The decisions that changed my life

A few just may surprise you...

We make decisions every day. Its a natual part of life’s rhythm. Some are small. Others take a bit more time to ponder over. Some we never make at all. Others may seem small at the time, but will set you along a path that can change your entire life. Decisions have power.

As I’m approaching 30, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the decisions I’ve made in my life so far. As I’ve grown, these have become more radical, as I am firmer about the person I am and the life I want. Some just may surprise you…

Choosing to be home-educated

When I was 13, my parents gave me and my 3 younger brothers the option to leave school and be home-educated. Both fully trained teachers, my parents felt that they could educate us in a more thoughtful way, that took into account our individual needs, that overcrowded classrooms often struggle with.

My brothers jumped at the chance, as they never really enjoyed school. I took a little longer, but when this coincided with us moving, the prospect of starting a new school made me decide to give it a bash.

When I left school, my confidence had all but been stripped away. I’d struggled in some classes, particularly maths and science, and I’d even dismissed the idea of working with animals, which had long been a dream of mine, as the prospect of biology was far too daunting.

Under my parents careful teaching, my confidence began to grow. Although my skills in maths were slow to improve (the patience of my poor father when we reached algebra deserves a medal..) my science flourished. It turns out it wasn’t the subject matter that was the problem, but the teaching, at least in my case.

Within a year, I had set my mind on a career in wildlife conservation, a job I never knew even existed whilst in the school system. By the time I reached University, I was confident in my ability, able to manage my own schedule, skilled at learning independently and was able to make the most of every minute. I was a completely different person.

Turning down paid work

On leaving University, I sent in numerous applications to all sorts of conservation jobs. In such a competitive and underfunded industry, getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part.

I was thrilled to get an interview for a paid, long-term role in southern England. Just as a was writing my response to confirm my attendance, my phone rang. I’d been offered an intern position at the RSPB Abernethy reserve in the Scottish Highlands. This made me pause.

On the face of it, the paid role, compared to an unpaid 5-month internship, was the better option. However, this is not the one I chose. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but I was drawn to the Highlands. My gut told me that this was something I had to do.

Five years on, this position led to me getting a seasonal role as capercaillie assistant and, within 6 months, progressing to a managerial role as capercaillie officer. Quite a leap up the career ladder in a short space of time. More importantly, this meant that I settled into my Highland home, which is now part of my very soul. One that I never intend to leave.

Changing my diet

I was that stubborn 13-year-old that announced, to my startled, and full meat-eating family, that I was now vegetarian. Although supportive, understandably, they considered this a phase. Sixteen years later and I’ve not eaten meat once.

I had heard of a vegan diet but, like many, I thought that this seemed extreme. I wasn’t sure of the point and was completely in the dark about the impact of the dairy industry on the animals and the planet.

I spent a few weeks with a vegan during a conservation placement. Not one to grill someone about their dietary choices, having received much of that myself, I quietly observed what a vegan life would look like. I was surprised that it didn’t seem extreme at all. You could even eat Bourbon biscuits!

When this placement finished, I did my own research. This led me to watch the notorious ‘Cowspiracy’ documentary. This asked the questions that had never occurred to me, like the impact this industry could be having on the planet. The statistics were shocking. As an environmentalist, this was far from sitting right with me.

Then came the biggie. I took a deep breath and began to uncover the reality of the welfare of the animals in this destructive industry. It didn’t take much. I wept for months after. My heart was broken, and I haven’t eaten dairy since.

The unexpected side effects of embracing veganism include having far more energy than I ever had previously, changing my relationship with food to something much more positive, even learning how to cook, and possessing this unwavering feeling that I was living the right life for me and for the animals that cared so deeply about. It is a precious part of my heart that I hold dear.

Embracing minimalism

Minimalism has given me so much. It allowed me to reassess and radically improve my consumerism, so I could live the slower and gentler life that I’ve always craved. It meant that my home transformed into something that always felt peaceful. I watched my savings start growing for the first time. Most of all, it made the prospect of living in a tiny home a real possibility.

Living tiny in itself has allowed me to make more life changing decisions. One of these was the controversial decision to reduce my work hours and deliberately earn less money. Logistically, this would never have been possible without addressing my spending habits and choosing to live in a tiny home.

Going part time has had two main impacts. Professionally, it has skyrocketed my creative career, into something that is far more that I could have imagined within a relatively short time frame (read more about this here). Secondly, on a personal level, I’ve finally started learning how to slow down (you can watch my video on this here) and I am happier than I have ever been.

Who would have though decluttering my sock drawer could lead to such dramatic ramifications?

Starting a creative side hustle

My whim to start writing a blog in 2020 has transformed into a fully bloomed creative side hustle that is now an essential part of my happiness.

I’d always classed myself as a ‘scientist’. (well, from the age of 13 onwards..). I dismissed my creativity as I was never very talented at the stereotypical skills, like drawing (stick men are the extent of my ability). But I’ve always had a secret yearning to write.

Taking the plunge to share my writing has meant I’ve grown my skillset, my confidence, nurtured a wonderful audience and can even see this as my full-time job at some point in the near future.

I feel more fulfilled in my work than I ever have before. The possibilities are limitless, which is just how I like them.

Cherishing my loved ones

One of the biggest decisions we can all make is who we let into our lives. Not all of us are equal in this. We cannot choose our families. I’m forever grateful for the nourishing family that I still hold very close to my heart. I wouldn’t be me without them.

As I’ve grown, I’ve encountered other souls that have taken root in my life, both animals and human. The animals have unquestionably and unwaveringly enriched all aspects in my life, including our beloved dog Skye, and those that I have lost and will grieve forever.

I have always been selective about the people I allow into my life. As an introvert, spending time with people can be draining. I need to ensure that I spend my energy wisely. I am beyond grateful for the people that I hold dear, from the small number of close friends to my wonderful partner who I love with all my heart.

My life wouldn’t be the same without them.

This post could be far longer, if I included all the decisions that come to mind, like giving up drinking or the new decision to come off social media, but these were the ones my heart told me I needed to share.

As I go into my 30’s, although no doubt there will be mistakes along the way, I’m confident that I will continue to make decisions that make sense for the person I am, not the person I ‘should’ be.

Never underestimate the power of your decisions. They will shape your entire life.

Until next week,

Molly xx

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