I can’t believe that it’s been a whole year since I started my little blog. 2018 has been such a busy and fantastic year. It’s not often that we take the time to reflect on life and our achievements, but my blogging anniversary and the nearing of 2019 has provided me with the perfect opportunity. This year I have balanced a full-time job with part-time study, and (trying to keep up with) my passion projects; writing, working out and travelling. I have made some amazing memories with my loved ones and pushed myself to say yes, learn more and make the most of life.

In terms of my blog, I have learned a lot about blogging (and admittedly, I still have a long way to go!), along with getting to grips with the blogging community. My friend and I even braved it and went to a blog event to find out more and we had a lovely night! But it was also the night when I realised that I would probably be categorised as an occasional blogger, if you want to put a label on it. Truthfully, I haven’t made any solid friendships with fellow bloggers, I haven’t featured adverts or endorsed products that I don’t believe in and I don’t overshare daily elements of my life. I’ve always believed that writing should be from the heart, from feeling inspired and from feeling obliged to share, rather than being commercialised and superficial, so that’s what I’ve personally tried to focus on. (Not that I have anything against any other types of blogs – do your thing!). I have absolutely loved writing my blog this year and sharing my thoughts on life and the lessons I have learned with my readers. As a matter of fact, I think that there’s something quite therapeutic about blogging. It’s also so lovely to receive positive feedback from readers and to actually feel like your words can help other people and give them the boost they may need. But when it comes to my writing, this year I have often found myself torn between writing blogs, poetry or fiction and as a result, I have ended up writing a little bit of each of these genres rather than being fully dedicated to one. I have always been one to take on as much as reasonably possible and stretch myself to the limit, which isn’t always the best thing to do for your health and well-being, but I know myself and ever since university, I have craved ways to keep my mind occupied and maintain my creativity. With that being said, in 2019, I aim to channel more energy into my writing of any genre without feeling conflicted about neglecting a certain format. There are so many constraints and restrictions in life, without imposing them on yourself, so I aim to write freely, honestly, and as much as I can, with the hope that one day it will all be shared with the world.

As for other aims, I aim to be ambitious and proud of it, make more time for self-care and become more minimalistic. As a young woman, ambition and working hard is often either misunderstood or overlooked. I aim to keep working towards my goals, putting effort in and developing as much as I can and I will be proud of this, rather than self deprecating. ‘Me time’ is the first thing to go when life gets busy, but in 2019 I aim to be more flexible and fit self-care into my weekly schedule as a priority. Finally, I aim to be more minimalistic. I want to get rid of excess stuff, declutter, improve my finances and waste less.

Overall, 2018 has been a good year, but I can’t wait to make 2019 even better! (Although I’m still really sad about Brexit and I am quite frankly dreading it!!).

I wish you all a fantastic 2019 and I hope that your year is filled with happiness, good health and love!

Happy New Year!

Have you reflected on 2018?

What are your aims for 2019?

L.

One year of bloggingAttending a blog event is a good way to find out more about blogging and the blogging community, as well as the perfect excuse to get glammed up!