Procrastination… Whooo?

I wanted to end 2019 and start the new year/ new decade by continuing to turn my procrastinations into movement and my dreams into reality! We’re over a week into January 2020 and so I thought come ornn let’s do this! So I’ve decided to jump into this world called blogging. Eeekkk!! Here goes…

My name is Dorraine Robinson a 29 year old, South Londoner (that’s me up there). I’ve worked in secondary education for 6 and a bit years. Specifically within pastoral and welfare as Head of Student Services alongside Head of House and of recent a Deputy Lead Safeguarding Officer. Working in schools comes with its fair share of ups and downs; from witnessing my students achieve their 5+ GCSE grades, to providing parenting advice to my student’s families (even though I don’t have any kids myself- yet!) to protecting and safeguarding my students in the school building from rival gangs or disarming weapons from them! I’ll definitely blog about allll my experiences with the youth within education soon. It’s alot BUT very rewarding at the same time.

BUSINESS VENTURES

In 2016, after noticing a niche in the market for culturally diverse books and toys for children of black and mixed heritage, I decided to start up my own small independent business called Like Me For Me. I knew that such products existed but were limited or poorly represented.

Like Me For Me endeavours to promote multicultural books and toys which captures imaginations, sparks curiosity, inspires creativity and installs respect for cultural and social diversity. Take a look for yourself www.likemeforme.co.uk. In blogs to come I’ll talk more about my journey with Like Me For Me.

Starting up Like Me For Me was a huge stepping stone for me. My business has allowed me to network and collaborate with like minded business owners. I’ve had support from people locally and across the waters. I’ve had the privilege of speaking on a radio talk show about why representations matter. And I’ve had the opportunity to vendor at a few pop up markets, show casing my Like Me For Me products – something I kept putting off and was soo anxious to do. My business has inspired me to write my own multicultural children’s book – which to date is complete but I’m in the process of illustrating.

I’m usually a pessimistic procrastinator- what a mouthful! Filled with ample selfdoubt and a sprinkle of feeling incompetent. I usually feel this way despite having an encouraging partner (at the time) and supportive family and friends surrounding me. I’ve felt this way in all aspects of life from Uni days to taking my driving test and certain aspects of my work life. I just drag tasks out or avoid them all together. But push forward 2019! Little old me decided enough is ENOUGH and decided to kick down all elements of procrastination and do my thanggg!!

ON MY ONES

In the month of February, a queen was born…. ME (duhh). So, I decided I wanted to go on a little girlie weekend. I made a group chat, as you do and outlined all details of my 29th celebrations. “Yayy Amsterdam sounds fun!” “Let’s do it!” “Can’t wait!” my girls posted. Days went by and I heard nothing! Saw no deposit! Nada!!! So I thought to myself go on holiday by yourself Dorraine. I’ve always wanted to go away alone, but the fear of being on a plane alone should something happen to me and no one know about it- God forbid was always on my mind. So I just never made the move…. procrastinating yet againnn.

Cut a long story short, I messaged the group chat cancelling my Bday plans and booked a solo trip to Barcelona and I LOVED it! At first the thought was daunting; what if I get kidnapped (we’ve all seen the movie Taken PLUS I’m black LOL), What if I get lost? All these worries and more ran through my head. But these thoughts quickly evaporated. I can’t stress how much I loved it. I didn’t have to do anything I didn’t want to. I didn’t have to squabble over the restaurant bill. I didn’t have to wait for anyone to straighten their wig or put on their full face of makeup. And I didn’t need to waste time stopping to take unnecessary selfies. I jumped on the local bus and tram alone. I dined out alone. I took in some sightseeing on an open top tour bus alone. And obviously I went shopping all by myself. I would fully recommend this experience and would 100% do it again. In fact stay tuned to find out what other solo adventures I have planned for 2020!!!

From Me To You

A few lessons that I want to share with you which I learnt whilst on this whirlwind journey of achievements to defeat procrastination have been:

1) GO FOR IT! If the mind can conceive it, you can do it. The difference between your dreams and reality is ACTION!

2) IT’S OK to go through emotions BUT don’t allow them to stop you.

3) DON’T STOP! Just because your friends are on a long ting you don’t have to cancel plans.

4) From time to time you need to give yourself a pep talk like, “Hello. You’re a badass woman. Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t be sad. You got this and I love youuuu!!

So there you have it, my first ever blog written and published. Yayyyy!!! I hope you’ve enjoyed and will stay locked for more from me. Thank you in advance and I can’t wait to share my 2020 with you all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dorraine xoxo Like Me For Me