These first two weeks have most definitely been interesting ones. They’ve been active, they’ve been exciting, but they’ve also been a lot to take in, especially at the start. All the personal goals I set for myself may not have been completed in the ways I wanted or imagined but it has also made me realise, at the end of the day, we are all human. We need breaks, we need rest, and most importantly we need and deserve kindness. Not just from others, but ourselves. Sometimes every single ambitious aim we set is not always completed, especially in research that requires constantly changing plans when everything does not always go accordingly, but genuinely what matters is our efforts and how we choose to adapt in the process. Push yourself but also allow yourself space to breathe in the process. It’s a tricky balance but these weeks have especially made me realise the important of this even more.

  Research can be hard and having high expectations of yourself may be one of the reasons you reach a position in which you are able to conduct your own research but it must also not be the reason you want to leave. Remembering why you’re here and remembering what you’re doing this for is integral to an to any research project. Being too difficult on yourself and not giving yourself grace can stand in the way of your progress. Let yourself grow and be kind to yourself!