Tuesday we looked back on September, today we look forward to what October will bring! For me, this means trying to enjoy the changing colours and the run-up to Halloween, while working six days most weeks. It’s only a temporary arrangement while my job as a research assistant overlaps with my new role as a PhD student. Nevertheless, scheduling in some fun bits is going to be key for me to hang on to what’s left of my sanity! 🎃👻☕
Last week one of my “upper-classmates”, was talking about the online courses she’s taking – on a topic slightly removed from her PhD. What she was saying about the microbiome was unfamiliar to me; one thing she said however did resonate strongly. She treats her online learning as a hobby. Despite it seeming like quite heavy material, she gets excited about it and wants to learn more!
This, along with a great podcast episode, was very helpful to me. I’m reframing two of the things I want to commit more time to – blogging and drawing – as fun creative outlets. Just that change of perspective makes me find more time for them and look forward to that time.
A pleasant change I made last month was transferring my workday “miracle morning” from the lounge to the office. I put a blanket there and created a cozy little space where I can snuggle while I read. It’s a lovely way to start a day of work when I’m not on campus. However, despite a few changes we’ve made to the layout of the room, our office remains quite cluttered. Seeing the mess stresses me out – in what should be my magic haven of research. That’s why this month I’m challenging myself to document that room’s transformation into a pretty and productive space.
Personal goals
📝 Send new research proposal to supervisors. I wrote my initial proposal when I was applying for PhDs earlier this year. It’s high time to re-explore what I had in mind for the next three years. Reading Development Theory and Practice alone has given me a new critical perspective on my initial ideas.
✏️ Draw for ten hours. Children seem to love to draw, but somewhere in the transition to adulthood self-doubt creeps in and we put our pencils down. Well I’m picking them back up this autumn! There’s a few projects on my list that involve a combination of entrepreneurial and creative skills. Committing time to (re)learn to draw will undoubtedly get my juices flowing!
💻 Publish ten blog posts. Another thing I want to commit to is this blog. I have quite a few things I want to share with the world this upcoming month!
On the blog
It’s never been a better time to subscribe to blog! I will indeed be publishing the following posts:
⌨️ A series on becoming a blogger: 1) Creating your website, 2) Developing blogging habits, 3) Doing the research and creating your editorial calendar, 4) Blog post workflow
🏖️ A guide to making the most of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – part two (part one available here)
🍽️ Easy plant-based meals: three vegan lunch recipes (breakfast recipes available here)
🌱 Introduction to permaculture: where to find out how to best grow your own food
💐 Our office transformation: pictures and (possible) productivity gains
I’ll link to the posts when they come out, but if you want to make sure you get them – if you’re curious about becoming a blogger for instance – do make sure you subscribe to my newsletter to get all the posts as they come out.
Action points
🎨 Get excited about an old or new hobby. Treat it as fun time you are taking for yourself and feel more grateful for it!
🍂 Make time for some October-themed fun. Go alone or with a friend for a walk amongst the changing leaves – bonus points for wellies. Slow down a little and smell the pumpkin-spiced latte!
📬 Subscribe to receive October’s bounty of blog posts! Just pop your email in the box above on the right for some goodness in your inbox.
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