Happy 1 year London! x
There’s something about September 1st that feels like a fresh page, a new chapter with a new hope & focus. Starting a new life a year ago today on the other side of the world will always be a huge turning point to look back on in my life. I had a small hope but no intention of staying past completing my masters but gosh I’m glad I’m here writing this a year later. The magic of London is alive for me right now! It’s been no easy journey the last year, starting anew and realising the incredible life I am leaving behind in Oz. Plus drama school tests how much you truly want it and pushes the resilience required to try make it through in this industry. But I can’t lie, there were definitely 14-hour days over the last year when it felt much easier to call it quits. But 365 days after moving, I’m thriving.
Professionally, London was playing long game in my career but personally, London was to enjoy the right now.
There’s something about London that makes me want to make the most of every day, of the moments right in front of me. I’m in the magical second half of my twenties, the interception of youth & some true lived experience behind me! I’m loving getting older and wiser but more than anything, am loving being this age – right here, right now. Going to the park, throwing my name in for a wild opportunity, ignoring the “early night” pressure for a great time at a pub with a friend or two… the list continues. But I truly think there’s a certain grip some cities or places have on you and the air here is full of new hope, possibility and making the most of each moment. I always use the term “slay the day” and London has definitely empowered my strongest version of this yet!
London has evoked a new season within me that I always hoped it would – freedom! There is so much in front of me like never before, partially because of my career but also because living in London means choice and opportunity are abundant. But also the complex of a decision is much grander just because there is so much to choose from! Even things like choosing a hairdresser when there are four on every corner feels like such a different challenge than Oz. Plus don’t get me started on the huge list of supermarket choices here – choosing between just Coles or Woolies was such a simpler time in my life haha! My shopping list or admin list feels like it takes longer here because of the constant demand of choice and having to focus on it to make sure I pick the right one. Consumerism is at its max in this city and always having to make choices or suck it up and buy the first one always leads me to a problem no matter which way I go! But it also gives me endless possibilities! The joys of limitless London hey…
I’m also learning to celebrate moments of my life on the same level as the ‘usual’ celebrations. The anniversaries, baby showers, engagements etc… My life might not have those moments and probably won’t for a while, but I do live on the other side of the world, I did study at one of the best music schools globally and right now I am a working actor in London. Why did society make me think I can’t celebrate those at the same level as the ‘usual’ achievements? My life doesn’t feel deficient at all not having the usuals and I think that’s something to celebrate!
Three positive things I’ve gained from my first year in London:
- A new sense of self like never before, both as an actor and personally. I know who I am more than ever with my strengths and now know many more of my weaknesses. It’s now kinda cool knowing what I need to work on as an adult, not something I run from as much. I’ve learnt about my ADHD and hypermobility, two things that I wonder what my life would’ve been like if I found out earlier than 25… Regardless, I’m conquering new challenges and moving in confidence knowing more about myself and my capability!
- There’s a comfortability in not knowing what’s next (WILD) that London has kindly gifted me. I have spent lots of this last year wondering where I would be in September 2024 and to still be in London writing this feels like a surreal dream. There are lots of questions in your twenties and not many answers until the time is right and this was definitely one of them as I sit here typing in a West-End dressing room…
- The gift of being alone. Leaving Oz meant starting again in a huge city and making a new life. I still spend most days off alone and I’m okay with that now. Truth is that it takes a long time to create a new life: to have parties to go to, people to catch up with on the weekend, heck maybe even a date to go on after the multiyear drought of dating in my life (a good kind of drought, at least… *insert Beyoncé single Ladies here*). I have many dear actor friends from RAM that I adore but the aloneness has been a blessing in disguise. I love taking myself out for the day or a night of skincare and fortnite at home!
This dress from Abercrombie & Fitch (a newfound fave!) was an option for going to Buckingham Palace that my friends refused to let me return, even though I didn’t wear it to the palace!
London, you little beauty. You absolute gift to my wild life. I’m so lucky to call you home for now and I hope to make the absolute most of your wonder in years to come!
Happy one year to us London, you city of dreams.
Naarah x
