Closing a Chapter to this 10-year-old Novel.

In my previous post, I wrote about the idea and concept of investing in myself.

Allowing myself to learn things, unlearn a few other things and relearn some of the pretty essential things in life.

And although; I start most of my blog posts with 'it's been a while', it truly has been a while - a little over a year, to be exact.

It's safe to say that I asked for space to invest in myself and the Universe decided to keep its end of the bargain and give me two years' worth of lockdowns to work on myself... by myself. *nervous laughs*

And boy, did it work.

I found myself writing again, reading more and learning the biggest lesson thus far -

how to be intentional.

Intentional with:

My time.

My energy.

And most importantly, my experiences.

I realised that to be intentional, I needed to walk away from a few things that I had invested so much of myself in.

I also learnt that I needed to step into different spaces that would allow me to learn new lessons and experiences.

And it was the hardest thing to do.

I think I realised I needed to be intentional when I had sat in a meeting where another young person said something that was incredibly innovative and new, that I realised my time in that particular space had reached its due date.

I was no longer needed.

And that was okay.

But I was wasting space by sticking around.

By no means did it mean that the space became less enjoyable or less interesting. Frankly, it was so enjoyable to see new faces and ideas dominate the conversation that I realised that what I was initially needed for was no longer relevant.

Because what we forget as humans of habits is that spaces evolve just like people do. It's our personal responsibility to decide when it is appropriate to leave a space, so we can grow.

And so, that started the journey of investing in myself by ensuring I was intentional.

I started closing the chapter on several spaces that gave so much to me.

While starting to build new chapters of both new experiences.

And although it was incredibly hard to let go of opportunities and relationships I had invested so much of me into; I needed to allow for the space to grow.

For it to flourish and find its identity - just like me.

But I'm currently having trouble with closing one particular chapter to this novel on my 'Youth Development' journey.

A chapter in my life that was so integral to my growth as a young person.

This space not only impacted me during my 'gap year'.

But it was where I met my-current friends.

Where I had my toughest lessons as a leader.

Where I learnt the importance of community.

And where I learnt how to value good-willed people.

I'm feeling an overwhelming feeling of not only sadness but gratitude for the people I had the privilege of crossing paths in this space.

I joined my first youth council at the age of 15 and am about to attend my last event as a panel member for Auckland Councils' Youth Advisory Panel.

10-years.

It feels bittersweet to leave a space that gave so much to me. I arrived at Auckland's Town Hall wearing ripped jeans and a leather jacket, and now I leave with not only a resume that I'm not entirely sure I deserve but with lifelong friends and skills that have held me up afloat in this crazy journey of mine.

With that being said, here are 10 lessons I've learnt in the Youth space.

1. This space will give you so much, but it will also take a lot out of you as well. You get to decide the narrative as to how you see it.

2. Wear those ripped jeans. You're 18 not 81.

3. Just because a system has conditioned you to stop trying doesn't mean you should.

4. There are always options; you just need to ask.

5. Listen. Some people forget to just listen.

6. Only people in high school worry about titles. If you're still concerned about positions, then you're not growing.

7. Never make someone feel stupid for wanting to learn.

8. Priority areas don't make a space. It is the people.

9. The hardest lessons are usually the most useful ones.

10. It's not about you. Making decisions based on your own personal gain won't get you far.

11. Bonus: Have fun - you'll realise that when you decide to leave the space to either go into employment or higher-level education that they usually take the fun out of social justice.

I'm not entirely sure what the next steps are for me but what I'm sure of is that I will be okay regardless.

And so although, I'm closing the final pages of this chapter to a chaotic but wholesome journey.

I'm entirely grateful to have spent 10 years trying to elevate youth voices in plans, policies and systems as a young person because frankly, being young in Tāmaki Makaurau is probably the biggest flex anyone can say.