#1

Hello there! 

I'm Laura, and this is my new blog. 

I've never done this before so please forgive me if it's awful, but I have always loved writing, and recently I've caught the blog/vlog bug. I quite fancy giving vlogging a go at some point, but I thought a blog would be the better place to start!  

When I sat down to write this post, I searched google for ideas on the perfect way to begin. Most websites recommended answering a list of questions about myself, so anyone reading this would 'get to know' me. Whilst I think it's a good idea and I have every intention of doing just that, I felt it would be better to start by explaining why I've suddenly (post-uni, and 22 years old with not much to show for it) decided to start my blog. 

Last night I had an epiphany. I've not been feeling myself for a while now and I finally think I know why. More importantly, I think I've worked out what to do about it! So simple, but it really was one of those earth-shattering moments. 

Glamour magazine, November 2014

It happened when I was reading Celia Walden's article on her interview with Keira Knightley, in Glamour magazine's November 2014 edition. Like so many others, I have always loved Keira, and have had a huge girl crush on her since Pirates of the Caribbean. So there I was reading what I thought was going to be a bog standard, run-of-the-mill interview, when I was hit by a sudden feeling that she and I weren't actually all that different. Believe me, I was just as disbelieving as you are now. 

Spread Pictures, Daily Mail Online

In the interview, conversation turns to Keira's feelings about turning 30, and to her recent marriage to James Righton. The following quotation was what really hit home for me: 

"I reached my peak of grown up behaviour at 20 and 21, and it's been downhill since then. I was terribly sensible as a teenager but I've got far less so as I've grown up, which has been a huge relief for everyone."

For the past few years, I have been feeling like such a serious bore. Like, so unbelievably boring you can't even begin to imagine - and I've taken a severe disliking to it. I was beginning to resign myself to the fact that I'll probably spend the rest of my life feeling this way, until I read this article. 

Largely, I put my sensibleness down to events since I turned 16. My parents split up when I was sitting my GCSE exams, so I grew up very quickly around that time and I don't think I've stopped feeling grown up since then. After my GCSEs, I studied the International Baccalaureate at a grammar school where the pressure to do well was very intense. I then went on to study law, which, although enjoyable is not the most exciting or a particularly relaxing degree. During this period, I've of course had some wonderful experiences and although I wouldn't change anything about the past, it's only now that I'm realising just how hectic it's all been, and how much I've neglected to enjoy other things in life. 

In November, I will be starting the next chapter of my life, and I absolutely can not wait! I have accepted a job as a Trainee Law Costs Draftsman at John M Hayes in Norwich, and I am super super excited to start. In light of this new beginning, I've come up with a couple of resolutions which I plan to stick by from now on. 

1. BE YOURSELF 

I've always worried about other people's opinions, and tried to conform to their standards, but I've decided that I won't be doing this anymore. If you don't like it? You know where to go! 

2. DRESS FOR YOURSELF

Such a cliche, but it's something I've struggled with in the past year or so. I'm sort of in a band, and I've developed a very clear idea of how I should look, which has spilled over into my everyday as I can't afford to buy clothes for two separate wardrobes. However, I've had a few moments of clarity recently, and am loving the tailored pieces on the high street at the moment. For my birthday, I selected a few key pieces which I received as presents and feel fantastic wearing them. 

3. SAY YES

I'm quite bad at this. But as it's a new start for me, I'm going to say yes to as many things and opportunities as possible and see where they take me! What's life without a little spontaneity, hey? 

4. BUDGET 

I've always been horrendous with money - as soon as my student loan was in the bank, I was in the city spending it and as a result, I spent most of my university years stuck in my overdraft. I'm now in a relationship, and my boyfriend is amazing with money - I'm so jealous of his savings! When I start working full-time, I'm hoping that I'll soon see the £ signs stacking up in my bank account so that we can buy ourselves a little house next year!!! 

So there it is, my debut blog post over! If you're reading this and have any questions, please leave a comment - I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Finally, thank you Glamour magazine, you have a lot to answer for!