#SummerSays: May is for Maturity

It's ironic I have chosen Maturity for May. Mostly because I'm shortly turning 26 which hasn't been an easy one for me to digest but also as I often find myself torn between trying to act like the responsible adult I'm trying to be and fighting the urge to be that carefree child with not a care in the world. I can hear you saying the word balance, gotcha, but I'm still working on that one as I climb this never-ending ladder. 

I recently had a meeting in which I was told that sometimes missing skills are reached by hard work and others simply come with growing up. That same person told me last year that if one continuously runs around wasting their energy, giving it out to everyone instead of using it to improve themselves, one will not grow. Growing up has always been something that seemed scary to me. 

#SummerSays - March is for making choices

January is over. You moaned more than usual and set yourself rules that you've probably already broken - it's fine, you're human! Then February came and love was all around, except if you were single, so you ate all the chocolate you didn't eat in January, and that's also fine - totally acceptable!

Well, March is here and March is ace. Time Out's front page has changed to flowers and colours, people on the tube look a little less suicidal on a Monday, and daffodils are in full bloom, so we’ve practically nailed it, and what makes March undeniably special is that my blog is back - a bit more 'limited edition', but back to help you on your way up that ladder. From hereon in I’m doing a blog a month and each one will feature a cheeky bit of alliteration in the title to spur you through spring; sprint into summer; aim high in autumn and welcome in winter. March is for ‘making choices’ and life is about making decisions, so here are a few to start you off.

#SummerSays: Your personal bucket list for 2016

I can't quite believe I'm writing at the end of December. I'm not really sure how that happened, but time flies and all that. Throughout these blogs there has always been a title and a beginning, middle and end. This one's slightly different. Forgive me, but I suppose the purpose of this one is to simply share with you things I have learnt this year, and hope that you might be able to take some of it with you as you dive into 2016. It's for you to create your own ideas about what you've achieved this past year and what you dream of doing in the year ahead. 

There have been many things I've learnt this year, but for me these are the three I think worth sharing: 

Patience

Patience is a really important virtue to have, as I know from first-hand experience. I used to overuse the microwave, or rush to the end of a book, but I've realised it's good to know that taking small steps is great, because when you've walked enough, you'll have the experience and detail that you need. Good things take time, right? So maybe cut yourself a little slack and be patient with where you're at. Instead of counting the days, try to make each one count.

Perfection

#SummerSays: Finding Your Voice

Once upon a time in a land not so far away, as children we were told to listen and not speak unless spoken to. 

Now 2015 is upon us, Instagram has taken over the world, emails fly overseas and Twitter connects people on a daily basis. People filter everything they do and fill their Facebook timelines with what they believe to be important statuses and opinions.

I'm not saying social media is a bad thing; it's powerful and connecting. Maybe it helps people find their voice, however have you stopped to recognise when you last truly dug deep and raised yours when needed? Have you felt confident enough to speak up when it's right to and do you use it as often as you could?

If you knew me when I was younger you would have met someone fearless, confident, frenetic and loud, who was full to the brim with huge dreams. I’m still full of huge dreams and loud (at times), but I’m learning day by day that silence is also quite powerful and if you use your voice when it’s needed, rather than using it too often, then that is also powerful too. There’s no point running around wasting your magic energy and voice where it’s not necessary. Instead it needs to be channelled into things that need your time and focus.

#SummerSays: Taking Risks

Curious - defined in the dictionary as ‘eager to know or learn something’. Are you curious? Do you ask questions and, most importantly, are you prepared to take risks? We've all heard the saying, "life begins at the end of your comfort zone". Damn right!

I used to have a teacher at college who would constantly tell me to be bold and take risks. To be honest, I always knew what that meant and was aware that the people who did it always seemed to produce great work. It was actually doing it that was the problem. I've always been a fairly confident person and I'm pretty sure that doors will open to those who are bold enough to knock, but it's not always easy to put yourself in a place that isn't comfortable or tell yourself to be bold if you feel the opposite.

Earlier this year, I flew over to in New York, for an 8-week adventure to work on a Broadway show, which was undoubtedly the best experience of my life so far. Liaising with people in the industry I never imagined I would ever meet, having to use all of the attention to detail I've learnt climbing my ladder so far and, more than anything, having to step up, offer opinions and use my initiative to make choices and be bold. Suddenly, you're in a new environment in an incredible city and you have to remember that you're there to do a job and do it to the best of your ability.

Sometimes in a new situation it seems frightening and you might find yourself trying to dig out all information you’ve previously stored. Hey, you're only human, and if you didn't get the adrenalin rush that leaves your inner monologue telling you to calm down then you wouldn't gain anything from the experience. Plus, frenetic isn't good in a professional environment. Calmness and good listening are the ones. Dig those out, they'll help you big time - I learnt that in the first week.

#SummerSays: Do You Want To Earn A Million?

Just kidding, although I thought that title would draw you in - I understand, it would have done the same to me, BUT have you considered the possibility of becoming your own ‘Big Deal’? Or maybe thought about what things you might need to help you climb your ladder? I think I might be able to give a couple of ideas on how we can potentially make this happen. Let's give it a go, and if you end up broke... don't blame me. 

My boss once told me "The person who has time to do 10 things in a day, always has time to do 11, but the person who has nothing to do, never has time to do anything". He told me of a story at school - when asked by the teacher who could read a book and report something back to the class, it was him that put his hand up, despite running a school production alongside five A Levels. If something’s worth doing, then it's worth doing well, so maybe if you can be the person who manages your time that’s a good start.

#SummerSays: Making Your Number One

"The harder the climb, the sweeter the success". One of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given. Cheers mum! Thanks for reminding me that when it feels really difficult and I'm contemplating emigrating to a Thai yoga retreat, it's then that your determination and ambition matter the most. 

This week I am reminding you to simply like yourself. Asking you to put yourself first and remind yourself of why you ever wanted to be where you are in the first place. 

I've changed a lot this year. I've found a voice for all the thoughts inside my brain, learning to speak up when I need to and when to stand my ground and put myself first. I'm realising that you can live your life however you want to, because it's yours and nobody has the right to make you feel guilty about the way you live it. A couple of people have made me feel doubtful about wanting success; have told me it's a bad thing and that if you want it too much then you’ll end up unhappy. I'm sure that in certain cases there is truth in this, but actually there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be successful. 

#SummerSays: Don't Forget To Play

When I was little, my parents’ nickname for me was ‘Duracell Bunny’. Too much energy, too much excitement, too much talking, not enough listening. 

To be fair, I’m still working on that one, but what I've come to realise, is that it's quite difficult to change who you are. It’s also something that you shouldn't have to do; if you're full of magic energy and like to be a busy bee - wonderful. Just make sure that whilst buzzing around being busy, you don't forget to play.

We all know that life is all about balance. About dancing in heels all night on a Saturday and being barefoot with some OJ on a Sunday. It's something we often get reminded of, but sometimes we forget how important it is to remind ourselves of how well things are going and realise it's alright to have some play time. Sometimes now, working six days a week, by the time Sunday arrives I feel like I've run out of batteries. That's when I'll write in my diary and plan the play time for the following week. 

#SummerSays: Knowing Your Worth

How many times have you done something because you've felt you had to? How often have you been in a situation where all you long for is to be at home with your own comforts and your Mac? I've had many of those times, playing far too much of the yes game, when I should have stuck to my gut instinct and remembered that it's invariably right.

Remembering your worth is not about being a big deal, or thinking that your time is more special than others. It's about carefully nurturing yourself and having confidence in the knowledge that you are capable of great things. You have to know that you are good enough and worth it, as once you master belief in yourself, nobody can steal that love from you. It’s not pride, it’s self-respect. You cannot expect to see exciting changes or progression if you surround yourself with negativity and worry, so don’t give part-time people or things a full-time position in your life.

#SummerSays: Playing the Yes Game

'YES' - what a funny word! A word that ultimately decides what we do and where we go in everyday life. Ever heard of the yes game? Ever played the yes game? 

I now spend more time in my life attempting to say no, which is always harder than it sounds when you want to see and do everything possible that's happening in London (especially if Tuesday Timeout is your weekly bible, as it is mine).

People often say, the older you get the easier it becomes to say no, along with the idea that you're far more likely to do exactly what you want to, regardless of what people think. I guess that is one of the bonuses of growing up. I’m still working this one out as I go, aiming for that perfect balance that we all strive to achieve.

#SummerSays: Finding your Big Deal

Rosalie Craig

‘BIG DEAL’ - a term I call my boss when I can sense his mood and know in that exact moment I am able to get away with it. 

In life, I am pretty sure it is vital for everyone to have something and someone who inspires them. If you are reading this, then you probably already have a passion for something, and possess many creative colours that you must hold onto forever. 

At college, my best friend and I would spend hours talking about incredible performers like Rosalie Craig who would come in and sing to us and somehow make sense of even the trickiest Sondheim. Then there were the teachers who lit a fire in your belly which you never knew existed. Those are the people that get your creative colours flowing; the people that at that time inspire you. Then before you know it, you have left college and you are on your own ready to start again; using all your inner strength to get yourself to where you want to be. If you are anything like me, you will want to be finished and successful as soon as possible, but it is worth reminding yourself that your patience and tenacity will be fully worth it in the end. It is having somebody who can be part of the chapters in your book; who can provide you with the skills needed to progress you to the top of your ladder.

#SummerSays: Calling Café Nero!

It's your first week as an intern. You're getting up every morning ready to take on the world of musical theatre, film and television. You've brushed up on all knowledge, researched so much you've stalked a casting directors dog on twitter and have your notebook and pen as your BBF.

Suddenly, you're surrounded by stacks of filing, pieces of paper and envelopes. You've been looking forwards to fielding exhilarating phone calls, yet you've been sat franking, stamping, told you're in charge of the filing cabinet and then comes the pinnacle - The coffee run...