Self sufficiency



This week, at the jumble sale I picked up a little trinket  and then promptly forgot about it. It's a little beach hut with a hook that was (once) attached, perfect for hanging up my dressing gown (oh the glamourous lives of fashion bloggers!)  I was determined to fix it and so I  pulled out probably the most functional thing I own; a pink flowery hammer whose handle unscrews to reveal a wealth of screwdrivers. This bad boy was bought for me a long time ago by my friend Mike. Whilst it may look 'girly' and even ineffectual, this little baby has proven its worth many times over. A little bit of ribbon and a few drawing pins later et voila! one hook ready to use :)



Whilst I'm sure that you are enjoying my exceedingly dull exciting D.I.Y adventure, this little project  got me thinking. How often do I pass over things that I could do because it would be easier to not add another little project to my growing workload? I am able to do these things and yet I let someone else do them or let them pass me by all together. I may not be able to wrestle a bear (yet) but I am more than capable of taking care of myself and I think I forget this sometimes. It's easy to hide behind my gender or my relationships with others but I am defined by more than just my chromosomes or who my partner or friends are. 

Yes, I'm THAT cool...
Whilst this is very rambly, I guess I am trying to say that the past few years have helped shape me and to find out exactly who Maria is. I don't know everything yet but I know she likes bright colours, nice clothes, good food and a cheeky cocktail (or two!) with friends. Blogging has inevitably been a part of this; the blogosphere has always been full of support and love [cue violins] and I have made some amazing friends. I think I have realised though that I CAN do things which I never thought possible and that it's even OK to worry, but that at the end of the day it's better to try surely? I could trot out even more clichés at this point (if you at first don't succeed... etc. etc.) but you aren't stupid and nor am I. I can survive anything that is thrown at me and what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger, right? (Sorry, I couldn't resist! :P) 


I have always thought that I was worried about being alone but I think it was actually worry about being left behind. I am fiercely competitive and whilst this can be a problem, I maintain that having a 'killer instinct' is a useful life tool (it's definitely NOT  just about "taking part"when playing board games!) As I get older though, I realise that it's better to be happy, whether alone or with other people.  I love my friends and family but I am able to be self-sufficient too which gives me a LOT more confidence as I prepare to enter the big bad world post university. 

Do you feel more confident as you get older? What's your biggest fear? 

10 comments

Danni said...

You're so right, I think Uni's taught us a lot! But er....we don't HAVE to grow up yet do we? x

Maria Fallon said...

Danni- Grow up?! I don't EVER plan to do that! :)

Maria xxx

daisychain said...

Beach house thing = amazing

You = amazing.

Win win x

Maria Fallon said...

Laura- Thank you love :)

Maria xxx

Anonymous said...

This is a really cute post. I think I've come a long way in these past few years too! X

Sherin said...

Hehe, well done on te DIY! The hammer/screwdriver looks not only cute, but useful as well. Defintiely one for all the fashion bloggers! Girl power! (I once fixed a small table).

Unknown said...

This post is awesome, I love it!

I definitely feel that I've grown a lot as I've grown up. I think blogging has been a massive part of that, it's given me so much confidence and taught me such a lot about myself.

Maria Fallon said...

Lil- Thank you :) I know! It's brilliant though :)

Sherin- Thank you :) I know, check out my DIY skillz :P I am impressed, I've not yet graduated to actual DIY :)

Harriet- Thank you :) I think blogging is a MAJOR part of that (along with uni)

Maria xxx

Unknown said...

I think you've hit the nail on the head (with your awesome hammer) in saying that you CAN do more than your realise. I think this is true for everyone and I'm beginning to learn about myself as well (and you're right, blogging makes a huge difference in this).

However, I would say that part of survival is learning which battles to fight. You say you think of things you could do but are worried about your growing workpile - I understand this. Part of my problem is I start something and never finish it. We need to learn when to give something ago, and when to know that we've got enough on our plates already.

Maria Fallon said...

Bethany- I think that is SO true, I am trying not to get overwhelmed but also to enjoy and challenge myself- I think it's SO easy to get stuck into a rut and I don't want to do that!

Maria xxx