you expected, but I think, that just may be the beauty of it all.

I’d love to hear about your plans for the future, or what excites you about making new plans – maybe it’s a career change or some incredible upcoming travel plans. Let me know in the comments below! Until next, xoxo.

Today’s Outfit

Denim by White House Black Market

Graphic T-Shirt (old, similar linked)

Blazer (old, similar linked) by White House Black Market

Boots from Nordstrom (Marc Fisher LTD)

Sunglasses by Ray Ban

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