Friday, July 8

6 months worth

Today marks six months for me since moving from Santa Barbara to Seattle. I'm feeling a bit nostalgic and wistful, so I compiled a little list of —dare I say—advice. Essentially, lessons I've learned and realizations I've...realized. This is nothing shocking or new, but the three biggest battles I've faced in Seattle have been:
  • ...finding a community in the true sense of the word
  • ...not feeling alone in a crowd of people (did I just quote a 90's song?) 
  • ...and feeling productive even in seasons of unemployment
Like I said, nothing super original.
My biggest concern is that as you're reading this, you'll start to hear this guy's voice in your head. And for that, I apologize.


  1. Pay attention to who you surround yourself with; do they give you energy, or deplete it? Do they give you life, or make you feel small? 
  2. Be patient with yourself. Be gracious with yourself. And stop beating yourself up.
  3. This is such a first world thing to say, but buy a smartphone. It makes getting acquainted with a new city a gabilllllion times easier.
  4. But on the other hand, getting lost is a fabulous way to get to see some new streets.
  5. Watching four episodes of Friday Night Lights by yourself til 3am on a Friday night is perfectly acceptable. Hello, it’s called Friday Night Lights for a reason.
  6. Black yoga pants? Totally acceptable outfit to wear multiple days in a row.
  7. Half a croissant and three shots of espresso do not constitute enough sustenance for a full day of work. Nutrition is underrated—you are what you eat.
  8. Stay connected with your closest friends. If phone tag takes over your relationship, then start leaving lengthy messages so you'll actually know some of what is going on in each others' lives.
  9. Handwritten letters are timeless. You know you like receiving them. So write them.
  10. You have to be a friend to have a friend.
  11. You're not the only single person in America.
  12. Don't assume everyone else is partying without you each night of the week. You’d be surprised how many people/potential new friends are sitting at home alone with their glass of wine hoping you’ll call them.
  13. Pursue other people just as you long to be pursued.
  14. Forgive yourself. Often. And then again.
  15. "Fear not" is actually a command, not just a suggestion.
  16. Salted caramel ice cream makes a bad day good and a good day better.
  17. If you're of the photography bent: TAKE. YOUR. CAMERA. EVERYWHERE.
  18. Groupon, Tippr and Living Social are genius. Pity the poor cities who don’t have them. And then don’t move to any of them.
  19. Embrace the time you have alone—don’t mourn over it.
  20. Invest in other people deeply—but only the ones who have proven themselves worth investing in.
  21. NO one else will notice that your nails are chipped, hair is dirty, make-up isn't right or that you've gained five pounds. But they will notice you fretting about it. 
  22. Bitterness, jealousy and insecurity are ugly, ugly things.
  23. Sing in the shower. Preferably this song.
  24. Do yoga
  25. Always say yes to live music. Go in with no expectations and you might just come out a fan.
  26. Try everything [within reason] once.
  27. This is your new motto: What's the worst that could happen?
  28. Go on blind dates when asked, and don’t over-analyze them ahead of time. Again, what’s the worst that could happen?—a free drink, that’s what.
  29. Make lists. Even on boring days.
  30. Align your values with your priorities.
  31. Lonely 11pm stress baking ain't no thang.
  32. Surround yourself with creative people.
  33. Don't wear neon purple 80's nail polish to a job interview.
Thank you, everyone! You've been a big part of this journey so far.
And P.S...I finally have a new SUMMER banner, an about me page, and a section explaining the origin of that weird word I titled my blog: Spidatter.


    16 comments:

    jackie said...

    i love this. so much wisdom in 33 little bullets. it's crazy how much you can learn about yourself by going somewhere new and scary. 9, 13, and 27 are my favs.

    ika said...

    34. Family will always be at your asking.

    being me, I'm not a fan of 26, 27 & 28. ♡

    Amanda Mae said...

    this is amazing! i love this list! By the way, I love Friday Night Lights, my smart phone, yoga, making lists, salted caramel ice cream, AND groupon! (never heard of TIPPR!!!?!?!) .. .I think I need to get some yoga pants... I love all these but right now 1, 10, 13 resonate with me...
    love love love this -may come back to this over and over

    Fit With Flash said...

    what a great list! a lot of those are musts on mine when moving to new cities! (i've done 3). glad you're enjoying it... : ) happy weekend

    a day with kate said...

    WOW. I couldn't resonate with this list more. I mean, FNL, salted caramel, photography, live music... we're kindred spirits- i know it. LOVE #'s 9, 11, 12, and 21. And oh gosh, #28-- wish I could do that, haha!!

    Unknown said...

    I wish it was easier to respond to comments on blogger haha... But I totally agree with you, most bloggers seem to be super tall! Was it that obvious that I'm not one of those ladies? hehe I'm 5'3" :P shorties unite!

    xx

    Stevie Leigh said...

    This was beautiful. I LOVE your blog! And alone time - that's what I'm embracing right now.

    Seattle sounds great - keep up the good work on this lovely blog!

    - S from Following the Walkers

    LeeLee said...

    Lovely list. Santa Barbara is a beautiful city, I love it there.

    Sal {Daniel and I} said...

    Wise words lady! I must admit to laughing at the last one... ;-)

    Sal x

    http://danielandi.blogspot.com/

    Amanda Marshall said...

    Always so thoughtful and introspective my lil sis. I love the new blog header by the way. I just showed Cam who nodded in approvement. :)

    I LOVE YOU AND CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!!

    Unknown said...

    So happy to have run across your blog this evening (I followed over from your comment on Amanda Mae's post....)

    Not only do I love your blog name (and your reason behind it), but No. 12 is resonating with me currently.... Consequently No. 10 follows that. Then No. 2.... O life in new cities.....

    Jess Roy said...

    I love this post Maddie!

    Amanda said...

    Wow! This is amazing! I needed to hear a lot of that (and I haven't even moved cities in over 19 years! Thanks for sharing :-)

    Daniel Kiyoi said...

    I love this list! It's amazing.
    I totally identify with you (obvi)
    I want to design something with your list. A print maybe? Not sure...but you've inspired me.

    hayley oa said...

    did I help you with #8? because i think I did. and I am shamelessly trying to get a shout out.

    Sarah said...

    I just found your blog via Moorea Seal. Love this post and your blog. Thanks so much for writing!

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