Well here we are, it is the year 2020. I hope you all had a lovely New Years Eve/ Day whatever it was that you did. I saw the New Year in at a party with my gorgeous friendlings.

It was a lovely evening full of laughs (and a few happy tears). It was then followed by a day of recovery…

This was my first insta post on @abislifeinwriting summarising my start to the year

When I sat down to think about what I wanted to do with this weeks blog post and how I wanted to start the New year over here I had a few ideas but then thought; What do you actually want to know that you don’t already know? because I’ve documented a lot of my year over here on the ol’ blog. So instead I want you to think about some of the following things and I’ll include my answers (and hope that there are nuggets of something you don’t know. ). Let me know in the comments some of your answers.

What things are you proud of for 2019?

Prioritisation of things that I know are good for me, like going climbing and hiking and having chill nights in. I know what I enjoy and I’m proud that I have made time to keep them in my life and do them more than I have done in the 2 years prior to 2019.

What goals did you achieve?

I passed my driving test which was something a year ago I didn’t think would happen. I was very anxious to get behind the wheel because I didn’t know how I would cope with it anxiety wise (aka, would I feel in control or would I panic when in a tricky situation). BUT I PASSED!

What lessons have you learnt ?

I’ve learnt that I need to have more faith in myself. I can do more than I think and I know I can talk to others I trust to help me when I’m stuck in a rut. For example I had a positive flying experience when I went to Jersey with my housemates because I let my amazing friends help me

What did you read?

One of my favourite reads this year was My sister the serial killer which I wrote a review on here. I’ve also been re-reading the Harry Potter books as a de-stress which I have been loving. I’m currently on the Goblet of Fire.

What did you start?

This year I started being a bit braver in regards to my creative writing. I’ve been; promoting my blog on Instagram, one of my short stories got published, this semester I have been doing a creative writing module, and I have started a creative dissertation rather than an essay. At times I have felt a bit out of my depth but I’ve been loving it. I can’t wait to share more stories with you. (You can read The Dark Cloud here and Tell me what happened here).

What did you improve?

I’ve improved on knowing when to take a break. It’s important to manage stress and anxiety by just going on a short walk or having a coffee date. I’ve been working really hard on finishing working at 6 ish and having dinner and a relaxing evening (sometimes having a bath is key) and then getting an early night in. I’ve also been working on keeping weekends free for social engagements.

I’ve also started trying to do coffee/work dates with friends so we can have a catch up and do a bit of more chilled out work (it’s great for when I’m just editing work)

I also want to include a few links to some people on Instagram who have helped/inspired/made me feel positive in 2019. They are well worth a follow:

Chessie King Encourages her followers to just embrace being themselves and not to worry about what others think.

Megan Jayne Crabbe Megan is all about spreading body positivity and restoring confidence in her followers.

A Little card of hope This account is run by my lovely cousin. She is spreading mental health awareness through the creation of her really positive and supportive messages on handmade cards. They are the perfect little pick-me-up that you can send to anyone and everyone to make their day! The profits go to mental health charities.

I’ve even received a card and I love it!

Drop me a message in the comments if you already follow some of these gems or if you think I’m missing anyone spectacular!

All that’s left to say is that I wish you all the best for the year ahead and remember, be positive in 2020!

AND Thanks to everyone for the many happy memories in 2019

Oh and one more thing! Thanks so much for all your love on the blog and on my blog insta @abislifeinwriting. It means a lot that you guys are actually reading and following what I’m up to. There will be a lot more to come in 2020.