Mid-Year Mood Board

We’re halfway through the year which means it’s time to take a look at my mid-year mood board! 

A mood board consists of text and images to visually communicate an idea, feeling or concept- if you watch Interior Design Challenge you'll know that they're often used by interior designers to help a client envision a project or style. Personally I like mood boards because you make them look as aesthetic as you like and I use them to visualise my ambitions for the future. I've found that since purchasing my iPad my love for a mood board has grown being able to produce a digital version using Procreate and Pinterest, the process is so relaxing and satisfying. I switch up the aesthetic and colour theme depending on what I'm into whether that's neutrals, 90s, or florals and they're only a few ideas. My mid-year mood board has a pink theme with positive quotes and images- giving good vibes and looking cute. 

Graduating university 

 It’s official, I’ve completed my Film Studies degree and I'm super proud of myself! Working and studying from home during such a crucial time was challenging, but it's done and now all I have to do is wait for the grades to be released. 

Begin a masters degree 

In 'My Goals For 2021' I mentioned that I'd like to apply for a master's course which I have and, as long as I get the required grades, I'll begin studying journalism in a few months. 

 

Create a podcast

Between finishing my degree, my part-time job, and keeping up with my social life my podcast hasn't progressed. However, after a short break I'm working on it again; there's a lot of research, films to be watched and specific features to be finalised. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to share it by the end of the year. 

Go on holiday

I won't be going abroad this year, but I do love a little staycation! I was lucky enough to have a gorgeous week away in the Lake District at the end of May; there's so many places to explore there with lots to do, it was super relaxing and just lovely to get away. Next up is a mini spa break in August, I've never been to a spa before but I know it's going to be dreamy. 

Start driving again 

For this things are moving in the right direction! Driving lessons and tests give me a little anxiety, but I know that passing my driving test is something I want and may need in the future. My theory test is booked, I'm feeling positive and hope that with some lessons I'll finally be able to pass my driving test. 

Positive mindset 

Your finally year of university is no joke, it drained me completely! Personally, I struggle with believing in myself and my work which causes a negative mindset. It's something I'd like to improve especially as I go on to do a masters degree. 

 

Concert

If the pandemic hadn't of happened I'd have been to six concerts last year alone. There's nothing better than live music! I'd give anything to experience the atmosphere and exhilaration of the lights going down, the crowd screaming, and the artist appearing. Honestly, I'm desperate to be at a concert even for the post-concert blues. None of my concerts have been rescheduled yet, but I've got tickets for Neighbourhood Weekender in September which is going to be epic!

There you have it, my mid-year mood board. Do you make mood boards or prefer writing down your aspirations, maybe you have a unique way of noting them down? Let me know in the comments below.

My Goals For 2021

 

 

Happy 2021!

For me a new year means new goals, I’m already feeling motivated and hopeful that 2021 will be better for everyone. Although we’ve had a little setback (we’re in a nationwide lockdown here in England) I’m looking for the positives- staying home means I can focus on my writing, my final semester of university, and save some money after Christmas. 

 

I know New Year’s resolutions are popular with a lot of people, but they’ve never been the one for me. Personally, I prefer to set myself goals for the year as something I can envision, aspire to and work towards. I hope sharing my goals with you will be helpful or even inspire you when setting your own. 

 

Graduate university

 

I’m about to start my final semester of university which is both super exciting and scary. Honestly, I’m still in disbelief that this is it because it’s gone over so fast. Thankful to past me who chose to do coursework and exams over a dissertation, I don’t think I could hack it (especially with the lack of support for students and working from home) and I know that I’m lucky my university gives us an option. I always doubt myself, but I know that I can do it and can’t wait to start my new modules. 

 

Apply for a place on a masters course

 

For those of you who don’t know, I study film at university and adore it! In the future I would love to be able to write about film and talk about it on my own radio show. With the pandemic I wasn’t sure what my best option would be after graduating and then I stumbled on a course, in a university here in Liverpool, that sparked my interest. It’s in written and radio journalism with practical training too, I think it’s the one for me and would benefit me enormously. I’ll be starting the application process in March, so keep your fingers crossed for me.  

 

Focus on my writing

 

I published my first post of the year a few weeks ago which I’ll link here. A few months ago, I realised that I’d come to miss writing and wanted to start blogging again. I’m almost a month in and don’t regret it despite sometimes struggling to come up with content and finding a balance. In 2021 I’m making a conscious effort to be consistent and grow my following as best I can, let’s see what this year brings for The Direct Discussion. 

 

Start a podcast

 

I mentioned radio before and along the same lines as that I’d love to start my own podcast. It’s been in the works for a few months, I’ve got the subject and even planned out a first series, and now I need to bite the bullet and just go for it! 

 

Continue to exercise and eat healthy

 

After starting university again last September I was in a slump, I couldn’t concentrate and wasn’t paying attention. Then I decided to start power walking / running every morning, I get up around half seven and going out rain or shine. I can’t even begin to describe how much it helped me, I find it such a great way to start the day and boosts my mood so much. At the same time, I started making healthier choices when it came to food- I’ve switched to oat milk, reduced my meat intake, made a conscious effort to eat more fruit and veg, and drink two litres of water a day. A few months down the line I feel so much better for it and definitely want to continue this year.

 

Read (at least) one book a month

 

There’s nothing better than getting cosy with cup of tea and a good book is there? Reading has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember, but I never seem to make enough time for it. I’m on my second book of the year so I’m already off to a good start. Even if I read for thirty minutes a day to begin with then I’ve formed a habit. I’ve got several books that I’m desperate to read (which I’ll share with you soon) and they’re motivating me. I think to have read twelve books by the end of the year is totally achievable, let’s do it!

 

Pass my driving test

 

Now this one has been a goal for a hot minute! Where do I start? I don’t even want to know how many driving lessons I’ve had, but unfortunately, I can’t seem to pass a driving test. The pressure and anxiety eat me up every time. After my last driving test almost two years ago I couldn’t face it and my theory test ran out that same week. Although I’m dreading it, I want to pick everything up again because I know that I’ll regret it in the future if I don’t. Like anything I’m confident I can finally pass if I put my mind to it! Pandemic permitting let’s hope this is the year for me. 

 

 

There you have my goals for the coming year, I hope you enjoyed this post! I can’t wait to see what I accomplish and hope that sharing these has inspired you in some way. As I mentioned I have a lot of motivation and determination to make this year better than the last! Things are absolutely mental at the moment, but we’ve got to power through. 

 

What are your goals for 2021? Please do comment below and share because I’d absolutely love to hear what you’re aiming for!

A Fresh Start

Hello!

Finally, I’m ready to start writing for my blog again after an extended / unintentional break. 

I launched this blog over two years ago with a lot of ambition and SO many ideas- some of which are still very real. A month or two later I began university and quickly realised I was in over my head. I struggled with balance and ultimately had to prioritise my studies. At the time neglecting my blog frustrated me but in hindsight, it was the best decision I could’ve made. 

Where am I now? Well, I’m in my final year of university and absolutely loving it. The work load is totally intense, especially with working from home, but I feel more motivated than ever. As a third year student not too far away from graduating (hopefully) I began to panic a little about what I'm going to do afterwards. In all honestly, I'm pretty sure I've figured out what I'd like to do- my absolute dream would be to write about film and have my own radio show. In the mean time, I realised that I want and need somewhere to showcase my writing. I'd like this blog to be a portfolio of sorts and because of this I'll be focusing a lot more on film. Many of you may not know that I study film at university, it's something I've always loved and my interest only continues to grow. Anyway, to coincide with this, I decided it was time for a change. You may have noticed the new name and I’m super excited about it! 

Welcome to The Direct Discussion. 

I want this blog to be so much more than a portfolio. I'd absolutely love it to become a platform where I can engage with people who enjoy the content I produce and post. To build upon this I've started an Instagram @thedirectdiscussion where you can get to know me a little better and keep up with me, day-to-day.

You don't even know how happy I am to get back into the swing of things!  Believe me some cool things are on the way! Please do let me know what you'd like to see from me, I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my first post back.

Beck x

 

Friendsfest

Friends.

The iconic show that ran successfully for over a decade.

It's a right of passage, if you haven't watched Friends, who are you? How do you sleep at night not knowing that Joey doesn't share food, that Rachel is Ross's lobster or you haven't heard Janice say 'Oh. My. God.'

The show is still incredibly popular despite the final episode airing fourteen years ago. So, it's not surprise that Friendsfest has returned for a third year running. 

Friendsfest launched in 2015 and proved to be a huge hit with tickets selling out in minutes. It's the ultimate celebration of everybody's favourite show! This year it was back with brand new features that I was lucky enough to experience, including a full-scale version of Ross's apartment and the chance to recreate the Pivot! scene- voted the fan favourite moment.