A new beginning

I celebrated my birthday week a couple weeks ago. And I prefer to start fresh around my birthday. But in the lead up to my birthday, there have been some changes that will definitely influence the rest of the year.

First, I started a new degree – BA Psychological Counselling. I had applied for it when things had started to stagnate at work and was sure I could handle 4 subjects because things at work weren’t that hectic and were pretty predictable. But, surprise! I got a new job. And although I can manage it all, it’s a bit of a stretch. But next semester I think I’ll be a bit more realistic.

Then on 1 February, I started a new job. And it’s awesome! After 7 years at the last company, it took moving to a completely different sector (still in Marketing) with completely different people to realise that although I learnt a lot there I have been missing out on how awesome it can actually be! So, for the past 2 months I have been smiling almost non-stop and it’s a great way to be!

It feels like my life is bipolar. Bipolar or manic depression is when a person experiences highs and lows that can vary in degrees of intensity and don’t usually last for more than a few months at a time and the sufferer doesn’t always know they’re going through it. It dawned on me the other day that that’s how I feel. I’ve come out of this ‘depression’ into a manic (happy) phase and only realised once I was out of the dark so to speak. I’m into an upswing now and loving it.

Once I found my feet, I realised that I didn’t miss the old job at all. It’s not that it was a terrible place to work, it was just very different and I had outgrown it. People have asked me if I have moments of regret for leaving. I suppose leaving a comfort zone after so long can be scary and you’re bound to want to go back to what you know and what’s easy. But it hasn’t happened. Maybe it’s because things are polar opposites. Or maybe it’s because it’s really one of the best decisions I have made and I can only look forward.

I now walk around feeling all sparkly and bubbly and happy. And it’s not just obvious to me. A lot of people have commented about what a different person I am. And it has carried through into other areas of my life. This may just be the honeymoon phase and there are sure to be challenges up ahead, but I am happy to just go with it and make the most of the new me.

But new job aside (and a good foundation for happiness), I have decided that this year I’m going to do more of what makes me happy. I have started getting rid of things and people that don’t add to it. I’m looking after me and doing what I need to do to make sure that it stays that way. If I find something I enjoy doing, I’m going to keep doing it, like cycling at Northern Farms, taking photos and spending time with people I enjoy.

I’m going to try and be type of person I’d like to have around. I figure that like attracts like, so if you want to be surrounded by awesome people, be awesome yourself!

So here’s to a year of love, light and happiness! And new exciting opportunities and developments!