2019 reflection

I never wrote a 2018 reflection – I was not in a great place at the beginning of 2019. I ended up writing a reflection for my 27th Birthday, looking back on the year I had.

I wrote in that post in the last paragraph;

My ambition, is that the year trundles on at a constant pace with no crazy peaks and troughs.

4 weeks after I wrote that post, I lost my grandma. She was one of the strongest women I knew, surviving cancer and many health obstacles several times. This time her body had said enough was enough. This was extremely tough to see, however I know now she is no longer in any pain and she lived her life to the fullest, making her family the centre of whatever she did.

I guess looking back on the quote, it was naive of me to think that a year can go by with nothing bad/challenging or difficult happening. That is life. Life throws curve balls at you and you’ve got to do your best at juggling.

I did what I knew best, threw myself into even more adventures and paddle boarding trips to keep my mind busy.

Alex and myself took a spontaneous trip to Oslo – visiting Norway for the first time and it did not disappoint. I will definitely be venturing back there at some point in the future.
I took a solo trip to Northern Ireland becoming a Gutsy Girl, and found a group of like minded women that shared the same passion for travel and adventure as myself.
Alex and I travelled to Spain for a relaxing week of sun and the sea.
There were several UK SUP trips. I plan to blog about these some more detail, so stay tuned.
I spent time with family and friends reminding me laughter and memories can ease pain and loss.

I also knew work had to change. I became obsessed with finding new one. I finally secured a new role and promotion (still with the Environment Agency but in a different department) in September. I’ve adjusted to the new role and still learning everyday.

I feel years come and go. And more and more I don’t believe in these big new year ‘resolutions’ or ‘changes’. I believe I just need to carry on living how I am. Reacting the best I can to bad situations, picking myself up and living the best I can for those that are now no longer with us.

Here are some photos of my highlights of 2019; and may 2020 be even more full of joy.