Something old, something new

About a month ago, I signed up for a sewing class. I didn't fit in at first, but then someone withdrew from that class and I got their spot! So yesterday I headed for my first session, eager to catch up.

I had already decided to make a fall coat and I had a vague idea in my head. The teacher encouraged me to go through the sewing magazines they had there for patterns—and I found a coat that had the same shape as the one I had envisioned. So this time, I am actually going to use patterns (with some alterations, though)!

At the moment, I don't even have the fabrics for the coat. I am planning to go and look for nice ones tomorrow. However, as this project progresses, I will post some photos here! Until then, we'll have to make do with other photos, like this skirt that I made a loooong time ago:

Lessons to learn

I was watching tv today when I spotted this quote:

"This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I look at everything as a lesson, or because I don't want to walk around angry, or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go."
(JJ, Criminal Minds)

It really struck a chord with me. I need to learn to think like that. I'm on my way but not there yet.

I have my faults and I'm not afraid to admit it: sometimes I do things that are not right, sometimes I get hurt, and sometimes I'm weak. However, all of this doesn't make me a bad person. On the contrary, I believe that being able to recognize and admit your weakness is a strength. I believe that reaching out to the world and asking for help when you just can't make it alone does not make you a loser—it is an act of bravery instead. Why? Because it sends the message that when you are at your most vulnerable, you are not afraid to show it to get some support.

I guess I'm trying to say that even though I still have many lessons to learn about life, I know I'll get through it because I know how to ask for help. And today, after an inspiring recruitment event, I finally felt like my old self again. That was amazing.

So everyone out there, reach out when you feel like the world is collapsing—you'll be surprised how many people there are to pick up the pieces.

Living in the moment, part 2

I feel the need to clarify my earlier point about living in the moment. I wrote about enjoying life and doing what feels good. However, living in the moment does not equal instant gratification only.

Sure, enjoying the small things that life has to offer is important.  But living in the moment, truly living and being happy, means having goals in your life that are so important to you that you are willing to sacrifice some of your right-now happiness for the more permanent type. And if you have your priorities right, the work you put into your future happiness is most likely going to make you feel good right now. 

So my earlier posting was not about slacking off—my purpose was to point out the importance of doing things that you truly value. Sometimes these things don’t come easy and require some work, but we all know it is worth it in the end.