As you may have noticed, I haven't been writing as much as I used to on this blog. I used to have this idea in my mind that I needed to update every 3 days to keep people's interest, but I realize now that by doing so I wasn't making content I was proud of. I realize that it should be less about the volume of the content that I produce and more about the quality of what I put out there.
For a short period of time, my priorities were in the wrong order: I cared more about the number of page views I was getting rather than whether or not a post really meant something to me. My original purpose of this blog was to document my life and study abroad, and I want to stay with that theme because I feel that's being true to myself. My goal for the rest of this year is to place less pressure on myself and create blog posts that I would want to read 5, 10 years down the line.
With this in mind, I'm finally making a post about what's been going on in my life recently, along with some camera shots that I've taken with my new camera.
New Camera
About a month ago I purchased the Sony A5000 again after my old one sadly broke. If you are just getting into photography, blogging or vlogging I definitely recommend this camera for you. It doesn't break the bank as it only comes in at around $250. I've found that the audio and video quality are incredible, and I haven't had any issues! I'll admit it, it was my own fault the camera broke. I'm trying to be more gentle with this one!
Since getting my camera I've focused more on actually taking photos instead of uploading them. I've been taking more photos that I keep to myself instead of posting on social media platforms. I've been trying to do some more experimental photography and I've also been working on photography in the realm of documenting my everyday life.
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| Being wacky with Charis |
Social Media Cleanse
'Cleanse' is a super trendy word these days but I feel like that's exactly what I've done recently. About a month ago I decided to delete my Snapchat account. I noticed that I was never using it and that it just kind of sat there on my phone taking up space, so I decided to end it all and finally delete it. If I'm being totally honest, sometimes I forget that Snapchat even exists. These days a lot of other social media platforms have the element of a "story" to them so I don't find myself missing Snapchat.
After my 'cleansing' member of deleting Snapchat, I decided to dive right into a full social media cleanse, in which I've stayed away from platforms like Facebook or Twitter. I found that these platforms didn't contribute positively to my life and instead promoted me consuming pointless media whenever I had a free moment.
I found that my time on Instagram was usually spent wishing that I had certain things or looked a certain way. In the end, I chose to keep these platforms because they help me connect with others and promote my blog but I've been learning how to use them in a healthier way.
I no longer spend time watching people's "stories". I no longer send a tweet unless I feel like it's something that I feel is important to share. I'm actively trying to be mindful of my actions, which means I need to be mindful of my blogging as well. I'll never be the type of person that posts on their Instagram story every day. I won't be the person that posts a Facebook status or checks in somewhere when I go out.
I'm not saying that type of person is wrong in any way (you do you!), but I know that's just not how I want to use my social media.
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| I posted these two pretty shots of Coraline! |
A New Job
Another big reason as to why haven't been blogging as much as I used to is because I'm focusing on my new job. I started working with a new company called TAL (VIPX, Le Waijiao, etc) about 15 days ago. I have to say it's one of the most intense interview experiences I've ever had, all in all, lasting about a week including training sessions.
The job is more intense than my older teaching position but I'm realizing now that that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Through this job, I'm learning that your attitude and motivation towards something can entirely change your perspective of how daunting a task may be. The first week I started working I had my mind made up that this job was way too stressful, but after sticking out a little longer I realize that my happiness in this position is entirely how I view it, so I'm working to adopt a more positive attitude to make work more fun!
A New Experience
Very recently, I started adventuring alone.
Now anyone that knows me knows that I'm a huge extrovert! I'm not the type of person who enjoys doing social activities by myself, but I had a passing thought that I really wanted to branch out and explore where I live, New York.
So: here's my big moment. About 2 weeks ago I went into the city alone for the first time. I've traveled to New York City dozens of times before, but this was the first time that I was going to New York City totally alone. I know, this may sound ridiculous because I'm 20 years old doing something alone for the first time, but this was a really big step for me!
I went to a Japanese conversation meetup and met a lot of great people. I had such a great experience that I decided to do the same thing the next week!
I had a mindful moment while I was in the city last Friday. It was about 10 pm and I looked up to the sky as I was walking through the city streets. I saw the lights all around me and had this thought floating around in my mind. I thought "I feel so free right now". At that moment, this overwhelming feeling of happiness, self-assurance, and gratefulness just washed over me. I felt so lucky to be myself. I felt so happy just to be me.
My Sister
My beautiful sister turned 18 this month and graduated high school. We were practicing some makeup looks for prom and I snapped this beautiful picture of her. This has got to be my favorite shot from this month. Happy 18th to the best sister I could have asked for.
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| Makeup practicing for Prom |
That's all to share for now. I hope you have a beautiful day!
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