It seems as though I pressed the ‘Reset’ button on my life a couple months ago. Ever since, I’ve been trying my hardest to find my goals, accomplish them and maintain them..all while keeping my head up and my sanity intact. I’ve been getting a lot of e-mails and comments asking what I’m all about, what I do, what my plans are for life..
Well..my name is Yumna, I’m about to say goodbye to my teenage years and say hello to the big 2-0. I graduate in December with my associates degree and have every intention to further my education..but only after I get a couple things crossed off my life’s to-do list. Now, that’s where I’m going to have to end this ‘about me’ and tell you that the purpose of this blog is to document my life, in photos and in words. So, I guess if you want to know more, you’ll just have to keep reading. Sorry! I can’t spoil the surprise!
I absolutely love to write, I’ve been documenting my life since the beginning of internet blogging (hello LiveJournal!) at around 12 years old. Ever since I graduated high school, I was stuck trying to figure out what it was I want to do for the rest of my life. I couldn’t imagine going straight into college and setting my foot down on one thing and actually being able to commit to it. I thank myself every day for making that decision to NOT go to college right after high school. I’ve experienced so much without the college life, and it’s helped me learn about myself and where I want to go. I could not tell you how many times I’ve changed my mind about my major and career path, and it really put me down! I was stuck! I had no idea what I wanted to do, and it was staring at me right in the face!! I’ve been documenting my life in photos and words for as long as I can remember. I’ve had such a huge passion for writing and expressing my views and opinions with others. Well…duh….JOURNALISM. HEY HI HELLO!
It’s taken a lot for me to get to this point, and I KNOW I’m not the only one who’s been in this situation. I guess this is an inspirational post of sorts. I wish I had someone explain and list these things out for me before so it would have been easier for me to get to this point..but I’ve learned time and time again that the easy way is usually never the right way. So, with that said..here we go..

-Sit down, take a deep breath and list everything. EVERYTHING. First, start with your priorities, then, your goals. Daily goals, weekly goals, monthly, and so on. Make an effort to keep these lists with you, whether it be on your cell phone, laptop, or post-it notes! Crossing each item off is one step away from that glorious feeling of actually getting things DONE. Start with the easier things, get them out of the way and then tackle the harder tasks. Once you’ve completed your day, week, or month’s list…REWARD YOURSELF. You deserve it!! I make multiple lists every single day, whether it’s in my school notes along with some doodles, or on a board that I keep on my desk to remind me of the things I need to do!

2-Find motivation. Exchange these lists with your best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, or family members. You’ll have more motivation to get things done, and before you know it, you’re not only impressing them, you’ll impress yourself! That’s the greatest motivation in the world. One of my favorite quotes by Thomas Edison states that “If we did all the things we were capable of doing, We would literally astound ourselves.” It’s true! After hitting rock bottom a while ago, I found a motivational partner to help me with all of this. Her name is Nato (amazing girl, check her out) and we’ve been motivating each other, making goals, exchanging to-do’s, etc. I couldn’t thank that girl enough! Having someone to take these baby steps with me has not only shed light on my capabilities, but hers as well!

3-Focus on yourself, and no one else. At the end of the day, YOU’RE living YOUR life. There is no reason to focus on other people’s problems, or judge others. Let them be, and do your own thing. Find what makes you happy and stick to it. Focusing on the negative (especially if it’s someone else’s negative) will get you absolutely no where. Sure, it might make you feel good for 5 minutes to laugh at someone else or gang up on their imperfections, but what are you accomplishing by doing that? Nothing! We’re all human, we all have imperfections. Fixing your own will make you feel 100x better than dwelling on others.

4-Get things done by doing things! “I used to be quite the late-night party girl. [Then] I started thinking of myself as an artist. I didn’t drink. I didn’t feel like wasting my time… I would rather be productive at home. These people who are always [going] out are the people not really doing anything.”-Santogold (thanks, Jazzi!) Wow, they couldn’t have said it any better. Going out is fun, don’t get me wrong, I love to get crazy and boogie every now and then, but not all the time! Unless you’re a promoter or a DJ, I don’t see the point of going out every single night. Partying is not the only way to network. Hello, it’s  2008!! With the internet, we’re all already connected! All YOU have to do is put one foot in front of the other and communicate. Get your word out, promote yourself, not your drinking ability. Starting a blog is probably one of the best things for someone who has something to say to get their word out, no matter how big or small it is. Self-expression is beautiful, and being capable of it is a great ability. Even if you don’t have a large audience to write for, being able to write helps you create a stronger connection with yourself, and that’s more important than blogging as a popularity contest. Contrary to a lot of the “original” bloggers out there, I think the fact that almost everyone has a blog now is a great thing! Go you! Do your thing!

5-Take advantage of every resource available to you. There’s always a place to apply yourself! Check Craigslist if you’re looking for any type of work!! It’s an amazing place to find people looking for people like YOU! Read your newspapers, find jobs in your area that apply to your interests! Don’t use a boring desk or retail job as a way to make money unless it’s your last resort. People everywhere are looking for entry-level skills in almost every profession. Sure, it might not pay loads, but there’s always room to grow and people to meet! You’ll be getting a feel for that specific environment at the same time, so, what’s there to lose?!

Get started! Find what you love and find a way to make it into your career. Life will throw many obstacles, but getting through them will prove your dedication and build you as a person. There’s so much to learn, and that’s the beauty of life. So, find what fuels you and let it expand your horizons, I promise you’ll be surprised!

xoxox