Looking back on 2016 & my word for 2017

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a lovely festive break. We had a relaxing time spending Christmas in Brighton, eating too much food, catching up with friends and having a mini child-friendly New Years Eve party at mine. We've made the most of the start of the new year with countryside walks, beach visits and more play dates! I had a proper break from blogging and have really enjoyed living in the moment away from the internet. I've still been online but as little as possible and it's been so nice.

My word for 2016 was CHANGE. Looking back it has had a big impact on my life. I thought about the word whenever I was about to do something new and really tried to go out of my comfort zone even if I did feel terrified! I tried so many new things last year including flying solo (literally) with Pip and taking him to Amsterdam. We also went to India, Pip's first visit and something I'd always wanted to do. Although my family were around, I took Pip on a few day trips alone, as the others weren't interested in coming, and despite worrying, they turned out fine and actually a lot of fun! My blog naturally turned into a travel blog and that made me more passionate writing about our trips and past travel experiences. In 'real' life I did an eight week mindfulness course and carried on meditating throughout the year, something that changed my perspective in many ways. We spent a lot of time at the beach here in Brighton and started going to forest school classes where my love for the outdoors grew even more. I turned 35 (and still feel old) and my blog turned two! I joined some new social groups and on one particular motivated evening, I started my own and organised a few events. I made a real effort to catch up with old friends and make new ones, and am so glad I did.

Occasionally, I think I haven't achieved much in the last year but when writing it all down I see how far I've come. I felt really stuck in 2015, more stuck than I've ever felt in my whole life and, to be honest, apart from Pip, I didn't find life particularly fulfilling. I made a (long) list of the things I wanted to change but wasn't sure how to go about them and everything seemed so overwhelming. I procrastinated a lot! 2016 made me realise that things are possible if you set your mind to them. Life is short and there's no point in dwelling on things or waiting for other people. It sounds so clichéd but people/opportunities/experiences are all out there, you just have to be brave enough to go and seek them out.

I used to hate change but now realise that it is part of life. Things aren't meant to stay the same forever, they are constantly growing, adapting and changing. But only you can make those changes happen. After returning from India, I took a leap of faith and attempted to make my full (part-time) income from blogging and it worked! I'm not sure if I want to do it forever as I've left my academic background behind, but it is definitely possible! When I look back on 2016 I realise how much I have grown and nearly all of it was to do with my outlook. Mindfulness & meditation have helped me immensely in letting go and focusing on the positive things in life. I still worry about things and get demotivated at times but, in general, I am really enjoying life and have a lot to be thankful for.

When I think of this year, I know there will be many new developments. Pip is starting school in September and I can't quite believe it, eek! I want to make the most of the time I have with him (he's so sweet and funny at the moment), enjoy the present and go on more trips together before the school timetable kicks in. I feel I am in a bit of transition period at the moment and there are a few new things I want to try. So, my word for 2017 is GROWTH.

On this page, I've leaving you with some inspirational quotes with my favourite being this life manifesto. I still need to buy this and hang it on my wall!

PIN ME (that's me in the sea)

Do you embrace change? What's your word for 2017? I'd love to hear your thoughts.