Ana Pastore 3/31/19 Ana Pastore 3/31/19

3: What makes you Happy?

This week has been filled with conversations- friends, colleagues, loved ones, family. Earlier this week, I had completed a first draft, ready to proof read, edit and polish today.

And today, with one of the first crisper, autumn snaps of cold, I had a slow, meditative morning- coffee and a book. Topped the morning off with a three-hour phone call, to one of my dearest friends in Canada.

The conversations I have had this week have ranged from architectural practice, business development, further life plans, housing, family, further studies- enough to have my brain in whiplash.

Today though, my friend asked me what a colleague had asked her, and everyone in her workplace lunchroom. Not many could answer. What makes you happy?

I jotted down a quick list as she spoke:

Plants
People
Waking up next to someone I love
Laughter
Good coffee- by myself, in a café
Getting lost in a book
Dogs
Slow mornings
Good friends
Stars at night, outside
Travelling lightly- simpler.
Sleep Ins
A comfy bed

The list made me smile- it’s all little things, but every day, they make for a beautiful, happy life*.

And when I need reminding, I have a folder on my computer called “smiles”- one of my favourite images below:

There are points in life that have challenged me more than others and made me critically reflect on myself far more deeply that in everyday life. These points have allowed me to answer the question of what makes me happy. Most recently, these periods have been on university exchange, and in the remote town of Weilmoringle- on an elective subject. I look forward to reflecting on these adventures in upcoming blogs.

Circling back, that is the goal- continue to enjoy those little things, practice and appreciate them every day, and be happy. It would be incredible to continue to develop professionally to have my career fit into these just as much, allowing the peace and contentment that these provide.

One of my favourite quotes, which popped back into mind after the phone call today: “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” John Lennon.

Until next week!

*Note: I don’t believe that a happy life means constant unicorns and rainbows. To me, it is a balance of bad times with the good. It tends to be the littlest things that serve as personal reminders of the goodness in the world. There are days that the goodness can be difficult to find, like when it’s -11 degrees in Germany and you have socks for the Australian climate, are lost outside, have a dead phone, and no idea where you are or what you’re doing with yourself- a story for another day.

Ana Pastore 3/25/19 Ana Pastore 3/25/19

2: Developing a Manifesto

This week has focused on beginning to develop a personal manifesto. It has been a week of chaos otherwise- with a house move thrown into the mix, but throughout, the fundamental questions of myself have been in the back of my mind.

Within the week, I have been reflecting on my values, goals and ideas- and linking through to develop a manifesto. From this, I have built a skeleton upon which I can add, amend and refer at any point.

In terms of the actual development, I have started with pen and paper- beginning with mini mind maps - allowing my brain to flow freely and make connections:

From these mind maps, I have been able to define a few key dot points that connect my values, goals and identity. Some have emerged as ideas that weren’t written in the mind maps, but still important to me.

· I value time incredibly highly. This can certainly be unpacked further- coming from the context of Sydney, a rushed, busy and expensive place- time equals money, and money allows you to make the most of the city.

· I value relationships- family, friends and romantic.

· I value freedom and independence- to work and live anywhere the opportunities present themselves (and also to order waffles to be delivered to my home late at night for dinner).

· I value honesty and humour, in everyday life, but especially in the workplace.

· I believe that luck grows with hard work.

· I value education, learning, hard work and independence.

· I believe that the best education is not simply a formal setting and find that I have often learnt much more through travel, employment or being in nature.

· When feeling lost, I find nature and being outside to be a vital reset. Bonus relaxation points if it’s the bush or the beach.

My attitude to the development of a manifesto is that of a snapshot. It is the beginning of a deeper reflection of my values at this point, however not a restrictive model. Over time, as my life evolves, I fully expect the manifesto to do the same. As Cheryl Strayed said: “Don’t surrender all of your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn’t true anymore”

Until next week!

Ana Pastore 3/17/19 Ana Pastore 3/17/19

1: Welcome!

Having just completed my undergraduate degree in Architecture, I am stuck with the quarter-life crisis of a recent graduate. What comes next?

The simple answer: this does.

This blog, embedded within my website, is a place for continued learning and personal reflection.

It’s pieces will likely result in my mother phoning, to let me know that the grammar could certainly use some improving (continued learning comes in all shapes and forms).

My aim: to continue learning after formal education, and to push my curiosity and creativity in architecture and life.

Throughout university, I was challenged in so many ways- trying to learn the language of architecture, computer programs, laser cutters and German, while delivering projects that were somewhat resolved, led me to many sleepless nights and breakdowns.

While this was challenging, I feel that there is still so much left for me to learn- from technical to philosophical and historical. I want to be the best possible person for whatever opportunities present themselves in the future. My experience of architecture thus far has proved incredibly addictive, and my thirst to learn ever present.

So, in the quest for personal and professional improvement, and to equip myself for postgraduate studies, I’ll be coming to this space. Here, I want to be developing a personal manifesto, building technical skills, revisiting some older projects with fresh eyes, researching, reflecting and reading.

Each week, I am going to post a short blog. This is a way of making myself accountable for continuing to experiment, work and develop personally. Further, the website and blog can act as an archive of the problems that I have faced, thoughts I have had, places explored and projects that I have experimented with. In terms of content, this will evolve organically, week by week, always coming back to the theme of continued learning.

And so, the quest begins. Until next week!