Hello 2018, you gorgeous thing!

“New year, new me”.... right!? That’s how it happens, it’s like a fairy tale. It turns midnight on New Year’s Eve and all of a sudden it’s a new year and you put anything and everything from the previous year behind you. You start the first day of 365 days slightly hungover, but nonetheless - a NEW you. With like special powers and sh*t ✨

HA!!

Not quite.. but I like to believe it anyway.

....

Problems... Sometimes we get them for a day, sometimes we get them for a week or two. But sometimes when you’ve hypothetically walked under a ladder, shattered a mirror, crossed a path of a black cat and opened up an umbrella inside; you somehow get hit with a whole 12 months worth! Now, I understand that all of it will make you resilient, which is a good thing. But something important to learn - and something I’ve only just come to accept - is that you are 110% allowed to crack and change your life. It sounds scary, it’s probably even a little intimidating, it may even be hard to accept, but whatever you need to make you happy, whether that's a 1 kg of gummy worms, a holiday, or a new outfit...

DO IT!

Because, at the end of the day, whoever you have in your circle, all they want is to see you happy!

__________________________

Not to worry though, I have mastered some of the standard dreams already for the new year:

I can now speak fluently to all animals - especially dogs ✔️

I took on the challenge of being ringleader for a travelling circus ✔️

I’ve been a super adult & NOT eaten a whole bag of Allen’s lollies (in one sitting) ✔️

Resisted the urge to stay in my Pj’s all day ✔️

And, most importantly, I’ve managed to put all my clothes back on the hanger after I’ve worn them ✔️

As Fat Amy would say “Crushed It!” 💪

Even though this year has started off quite impressive, this time last year wasn't even close to it. I've always been the type of person that finds song lyrics or quotes a great way to nail exactly how I'm feeling, and one of the many moving quotes I came across last year was this...

“You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.” - Michelle Obama.

Now, the fact that not only does this quote resonate deeply with me, but also that it’s quoted by one of the most influential women in the last century is something solely to be inspired by. So, just when you can't even imagine to try and describe what you are thinking or how you're feeling, its more than likely, somebody else has. And, that's okay! Find your fire in a song, a quote, a poem or even a loving message from a friend.

Back-tracking for a bit, let me set the scene for you: stuck in a horrible job, not finding any motivation for the things I love, and putting some serious stress into my life. Recipe for disaster! Unfortunately, this wasn't due to my lack of trying to change things, because I tried. I tried so very hard, but I was unbelievably lost - and there was my problem. I couldn't figure out what I needed. So, you could say that my 2017 was a bunch of not very nice words (use your imagination though) .... But, you want to know one fabulous thing!? I NEVER have to relive that year again. The beauty of growing up and growing older - you will ALWAYS move forward. Even though last year didn’t go to plan one bit, I was able to find clarity of it all once to took a step back. Regardless if I didn't always feel it personally, it was always going to happen. Once I realised that the fear and anxiety I had about making a change was purely the decision to do exactly that, it made sense to just jump & find my happy. And when that new year come around, I found myself feeling confident, my mind was clear, and I was rediscovering my drive & focus. I started finding

me again! So know this, no matter how extreme your day may have been, you get another go!

Taking a look back now, I don’t feel any of those overwhelming & shattering emotions of helplessness. I feel better for knowing I deserved better and finding my self-worth again. So, I get it. And in actual fact, majority of people “get it” too! We all go through our own obstacles, it’s just about finding what and who makes you happy. And, “that’s what it’s all about”.

May 2018 be magical and wonderful and a fresh start for all.