I actually cannot quite believe that we have come to the end of another year. On the whole, 2018 has been a good one for me, it has been a year of great personal growth. When I look back at who I was and how I felt a year ago, I am astounded by just how different things are. Like every year, 2018 has had its ups and downs; challenges, successes, failures, laughs, cries, losses, gains and everything in between. I will be taking away some very fond memories with me from this past year, as well as some real life lessons. I wanted to write a post to reflect on the past year; sharing some memories, successes and lessons I have learnt, whilst also taking the time to note down my hopes and goals for 2019. I'd take this time to go make yourself a cup of tea...I hope you enjoy...

I think that it is worth noting that 2017 had been a little bit of a rollercoaster for me; though filled with some really fond memories and experiences, it had also been quite challenging on the whole. I went into the new year feeling a little bit confused about who I was and what I was doing with my life, having really not enjoyed my first term of my first year at university. 2018 began with me being struck down by that awful Australian flu, so a fair few days of January were spent on the sofa binge watching Grey's Anatomy - I decided to watch the dreaded episode 21 of season 11 during this time as I was feeling awful anyway! The remainder of the month was spent preparing myself for the first term university module's January exams - such fun! 
2018 was a game-changer for me in terms of my view on university, as previously mentioned, I had spent most of the first term feeling really uninspired by education and university life. After considering dropping out on several occasions, I promised myself that I would go into the second term with an open mind, and if I still wasn't happy then I would call it a day. Well, how things changed. I truly fell in love with university and I actually felt excited to learn. I have a really fond memory of being in the second lecture of my medieval module and thinking to myself 'this is it, this is my thing, this is what I want to do'; it sparked a passion in me - I had found my thing, and I was inspired! My experience at university in 2018 has been such a great one; of course, there has been challenges (and a lot of stress at times), but my goodness, I am so grateful and happy to be there. I have been so very lucky to have been able to meet and get to some truly wonderful, inspiring, kind and empowering individuals whilst there, that have had such a profoundly positive impact on my experience and my year. I made the difficult decision at the end of my first year to transfer from a joint honours degree in English Literature and Geography to a single honours BA in English Literature in the second year; though studying Geography was something I thoroughly enjoyed, I came to realise just how passionately I felt about studying English Literature. Though difficult, this decision is one I am so proud to have made because I am so happy. 
I have had some extremely wonderful experiences in 2018:
 In March, I travelled to Trowbridge to attend a fantastic Zumba masterclass. To be in the presence of the fantastic Zumba presenters; Nadia Alkoc, Alessandro Belletti, Prince Paltu-ob, and of course my own ZES, Sandra Bayliss was such a great pleasure - it was a truly inspirational event;
In the summer, my second cousin got married, and what a wonderful day we had getting to celebrate their love and happiness;
I got to travel to Italy twice; once with two of my dear friends, and then with my mother and brother - both times as special as each other, I feel extremely lucky; 
The Eisteddfod in Cardiff was a personal highlight of my year; it was just so fantastic to see so many people of all different backgrounds coming together to celebrate and learn about Welsh culture. It was particularly special to see the lovely Sian James at the Eisteddfod, and so lovely to get to finally introduce my mother to her - so wonderful. 
I must note that 2018 was the year I finally discovered a real interest in fashion and I also decided to change my hair - I went for the chop and dyed it too. 
2018 brought some wonderful things into my life; Mamma Mia 2 (still bitter about the fate of Donna, but still, a great film and soundtrack), The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Miley Cyrus' 'Nothing Breaks like a Heart', Sian's album 'Gosteg'...and the list goes on! 

I have really grown a lot this year and have achieved some things I am so proud of. I have grown from being someone who really didn't think they deserved their place at University, to someone who is proud that they are. 
I have learnt that in life there are some people who deserve your time, your energy, your thoughtfulness and kindness, and there are some who are actually just not that nice; treasure those who celebrate you for who you are, and stop bothering with the people who use you for their own personal gain. 
I have really come to learn that there is no point getting worked up or anxious about what may or may not happen; life is unpredictable - it can be cruel at times. It is important to live in the moment and enjoy life for what it is. It is such a rollercoaster of ups and downs. 
I am slowly learning to stop being so apologetic for who I am and for taking up people's time; I have wasted so many hours of my life overthinking everything I've said, or worrying that I am getting on a person's nerves etc. It is not worth it...I am who I am - I may as well embrace it.


Let's hope 2019 will be filled with more growth and happiness. I want to wish you all the most wonderful 2019 - may it be filled with so much happiness, success and good health.  All that is left to say is thank you 2018 - you have been a joy.