The Shore Currently: Shiny New Confessions

Much has happened since I’ve written the last instalment for “The Shore Currently” series of blog posts, so before I become a full-blown delinquent blogger, here’s a list of confessions that I need to get off my chest.

CONFESSION #1 I was in dire need of blogging inspiration and motivation.

It’s not even writers block, because I think (perhaps due to my day job) I can be quick to conjure up content when necessary. Plus, I’ve written a handful of posts which meticulously lay in my drafts folder - some more personal, some started from random bouts of inspiration (some remain unfinished), some rather too “meh” for my liking and need a bit of juju.

But something was slightly amiss.

See, as bloggers, we’re all part of the “creatives” gang. Some of us are better writers than others, some have better eye for photos, some are naturally witty, and some say it straight. But in the lifecycle of a creative/blogger, it’s safe to say we will all reach a point where we think “Okay, it’s slightly getting repetitive now - even I’m bored of my content. The struggle to replenish my creativity and recharge my brain cells is real!!!” And it may happen more than once.

I think I hit that slump - because I was quite uninspired.

Whilst my blog has always been my de-stress activity hobby outside work, I feel like I’ve not given it much care and attention in the past few months because I’ve been so busy with activities IRL. I’d wake up with the intentions of writing or finishing a piece but come home too tired to even think. But you know what? I didn’t really care. Because I’m really very passionate about my day job and I don’t think I would want to give it up as much as I love my blog.

I was drained of creativity, motivation and inspiration. So I booked a couple of holidays for some R&R. It’s almost always a good idea, isn’t it? What do you guys do?

CONFESSION #2: Sorry [insert PR], I can’t… but let’s work something out next time

I used to work in PR too and still work close to PR pros, so I get the hard work they put into all their efforts. I’ve worked with some incredible PR agencies over the past few years who, not only actually care about their clients/brands, but also care about the bloggers they work with. Lately I’ve been feeling bad having to turn down some PR invites and opportunities. Sometimes it’s due to an unforeseeable cause - hey, it happens! You’re too ill to go to a press event. You have family duties you have to attend to. You are caught in work deadlines. I don’t want to come across as flaky, because I will always try to fulfil my blogger duties where and hen I can. But sometimes, my priorities go beyond the blog especially when I am needed more elsewhere.

Sometimes though, what they’re offering is just not for my brand. As much as I love working with PRs, I hate the guilty feeling of letting them down.

PRs, I will always tell you the truth. I can if I can and I will when I will. But if it’s not meant to be, please don’t hate me for saying so.

CONFESSION #3: Can we switch off now, please?

My recent holiday in Thailand made me just want to switch off completely. I was there on a mission to chill the eff out and to just zone away. Granted, part of the trip was comped and I needed to take photographs to build content for my future review posts. But I tried to get the photos out of the way as quickly as I can (probs because of Confession #1 too).

My non-blogger companions actually took longer to shoot photos and sometimes whilst I tried to engage conversation over a meal, I’d catch ’em posting on social media or flicking through their pictures. It was rather frustrating. I remember looking around the restaurant (which, by the way, had amazing views of clear blue ocean see below) and noticed that most people are actually on their phones. It was rather sad, like I wanted to shout, HEY Y’ALL, PUT YOUR PHONES DOWN AND LOOK AT THIS GORGEOUS VIEW!!!!
The only thing that stopped me was the thought of them looking and actually taking more photos. Lol.

But I mean… isn’t it true? As bloggers and social media “influencers” our phones are our lifelines to get word out. There was a time when I always thought about the blog first. Like, oh new resto, gotta take photos for the blog. Oh, I’m going on a trip, gotta have more photos for the blog. But isn’t it healthy to switch off sometimes, too… and just live in the moment?

I’ve actually managed to finish two books on holiday and it felt glorious. I’ve managed to resurrect my love for reading actual novels than just my Feedly and Bloglovin’ bookmarks. It felt great. And I missed that.

Confession #4: I’m still not in love with Bangkok

Of all the Asian cities I’ve visited, I have the least chemistry with Bangkok. I’ve never really had a connection with the Thai capital and was hoping to like it better on my last trip. Unforch, it still wasn’t the case. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the suite life in our hotels, I wasn’t particularly moved by the city itself. Other than the markets and the malls and the temples there’s not much to see. I would much rather visit Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai next time, or stay longer in the islands.

I did like the shopping in Siam Paragon, though. And the temples were pretty decent.

And I did, actually, fall in love with Thai people. Well, save for all the cab drivers who tried to mug us off.

Thai people are so courteous and so happy to serve, it’s ridiculous. My guide Pee and driver Ram were the nicest I’ve met. The servers in restaurants were all so polite and eager to help. The hotel managers and staff were all very hospitable and so good with tips and accommodating our requests. If only the world would learn from Thai hospitality, then I think this would save complaints and grant Michelin stars all over!

Confession #5: Oh, Harry.

I was never a One Direction fan. I never really liked their music and never really caught the Directioner bug. In fact, I found one of their songs so annoying that I actually tweeted about being so annoyed about it so much before. And I can’t stand Liam Payne. I don’t know why.

BUT. I enjoyed Niall Horan’s new single Slow Hands (which reminds me of Miguel). But I am actually TOTALLY DIGGING HARRY STYLES’ solo album. NO, his songs may not be pop-driven and radio-friendly but YES, the whole album is brilliant. And I’ve found a newfound respect for the kid.

It’s a nod to the great music of yesteryear: honest lyrics and melodies with soul and depth. His sound is reminiscent to the great artists that formed rock and roll, ie Bowie, Pink Floyd, Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, etc. I heard fans were confused at first with this “new” sound. But I think I may have pre-judged this kid harshly. Kudos for breaking away from pop life, Harry’s direction is clear and concise.

WHEW.

Felt good having to get those things off my chest, haha!

Do you guys have any confessions, too?

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Honey de Gracia