Am I the only one that has experienced a slight feeling of anxiety when the end of the year approaches? We all begin to look back on what we did over the past 12 months whether its taking up a new hobby or getting back in touch with a special someone, you like to savour your best memories that put will put a smile on your face, whilst getting that warm fuzzy feeling you need to get through the winter months. However, the dreaded opposite thoughts/emotions also like to smack us in the face unexpectedly from time to time, or as I refer to them "Cringe Attacks". This is when something you were not particularly proud of doing or regret not taking the other option decides to throw your those "deep" questions:
. Would that conversation ended differently if said 'this' or 'that'?
. Was that eBay bid for two pairs of jumpers worth £30?
. Why did I accept the cinnamon challenge?
. What sound does a fox really make?
Well, it's safe to say I may have been hit by these types of questions during 2013 and so many more that if I named would leave me beaten up by these "Cringe Attacks" leaving me more depressed then Eeyore. But there is one question I think everyone secretly asks themselves:
'Did I make the most of this year?'
My answer: yes and no. Yes, I passed my first year at university but no, I did not make that mood board of that summed up my summer holiday. This is when I thought: what could I do in 2014 that would be fun and new to do other than sitting on Facebook?
Ironically, it was on Facebook I discovered the Big Build 2014 through an advertisement on my uni's page asking me a simple question:
'Want an extraordinary 2014? Want to help children globally in a hands-on project?'
My answer: YES! This one post got me hooked; it contained all the things I thought of doing but not seriously up till now; Helping others, exploring a new country and culture, meeting new people and challenging myself. But, there is a catch, over the next 6-7 months I must plan and device my on fund-raising events in order to take part. This made me realise; I this is a task that requires full-commitment, passion and creativity on what events would be successful in making people interested and wanting to part their pennies for me?
This offer comes from Childreach International, a charity aiming to provide children education and healthcare facilities across the world. This is something I personally believe in very strongly; all children should grow up in a safe, positive environment and should not fight to have these facilities you at times, take for granted. I have enjoyed working with children in the past and knowing I would be creating something that would benefit people in the long-term made me more determined to volunteer.
My university (Brighton) previously did a Big Build Project in Nepal and judging by the photos it looked liked everyone had an amazing time. The Big Build this year is taking place in Morocco, this got me more excited and willing to sign up as this was a place I had been wanting to visit for a long time. Being a typical student, I hope to do some globetrotting once I have graduated and this I saw as my first stepping stone to experiencing a real outdoor adventure. As cheesy as it sounds, I felt this trip had been made for me to go on and have that adventure sooner rather than later as I have come to learn, it is the stuff you do not strive for you come to regret something I have tried to do more of in recent years.
And as you might have guessed just a few weeks later, I paid my deposit, signed up, created my donation page and now starting my blog page. It is here I will be updating my progress on the events I am planning and telling you a bit more about Childreach International. This an experience I hope to look back on with the biggest smile to date and I hope you will follow and support me on making 2014 a brilliant year.
:)
For information, check out Childreach Internationals website:
www.childreach.org.uk
To visit my sponsor page, visit:
mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hastingsh93
