Although I haven’t written my summary of 2014 yet I’ve spent a hell of a lot of time thinking about it. It feels like 2014 was a really big year; I reached the end feeling the best I ever have. Professionally, emotionally, personally. The year has been pretty brilliant, if not a bit of a character builder.
Throughout the year I can safely say I’ve made mistakes, found myself in situations I’ve then had to extract myself from, learning lessons along the way. I can safely say I’ve never worked harder or pushed myself more than in the last 12 months, but contrary to what I always believed it turns out that hard work, it makes me happy! Who’d have thought it? Despite the onslaught of early mornings, late nights and knackering days I’ve been surprised at how much satisfaction the feeling of a solid 12 hour working day brings me ;) My eyes have more bags than John Lewis but I think they call this character building, and it works.
Clarity is a good word that I’d give to 2014. Everything in my life now feels clarified, concentrated, meticulously crafted. I feel like I have a wonderfully curated – small but wonderful – circle of friends that has shrunken slightly but in an entirely positive way.
I’ve found out things about myself that I didn’t know before, from what makes me happy to what I need to stay sane in my work and dating life (er, quite a lot, sorry bosses and boys). There have been times where I have prioritized work above everything else and I’ve achieved so much, but striving for a better work/life balance in 2015 is definitely something I need to aim for.
I’ve found clarity in the sort of person I want to be, and realised what behaviours in others I can tolerate and which I cant. I have little time for negativity in others and seem to have developed a mindset of constant positive thinking.
Without hugely bigging myself up I think I have ended the year a much nicer person. I’ve become a lot more aware of my own spirituality and place in the universe (seriously, 2013 me would be rolling her eyes big-time at this) and I really try hard to be the best person I can. I like to make life happy for other people and have been finding it easier to cut the bad wood out.
I have a love and hate relationship with New Years Resolutions. On one hand, why is it only this once a year that we’re widely allowed to take stock and make positive changes? On the other, what a great time to take stock and make positive changes… so this year I have resolved to keep on keeping on. A couple of little resolutions never hurt anyone, am I right?
2015 will be a busy one – I turn 30 for a start – so I’m keeping it simple. Keep being nice, keep working hard (but balance it with family life), keep enjoying and working on my health (EAT LESS BUTTER) and just have fun. Laugh lots, spend time with wonderful people and stop being hung up on not getting enough sleep. And above all, think positive thoughts. AND WRITE, always keep writing!
It feels good to be in 2015. I’m happy to be here.
PS: Looking back – January 2014 / January 2013 / January 2012 (can’t believe I used the phrase ‘New Year New Me’ without irony) / January 2011.
That’s so exciting to look forward to turning 30!!! I loved it. Whilst I am only just 31 last month it feels like it came and went quickly tho too. lol I hope 2015 holds for you everything you want and need and for your adorable two little ones! :) p.s. I need that cup in my life. hahaha
I hope so too Jenny! The cup is brilliant – it brightens my mornings :) x
Gorgeous post! This year is about greater balance for me too after 2014 was joyous but a complete whirlwind, it’s about streamlining here and saying ‘no’ more to stuff I’m not passionate about and ‘yes’ to the things that matter. It’s about spending as much time with those little people but keep working hard-30 was my best year, in fact it just keeps getting better. You rock lady (the French adore butter and look how great they look), here’s to a cracking year xx
Whirlwind… that sounds about right!
You’re not the first person to mention how good the French look on all that butter. Something tells me I might need to re-think this resolution ;) x
Happy new year Alice! What a lovely, positive, uplifting post to start the year with. May 2015 be a brilliant one for you and your brood! (PS. Don’t read my latest post – it’s both negative AND about sleep. I am a sleep deprived mood hoover at the moment.)
Oh Molly I was thinking of you this morning – E was up at 2 and H at 4 so was feeling a little sleepy as I made breakfast at work. But I thought back to your post and shook myself out of my slightly sleepy funk. Sending love and sleepy baby thoughts your way. xxx
Another turning 30 in 2015 here too, surely we should be able to have some sort of celebratory drink together at some point this year?? You’ve done amazingly Alice, I hope you feel so proud of yourself, what an inspiration you are for your kiddos! x
Oh absolutely! We definitely need to start a 30 year old’s club this year!
Thank you so much Fritha, that means a lot :) xx
I definitely need to work on my health and being more positive! I find that it doesn’t take much to ruin any positivity I have and put me into a negative frame of mind. It sounds like you are in a great place and I hope 2015 is a good one. Happy New Year! x
What happened to the ‘keeper’ boyfriend that was ‘so special’ who you couldn’t stop talking about (but has now been edited out of your previous posts)?
Happy new year! What a fantastic mug by the way, can totally relate, I have three wild things ;)
I’m still yet to finalise my welcome to 2015/New Years resolutions! Thinking hard, filtering down, simplifying instead of putting too much pressure on myself. Although I definitely want to be and feel fitter too! And living a positive & happy life. X
Happy New Year Alice! You certainly sound like you really achieved a lot last year and I think the most important thing is when you realise who you want to be around, who adds value … and who doesn’t. Turning 30 is a great time for re-assessing your wants and needs and it sounds like you’re definitely on the right path! :) x
Sounds like 2014 was a good year – and its OK to big yourself up I reckon, roll on 2015 x ps, not sure its possible to not get hung up over not getting any sleep! x
Oh Alice I think so many of us feel this way come January. I love how you write and how blunt and honest you are. I was feeling like this a few weeks ago and I love your list of how to resolve it. Only wish we lived closer so we can have women pow wows together. lol Love your mommy /child selfies too they are always so loving and cute. I try with my two and there is always blurred grainy arms waving and feet kicking and me getting punched in the face most of the time. lol