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CAN WE REALLY HAVE IT ALL? | QUEENBEADY

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Blazer Boohoo | T-Shirt Boohoo | Jeans C/O Marks & Spencers | Belt H&M | Bag H&M (similar) | Shoes Truffle Collection @ ASOS (similar) | Watch Larsson & Jennings | Photos by Matt McCormick

PING.

Another Instagram notification. A shiny, curated image of a babe who is smiling, totally bossing it, signing deals, eating brunch with friends, just getting back from the gym, looking effortless and cooking up a super tasty, healthy evening dinner.

PING.

A new blog post has popped up, someone who is again smiling at the camera, talking about careers, looking straight up hella good and juggling about twenty-seven plates in life whilst still totally rocking it without having a mental breakdown.

Why can’t I be like that?

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To the outside world, we all look like we’re #BossingIt in one way or another. But the reality is, we all feel like we’re treading water at some point in our lives. The feeling of “Imposter Syndrome” is rife within the blogging community, and probably human kind as we know it. I know so many who have spoken of it. Hell, I’m probably the world’s worst for it. I’m constantly questioning if I belong in the Blogosphere, I’m not the best writer in the world, I’m not as profound as some and I certainly don’t tick that typical-blogger-esque style either.

Even worse, as much as the #BloggersBlogAwards have given me a massive confidence boost, every now & then I panic. I feel like a fraud for even being in one shortlist, let alone three! There are so many amazing babes in all categories that I could easily walk away from the night without any award – I guess I am okay with that and can accept that fate if I have to, but a little piece of me inside is just hoping that I don’t have to fear that rejection.

As much as I preach about the fact that Uni isn’t everything, I often question myself because I feel that others might look down on me because I haven’t had a further educational background. The feeling of being inferior to others is one heart-shattering emotion that doesn’t get any easier.

When I quit my last job, as much as it was hard to say goodbye to the exciting opportunities and a great bunch of people, I walked in to a job that allowed me to be more flexible with my time. It opened up a whole new world for me that I didn’t think was possible and because our business is around Education, during school holidays we grab a quick bite to eat and get to leave a little earlier. And do you know what…


I’m getting to the gym. 

I’m cooking and eating dinner before 6pm.

I’m getting blog posts ready, left, right and centre.

I can respond to all those lovely comments you leave me on my Instagram page. 

I can visit friends and family on a more frequent basis. 

All those unread emails are getting dealt with.

And boy, does it feel so bloody good?


Time management and making fast, clever decisions are what can get you that extra bit of breathing space to do exactly what you want. If, like I was, you are finding things a bit overwhelming it is time to start re-evaluating how you can change parts of your life to make sure you give yourself that extra bit of “you time” to get back on track.

Speak with work. See if there is a way that you could start earlier or later a couple of days a week in lieu of losing a bit of your break during the day. It’s not always a possibility depending on your management, so go with concrete evidence why you feel you need this and show that you won’t let things slide if you do cut your hours at work.

Wake up a little earlier. Yes, sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body, but why not try heading to bed a little earlier than normal and waking up an hour earlier. Some of the best bloggers I know get up early and create some of the best content before even the mice wake up so maybe that is something that might work for you.

Seize the moment. I know we crave the sofa, a cuppa and a bit of Netflix and chill after work, but take yourself off to the gym straight after work (or before if you are feeling super energetic!) because it will give way more energy to enjoy the rest of your evening. I’m always really motivated when I come home.

Bulk Plan. I’m talking meal prep, photo editing for Instagram, blog post writing. Get everything done in bulk so you aren’t having to dip in and out of things all the time. I don’t know about you, but my brain feels very messy when I work like that. I like to get tasks out-of-the-way, and not drag them on.

Go off-piste. Remember to allow yourself to go off-piste and enjoy things that aren’t in your schedule. A bit of spontaneity never hurt anybody and can actually be one of the most inspiring things you can do for yourself. Don’t punish yourself for enjoying yourself when you know there are other tasks to be done. We only get one shot at making it a good life.

Don’t be afraid to say NO. We can all get fear of “FOMO” but sometimes we do have to say no, if I overbook I often get myself in such a tiswas about how I’m going to divide my time that I can make myself quite ill. I’ve learnt what I want to say no and say yes to over the last year or so and it only keeps getting easier.

Remember, “we have the same amount of hours in the day as Beyoncé.”

So, yes. I think we can have it all, if you allow yourself to make it happen and work for you because at the moment I am living proof of it and lets face it, I’m the biggest f@$k up of them all. LOLZ.

My last & final tip is, DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP if you feel you are dropping the ball. WE HAVE TO REMEMBER that we are only human. Enjoy it when we are bossing it but let’s not condemn ourselves when we aren’t

Do you have any hints and tips to make the most of the little hours in the day?

Bee
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Comments

22 responses to “CAN WE REALLY HAVE IT ALL? | QUEENBEADY”

  1. LuxeStyle Avatar

    I love your tips. I learnt the hard way a few months ago that I needed to start saying no. I kept on taking way too much on and things got a little crazy. You are in no way a fraud – the fact that you’ve been shortlisted for the awards speaks volumes! x

    Jenny | LuxeStyle

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      I was exactly the same, then I found I was saying no too much, so it’s about finding that right balance. And thank you darling, it’s a dream come true!
      Bee xxx

  2. Amy Eade Avatar
    Amy Eade

    It’s so easy to look at the perfect people on Instagram and think they just have it all together when probably they’re treading water just as much as I am! I try and prioritise and sometimes just let the little things go so I don’t feel overwhelmed – I find that using my lunch break at work to get a bit of blogging admin is a great little time saver and helps me feel more on top of things!
    Amy xx
    http://www.callmeamy.co.uk

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      Exactly. You need to prioritise exactly what you want out of life and everything you are doing. Treading water is not easy and I’ve been there. Lunch breaks are great for blog admin – I agree!
      Bee xxx

  3. Yasmin Rebecca Avatar
    Yasmin Rebecca

    Great tips! Love your style in this post too.

    Yasmin x
    The Sweet Seven Five

  4. Sophie Avatar

    Ahhh I know (and have) the exact feeling you talk about at the start of this post so well! I feel like I am constantly treading water at the moment and looking at other people it always seems to me like I’m the only one – everyone else seems to have it all together. I have to really force myself to think about how that probably isnt the case at all and we all have our own little struggles going on that we dont necessarily post on instagram! I need to take all of these tips on board so badly; waking up early and getting a post written or something always feels so great, but I haven’t done it in a few weeks. When I do I actually feel like I have my life together. You look AMAZING here Bee! xxx

    Sophie | Sophar So Good

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      We only ever show the glossy side of life on social media, it’s easy to get drawn in by it all, but we can make sacrifices to really get what we want out of life. And thank you so much darling.
      Bee xxx

  5. Ruth Fishwick Avatar

    I love this post and these outfit pictures! I’m lucky in that I have a good work/life balance thanks to flexi time so I’m home every day for 5pm which means I can make dinner, walk the dog and still have an evening. But I have worked longer hours in the past and much prefer having time to myself than stressing about work and life. I love your outfit pics too – the blazer and bag are fab!

    Ruth // http://www.ruth-writes.co.uk

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      Oh Ruth, you are such a darling – thank you!

      Flexi time is such a good idea – I’d love to have that option, but I do have the flexibility to leave earlier if I need to. It’s great when you work for someone who appreciates we do have a life outside of work too.

      Bee xxx

  6. Ally // Digital Diva Avatar

    Great post Bee. Uni definitely isn’t everything. I didn’t go (long story) and it never held me back….in fact, I reached a senior position much quicker because I’d worked harder and skipped a few years. Love the outfit photos, your hair really really suits you and you look incred in red xxx

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      You are a living, breathing example of someone absolute BOSSING IT without going to uni. I wish I had half the tenacity and brain power as you. I’m constantly in awe of how amazing you are at what you do.

      Thank you so much darling! Blonde is definitely my fave!

      Bee xxx

  7. woodenwindowsills Avatar

    I totally agree with doing exercise straight after work! If I go home, I definitely don’t want to go back out, so going straight and then getting home a little bit later is the motivation I need! Though I really need to stop filling every waking hour and start saying no a bit more before I burn myself out! Alice xxx

    http://www.woodenwindowsills.co.uk

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      You just gotta do it, don’t you, otherwise it’s something you just push to one side. And I agree, allow yourself some downtime – otherwise you do burn out.
      Bee xxx

  8. Jess Acorn Avatar
    Jess Acorn

    Love this post! I could definitely use my time more productively so I’ll be using your tips to make the most out of my days from now on

    Jess x
    http://acornlifefitness.com/

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      That’s exactly it, we get out of life what we put in and make time for. There are definitely ways of doing the things we love in amongst all the mundane stuff, we just gotta be clever about it!
      Bee xxx

  9. Caroline Avatar

    Amen to all this Bee.
    It’s so easy to get caught up in all you see online, but it’s crucial – for your own sake, that you remember you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. Or when the camera is (eventually) put down.
    It’s also that it’s Ok to step away. It’s Ok to want find to recoup. But I think it’s also good to say so when you feel this way. Not to apologise as such, but put it out there, let people know how you feel. It shows you are human and people relate to people.
    As my new post says, I had a break, got perspective and myself a new morning routine.. that starts at 5am.
    Loving it!

    Caroline.x
    http://www.carolineelgeywhite.com

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      YES. YES. YES. THIS.

      The online world can be such a fickle thing, we just have to really step back and realise as much as yes, people’s lives are lovely, there’s also some shit stuff that might be happening too.

      I try to take the online world as pinch of salt, as, someone might post happy / nice things to make themselves feel better and we all need an outlet to do that!

      I noticed on your stories that you start early – please tell me your secret!

      Bee xxx

  10. Mode Lily Avatar

    I love this post so much Bee, honestly it’s like you’re speaking my mind. I’ve hit rock bottom over the winter so I’m now only doing what I can and try not to stress about it anymore and guess what, it’s so much easier and I’m happier in my life. I’ve been blogging about it too a lot more because it’s so good if other bloggers know they’re not alone and we all feel this way Xx

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      Your blog and Instagram is absolutely stunning! I wish I could create as many outfit posts as you do – please tell me your secrets on this one!

      I think we all use our platform to showcase the happy stuff. It’s an outlet for most, so I don’t blame people for doing it at all.

      Bee xxx

  11. Aimee Julia Avatar

    This is such a fab post, Bee, as I always feel like an imposter; like I’m just not good enough! It can be really hard to accept that you are bossing it, and making the most out of every minute of the day is important. Although sometimes I get so obsessed with making the most out of a day that I forget about sleep, which is never a good idea as I am not a happy bunny without sleep! Haha. It’s all about that balance, and it can be really hard to find it but I think once you’ve found it, you keep it! x http://www.aimeeraindropwrites.co.uk x

    1. QueenBeady Avatar

      Oh babe, we are ALL good enough. Big or small accomplishments are always worth celebrating and you are doing great – plus you’ve had the wedding to think about (which is very soon – eeeeek!)

      Sleep is my ultimate. I need it and boy does everyone suffer if I don’t get it, haha!

      Bee xxx

  12. […] housekeeping, bills, anything else? It’s hard, this we know, but Bee from Queen Beady has a few tips for you that might help to get your work/life balance back on […]

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