What a year 2018 was. It truly was a year that had many ups and downs; a year where I learned to appreciate the value of living in the present moment. I took more chances on myself and stepped somewhat outside of my comfort zone. I took a road trip around California and had a Summer of a lifetime with some beautiful L.A. sunsets. I worked in 2 different workplaces and learned many valuable lessons along the way. I’ve gained sister in laws, closer bonds with family members and my long-standing truest friendships have continued to be a strength and light in my life. This time last year, I set myself some resolutions like most do when we say goodbye to those long, tiring and often testing 12 months, in hopes of enriching ourselves in a good old Bridget Jones positive type of way. These resolutions of mine were of course set with good and more realistic intentions than my girl Bridget has done, however like Jonesy, they may have got somewhat lost along the way…ahem… apologies for my eight week hiatus on the blog! Nonetheless if there is one thing i’m taking with me into 2019, it is to relax, to not hold back waiting for that “perfect” moment and to stop worrying quite so much.
One example being that I was waiting to give myself the time to create more engaging content and memorable pieces such as those of my California trip. I started many blog posts with hopes of getting back into the swing of things. Yet upon reflection I can see that the issue was that I was becoming too concenered on everything being “insta-worthy” rather than the joy of writing, sharing and creating, so I decided instead to not to post anything at all and binge watch Gossip Girl until I “had time”. We’re all guilty of this kind of behaviour right? Plus it doesn’t help that GG is highly addictive! So in the spirit of these reflections and with new positive intentions being reset going forward, here are some of my personal top 9 moments I didn’t share as much as I should have in 2018.
Winter Snow in the UK | Despite the disruption and how England stops functioning for a few days, there is something quite magical about snow in the U.K., no matter how little!
Glamour Beauty Festival | Mother’s Day – I had a lovely day out with my mum at the Saatchi Gallery in London. After a tough start to 2018, this was one day we both really needed to remind ourselves to relax
Family Bonds | My Grandmother – As life goes on, our loved ones grow older with us. My grandmother is the strongest fighter I know and every moment together is a moment I treasure. A relationship between Grandchild and Grandparent is truly special
California road trip | Yosemite – Hiking is something I hope to do more of in my 20’s and this day really was a bucket list moment
California Road Trip | Monterey – Because Big Little Lies. Need I say more?
California | Wine Tasting – Sipping wine with my boyfriend in places like this was a pinch me moment
California | Sea lion selfies, being blonder than ever and embracing summer sun freckles
New York | Discovering new places. New York is now one of my favourite cities in the world
Croatia | My Brother’s Wedding – Being a bridesmaid & surrounded by so much love was really an unforgettable day
Whether there is such thing as “New Year, New Me” I’m not quite sure, but that’s not to say that resolutions are a waste of time. I love the really hopeful and motivated mood in January, where ambitions are high and the “I can do anything attitude” is held by most. I really think that we should recognise and celebrate our achievements more often and not worry that this may be misread as egotistical, unrealistic or unachievable. Because it is acceptable and necessary to give ourselves credit on more occasions than simply in the New Year! So, this year I’m making it a priority of mine to keep trying to achieve my goals and really celebrate my achievements, rather than worrying. After all, “worrying is stupid, it’s like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain” something that us British do oh too well!
What are your intentions for 2019 and what were some of your highlights from 2018? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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