I find that if I don't have a focus (even it's just telling myself to be present and enjoy the book I'm reading) I flail. I used to tell myself I "should" just be able to relax but my brain doesn't work that way. Once I accepted, everything felt so much easier.
"The other day, though, I managed to get myself out for a walk. I was feeling pretty proud…until I caught myself thinking, “I should really aim for 8,000 steps today.” - This is meeee! 😅 It's one of the reasons that my tiny ideas turn into giants as I peer into the future and start pondering, haha.
I've always known that I did things a bit differently, but over the years of designing a creative life for myself, I managed to create a pretty box where I could let my uniqueness live alongside the shoulds. This box got broken down these last 2-3 years and this is the second biggest pivot in my life so far. My biggest learning curve at the moment is letting go completely of what I think an artist should do online and in her daily life and that it's okay to embrace all facets of self instead of compartilizing to fit the boxes society throws at us. With this I often get caught in figuring out the best way to go about this pivot.
During my IG quest I had a brief moment where I felt that I had to reopen my second IG for my lifestyle posts and rambles about food in my stories. I felt a bit too much with what I did and that I could confuse my audience. I quickly realized that unless I have a clear intention to reopen it aka it would support a goal or a new venture, one account is more than enough. So I've been returning to my "why" a lot lately and I have to have a sticky note nearby as I'm still a bit too easily influenced by what I see online 😅 I have to trust that I am the niche and that what I share is enough. 🥰 xx
Aww thank you! 🤗 And yesss, Youtube has been on my mind for a while, but didn’t start yet as I had to work through some other shifts first. It was one of the ideas that got a bit too big when it first entered my world, haha. But I do feel a lot clearer about what I want to do with little videos and projects, so will give it a go soon! I did prep my channel already, so that’s a start, haha.
Love this post! The Should Committee in my head likes to make their voices heard, and I'm so tired of it! I "should" write tonight even though I'm exhausted...I "should" go on a walk even though if I do, I'll end up in a flare and be in bed for a week...those are the mini "shoulds" I deal with. I'm working on pivoting with those.
But I'm pivoting in another way, a bigger way - moving halfway across the country from Nebraska to Virginia. No, it's not for a job or for a relationship or for anything like that...but because I've always wanted to live in a place rich with the history that I love. And as I'll be 50 next year, I thought, "If not now, when?" I've lived in Nebraska my entire life - and around my family. We're pretty close-knit so this is going to be an adjustment...but if I don't try, I'll never know. What I DO know is that I cannot continue on the path I'm on...living where I do, existing, but not really LIVING.
The Should Committee often doesn't make sense and should be dismissed! hahah
Thank you for sharing your pivot! l am definitely going to follow your journey, because I feel a move in the near future. (I'm about a year or two behind you xx).
Thank you! I’m so excited…but yes, definitely scared. My apartment is a mess with all the boxes everywhere…and I’ll just put up a small table top tree for Christmas instead of decorating the whole apartment which I usually do…and that makes me sad. BUT. I’m focusing on a new future!
I’m sure there are going to be a lot of changes that are going to tinged with a little sadness…leaving friends and fav hang outs. That’s what makes change so difficult. Hugs xx
Thank you for the shoutout ❤️. I feel like my entire career is one pivot after another, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a sign that I'm following my curiosity and committed to never being stagnant!
I’ve really enjoyed following your journey. Especially because you ended up doing what a lot of people online have strived to do, make a living online, but you stepped away from it and carving your new normal. super fascinating. Thanks for your transparency and I always love your casual chitty chats at the end. ☺️
I think I need to ask this question to myself more often. Sometimes we don't realise that most of our decisions are influenced by societal norms in some way or the other. Not many people have the courage to pivot, but I believe that we should if it leads us to a more satisfied version of ourself. Such a lovely reminder !💕
Oh, those pesky "shoulds"! I've definitely fallen into that trap before, setting unrealistic expectations for myself and then feeling like a failure when I couldn't keep up. It's so important to remember that we're all on our own unique journeys. Thanks for the reminder to let go of those "shoulds" and embrace the freedom to simply be ourselves.
Thanks for this, Mika! What a beautiful read. "Who says?" is such a lovely mantra. That one will stick with me for awhile. Thanks for sharing my note, too—I appreciate that more than I can say! 💛
I really love this most. I stopped 'shoulding' myself a while back and instead praise myself for all I've done. Or if I catch myself not drinking enough water on a given day instead of getting down on myself for not being perfect, instead I just work on catching up on my water intake for the rest of my day. I do that over and over again for many different things.
We can get down on ourselves to so many things. Even things like “8 cups of water” a day or two what we eat or how much time we dedicate to writing etc.
I love how you give yourself grace and are kind to yourself.
I’m feeling that drive to ‘pivot’ now and agonising over handing in my notice. It’s a ten hour job that earns less than half of what I need to live each month - but I am attached to the charity as a member too. Also my savings are depleting and if I don’t do this now and give myself a realistic time to set up as a freelance then I may be stuck. I have to give 1 months notice so to start the new year fresh I have until the end of this month. I think I know it’s the right move - but it’s scary!
I find that if I don't have a focus (even it's just telling myself to be present and enjoy the book I'm reading) I flail. I used to tell myself I "should" just be able to relax but my brain doesn't work that way. Once I accepted, everything felt so much easier.
Acceptance is so key isn’t it? I’m so glad you gave yourself grace. 💕
"The other day, though, I managed to get myself out for a walk. I was feeling pretty proud…until I caught myself thinking, “I should really aim for 8,000 steps today.” - This is meeee! 😅 It's one of the reasons that my tiny ideas turn into giants as I peer into the future and start pondering, haha.
I've always known that I did things a bit differently, but over the years of designing a creative life for myself, I managed to create a pretty box where I could let my uniqueness live alongside the shoulds. This box got broken down these last 2-3 years and this is the second biggest pivot in my life so far. My biggest learning curve at the moment is letting go completely of what I think an artist should do online and in her daily life and that it's okay to embrace all facets of self instead of compartilizing to fit the boxes society throws at us. With this I often get caught in figuring out the best way to go about this pivot.
During my IG quest I had a brief moment where I felt that I had to reopen my second IG for my lifestyle posts and rambles about food in my stories. I felt a bit too much with what I did and that I could confuse my audience. I quickly realized that unless I have a clear intention to reopen it aka it would support a goal or a new venture, one account is more than enough. So I've been returning to my "why" a lot lately and I have to have a sticky note nearby as I'm still a bit too easily influenced by what I see online 😅 I have to trust that I am the niche and that what I share is enough. 🥰 xx
I love hearing about your journey 💕💕
Would you ever do YouTube?
Also, some of my fav artists are foodies:
https://www.instagram.com/juliannedoodles?igsh=MTdnZnd1N2k4ZmUzZA==
https://www.instagram.com/caitshouse?igsh=MWN4am5rdHJiOWJhNA==
☺️
Aww thank you! 🤗 And yesss, Youtube has been on my mind for a while, but didn’t start yet as I had to work through some other shifts first. It was one of the ideas that got a bit too big when it first entered my world, haha. But I do feel a lot clearer about what I want to do with little videos and projects, so will give it a go soon! I did prep my channel already, so that’s a start, haha.
Thank you! I will browse their feeds asap! 💜
Love this post! The Should Committee in my head likes to make their voices heard, and I'm so tired of it! I "should" write tonight even though I'm exhausted...I "should" go on a walk even though if I do, I'll end up in a flare and be in bed for a week...those are the mini "shoulds" I deal with. I'm working on pivoting with those.
But I'm pivoting in another way, a bigger way - moving halfway across the country from Nebraska to Virginia. No, it's not for a job or for a relationship or for anything like that...but because I've always wanted to live in a place rich with the history that I love. And as I'll be 50 next year, I thought, "If not now, when?" I've lived in Nebraska my entire life - and around my family. We're pretty close-knit so this is going to be an adjustment...but if I don't try, I'll never know. What I DO know is that I cannot continue on the path I'm on...living where I do, existing, but not really LIVING.
The Should Committee often doesn't make sense and should be dismissed! hahah
Thank you for sharing your pivot! l am definitely going to follow your journey, because I feel a move in the near future. (I'm about a year or two behind you xx).
Thank you! I’m so excited…but yes, definitely scared. My apartment is a mess with all the boxes everywhere…and I’ll just put up a small table top tree for Christmas instead of decorating the whole apartment which I usually do…and that makes me sad. BUT. I’m focusing on a new future!
I’m sure there are going to be a lot of changes that are going to tinged with a little sadness…leaving friends and fav hang outs. That’s what makes change so difficult. Hugs xx
Thank you for the shoutout ❤️. I feel like my entire career is one pivot after another, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a sign that I'm following my curiosity and committed to never being stagnant!
I’ve really enjoyed following your journey. Especially because you ended up doing what a lot of people online have strived to do, make a living online, but you stepped away from it and carving your new normal. super fascinating. Thanks for your transparency and I always love your casual chitty chats at the end. ☺️
Thank-you for the love Mika! This made my heart explode like a violet firework. ✨ 😉 💜 ✨
Awwww, I’m so glad!!! 💕💕💕
Thank you for the encouragement, Mika! I am on a new journey as well, having just left the 8a-5p.
I'm excited to be right here embracing the unknown, observing and sharing the inspirations of our collective world <3
I would love to hear more about your decision to leave your job! Excited for new adventures ahead for you. 💕
"Who says?"
I think I need to ask this question to myself more often. Sometimes we don't realise that most of our decisions are influenced by societal norms in some way or the other. Not many people have the courage to pivot, but I believe that we should if it leads us to a more satisfied version of ourself. Such a lovely reminder !💕
💯! It does take bravery to step outside of societal norms and expectations from family (and ourselves).
I think you’ll really enjoy this, if you haven’t read it already: https://www.moremyself.xyz/p/goodwork?r=iv86x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
So true about the shoulds. Thanks for sharing!
You’re so welcome! I’m glad it was helpful. We need to throw out the shoulds! 😄
Oh, those pesky "shoulds"! I've definitely fallen into that trap before, setting unrealistic expectations for myself and then feeling like a failure when I couldn't keep up. It's so important to remember that we're all on our own unique journeys. Thanks for the reminder to let go of those "shoulds" and embrace the freedom to simply be ourselves.
It’s an easy trap to fall into and so freeing when we decide to let it go!
Here’s to our wings! 🪽
Thanks for this, Mika! What a beautiful read. "Who says?" is such a lovely mantra. That one will stick with me for awhile. Thanks for sharing my note, too—I appreciate that more than I can say! 💛
I loved the saying because it snaps me out of a trance of negativity. 👌☺️
I wake up everyday with a boat load of shoulds. This post makes me want to pivot to thinking I have enough, I am doing enough and I am enough.
I have my word for 2025 now…Pivot!
Great post!!
Woohoo! I feel the empowerment coming from your words. 2025 is going to be your year! 💕
Woohoo! I appreciate your encouragement and support! ❤️
Grrrrrllll my entire existence is one big pivot 🤣 Honestly, I should have called my newsletter PIVOTHOOD instead of Wildhood!
I was thinking of you and Alexa as I was writing it! So many brave pivots!
OMG, Mika, you're SO right! Who said that anyway? Permission to do your own thing, on your own timeline xo
Exactly! It’s kind of crazy when you catch yourself. Let’s be a better friend to ourselves and not a mean taskmaster. 💕
I really love this most. I stopped 'shoulding' myself a while back and instead praise myself for all I've done. Or if I catch myself not drinking enough water on a given day instead of getting down on myself for not being perfect, instead I just work on catching up on my water intake for the rest of my day. I do that over and over again for many different things.
We can get down on ourselves to so many things. Even things like “8 cups of water” a day or two what we eat or how much time we dedicate to writing etc.
I love how you give yourself grace and are kind to yourself.
Cheers to doing the other thing... cheering ourselves on instead!
I’m feeling that drive to ‘pivot’ now and agonising over handing in my notice. It’s a ten hour job that earns less than half of what I need to live each month - but I am attached to the charity as a member too. Also my savings are depleting and if I don’t do this now and give myself a realistic time to set up as a freelance then I may be stuck. I have to give 1 months notice so to start the new year fresh I have until the end of this month. I think I know it’s the right move - but it’s scary!
It is scary! I’ll be following along and cheering you on too!
Thanks Mika x
Good 🌹🌻🌸💐💚💛💜❤️🌼😍🥰
I’m glad you enjoyed it!