52 thoughts is a weekly post featuring 52 of the many messy and honest thoughts running through Rosario's mind.
Last week, I wanted to have a museum day. But everyone I
invited was either too busy or had an some sort of excuse, so I went alone. Sounds like a pretty normal response, right?
Except, I am a very anxious person. Crowds and busy places make me nervous.
Doing things alone makes me nervous. And combining the two had the potential to
make me super nervous. But I did it, and
I am here to tell the celebratory tale!
As I don't live too far outside London, I'm fortunate enough
to get there in about half an hour by train. On the journey, I read a bit of #girlboss,
and enjoyed the the candid croons of The Front Bottoms. I hopped on the tube
and headed for the Natural History Museum. ‘Hopped on the tube’ is perhaps too
casual a statement, considering that I, in true anxious fashion, noted my entire
journey in my phone before leaving home (because tube maps are confusing) That
didn’t stop me though, as at some point during the day I got on the wrong tube;
after about five stops I realised I was going in the wrong direction but
somehow managed to successfully navigate my way back and survived!? I SURVIVED. I am a changed girl and have clearly become a master tube navigator.
I perused the Natural History Museum like a serious
academic, examining the tortoise section like a fangirl, and admiring the replicas, shells, and sea treasures from around the world. Then, of course, I spent far too long in the gift shop, mostly debating whether to buy an adorable
animal plush. I think I was probably more enamoured by those toys than some of
the kids there…. The penguins were too cute and there was a little rabbit that seemed to be calling my name. There was so much choice that I literally couldn’t make my
mind up, and bought NOTHING. Obviously the sun had gotten to my head, but on the
plus side, I still have the memories, and a couple of photos.
I then took a solo shopping trip to the Soho/Convent Garden
area, and visited multiple comic and book stores, (Foyles, Waterstones, Gosh
Comics, to name a few!) Forbidden Planet (who have a whole basement dedicated
to books and comics!!) Urban Outfitters, American Apparel (where I gazed
longingly at cute clothes I couldn't afford) and some cute little stationary shops. Walking everywhere, I was gripped with the freedom that comes with rolling solo. I could wander wherever, peruse whatever, do whatever, with no one to consult but myself. The plan was to get a vegan shake but it was
getting pretty late, so I settled for a mind-blowingly amazing donut from Crosstown donuts and then headed home. While I admit to scoffing the donut way too fast on
the train home, I did savour the taste of the coffee custard and the taste of a successful
mission.
(Also overcame any anxiety I had about eating alone in
public because donuts are so messy to devour, especially when you are standing
on a train and there is someone standing directly opposite you. Long hair don’t
care though, the donut tasted amazing.)
When was the last time you had a day out on your own? Tell me all about it!
G O O D R E A D S // T W I T T E R // I N ST A G R A M // B L O G L O V I N'
G O O D R E A D S // T W I T T E R // I N ST A G R A M // B L O G L O V I N'
If I've learnt one thing about punk rock attitudes, it's that everything is subjective. Including the term punk rock; it means different things to different people. Punk rock is not exclusively a style, but it can be an attitude, a music style, an ethos, a mentality, a community - it's different for everyone. This is my interpretation of punk rock and in true punk rock form, I created a mini zine about some empowering punk rock ethos that we should all live by.
Literally everything. That's from established definitions, cultural and social norms, gender roles, stereotypes, to things like why there so much sugar in everything. Question where information is coming from, and how it effects you. Nothing is completely unbiased or objective, so it makes sense to consider where the information you're absorbing is coming from. Remaining curious helps us consider alternative perspectives and viewpoints which helps us become more empathetic. Another thing I've learnt is to reject ‘tradition’ if the only justification for its existence is 'that's how things have always been.'
Just wear the thing
Beauty is subjective, if you believe you're beautiful, you are. Other people's opinions do not define you. Wear that article of clothing that 'doesn't suit you' if it makes you feel beautiful. Destroy the belief that you can't pull off certain looks. In the words of Oscar Wilde, 'you can never be overdressed or overeducated.' Personal style becomes so much fun when you start dressing for yourself and stop basing your style decisions on what other people and society tells you you should (or should not) be wearing. Throwing away the rules is empowering and freeing. At first it's easier said than done but if I ever get self conscious, I always remind myself that my body is my own, and my body is no one else's business.
Do it yourself (DIY) is all about getting what you want with what you have. It's starting where you are, using what you have and doing what you can to get where and what you want. It's about creating change for yourself, working with your strengths, being creative and expressing yourself. Making zines, blogs, youtube channels, music, and every other creative venture out there to empower yourself. Whether you're creating physical or digital things, it's ultra fulfilling to craft something. DIY is one of my favourite punk ethos because it provides accessibility for so many people. It allows you to create a space of your own and craft your own rules away from those who don't share your perspective (or outright make you feel as though you are wrong!)
Community
Individuality
It's about recognising what is important to you and embracing that. It's not about being different or standing out, or being 'authentic.' Individuality is about accepting yourself, accepting each of the building blocks that make you as an individual, everything that is important to you, the things you are, and the things you are not. It's about trusting yourself, your voice, and embracing the current version of yourself. Limit comparison to others and learn to respect and embrace your own voice and style. You do you, and own it.
Once you get through the door, leave it open. Help other people through. Celebrate other people and their success. Comparison if the thief of joy, don't compare your success with others. Everyone's success is different. Community is about being inclusive, helping each other out and being generous in whatever way you can. We're all in this world together so helping each other out is important. I think this goes hand in hand with creating alternative spaces and listening to other people's perspectives and voices.
Embrace Difference
Embracing difference is a super important one. Punk and alternative scenes have for a long time been an accepting place for those who are different, but not one hundred percent of the time. Acknowledging, embracing and accepting differences helps foster positive relations and general betterment for everyone. Differences make us great and keeps things interesting. Be as subversive, unconventional,and mold breaking as often as you want. Accept differences in others and avoid being judgmental (except if someone's getting hurt, then judge away) and challenge existing prejudices - we all have them, but the good news is we can challenge and unlearn them.Individuality
It's about recognising what is important to you and embracing that. It's not about being different or standing out, or being 'authentic.' Individuality is about accepting yourself, accepting each of the building blocks that make you as an individual, everything that is important to you, the things you are, and the things you are not. It's about trusting yourself, your voice, and embracing the current version of yourself. Limit comparison to others and learn to respect and embrace your own voice and style. You do you, and own it.
I had so much fun making this little zine and post, thanks for reading! I hope you feel inspired enough to incorporate some punk rock into your life!
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