1. Getting older means I am being asked now more than ever, ‘when will Theo propose?’ or ‘when do you think you’ll have kids?’ Man I can’t even look after myself yet, give me a chance. I am not ready for kids yet and I have learned that this year.
2. Mental health changes you. It certainly does but I have come to terms with the fact that’s OK, and I am happy being the calmer and less spontaneous person I was over the past few years.
3. Acne is a fucking pain. Yep at 26 years old I am still covered in spots and they won’t go! Help me anyone please. Stress related maybe but I need these boys gone by my birthday
4. You can’t please everyone. Also true and something I have learnt this year from having CBT for my anxiety. I am a people pleaser and I go above and beyond to please others but I need to stop it and put myself first. This is also the same for making people like you, some people won’t like you, but again, that is god damn OK!
5. People are kinder than you can imagine. After anxiety strikes it has been lovely to see how many people, whether they have mental health problems or not, are there for you, and are kind to you. It makes it a lot easier!
6. I am more a home bird than first thought. This year I travelled a lot, but I loved coming home for than I had done usually. I found myself looking forward to going home, and I also realised that maybe group press trips aren’t for me. I have only been on a ‘few’ good ones!
7. I need to be more confident with my brand and content. This year I have really put my heart and soul into my blog and I feel it has paid off. I have felt better about the content I am producing and therefore have become more positive! I also think the brands I have worked with has improved because of how my brand has changed.
8. Making time for friends and family is key. I always used to think they’d always be there, and yes maybe they will but putting time aside will ensure you connect with your friends and family on a deeper level. Travel is worth nothing if you have nothing to come home to!
9. Blogging isn’t just about blogging. I have also met some amazing blogger friends this year, who I am lucky enough to say, are now true friends, and I am so very thankful for these guys in my life.
10. Work isn’t everything. I started off the year on a high, new job and big expectations for my career. I end the year in a completely different job, and career path but one which makes me happy. The stress and pressure and tears were not worth the career path I was on, and my happiness was more important. Don’t get me wrong I am so motivated still, but in a different way. This year, I found a better balance in my offline and online life and I also taught myself to say no as well.
BeingButtons
01/03/2017 at 18:08Really enjoyed reading this – thanks for sharing! There were quite a few things you said that I could relate to including people asking questions about what you’ll be doing next when you’re not sure yourself. Good luck for 2017 – I hope it brings great things.
Twins that travel
01/03/2017 at 20:45Yay! Love you, Soph! xxx
Sophie's Suitcase
01/04/2017 at 15:58Love you too! xxx
Sophie Cliff
01/04/2017 at 11:19Love this list Sophie. We definitely need to try and meet up this year! x
Sophie Cliff
Sophie's Suitcase
01/04/2017 at 15:58Yes we do my love!! Let me know if you come down this way xx
Heels In My Backpack
01/04/2017 at 12:43Thanks for the shout-out cutie! <3
Sophie's Suitcase
01/04/2017 at 15:57No worries! xxxxxxxxxx
QueenBeady
01/04/2017 at 13:38Oh sweetheart, you are such a doll and to see you suffer made me think about you a lot. I hope you do know that.
Press trips would scare me, being around people I don’t know – I like travelling as part of a couple of friendship group.
Bee | QueenBeady.com
Sophie's Suitcase
01/04/2017 at 15:57Love you lots! xxx
Lucy Sheref
01/04/2017 at 15:21I never realised you were so young – you have achieved so much! We need to talk about acne – I’ve honestly tried everything and have written about it lots. The Lumie Clear is one of the best things out there – 100% recommend it 🙂
Sophie's Suitcase
01/04/2017 at 15:57Oh thank you lovely, old before my time thats why haha! Oh I will look at Lumie! I need help…xxx
missgetaway
01/09/2017 at 13:46Such a lovely post! And yes, I totally feel you on the acne thing. I’ve been suffering from very bad breakouts ever since I came off the pill and it’s horrendous!
Love, Kerstin
http://www.missgetaway.com/
Dannielle | While I'm Young
01/09/2017 at 17:16Sophie it’s like we literally had the same year! All of this completely resonated with me – maybe cos I’m about to turn 25 too! Here’s hoping we get a handle on the crap and that the acne does one! xx
Emma Hart
01/09/2017 at 18:38You’ve had such a year Sophie. I hope 2017 is amazing for you minus a lot of anxiety, you deserve it. Hopefully we’ll see each other at some point too!
Zoey
01/16/2019 at 18:22Loved reading this, I feel like we had a some what similar year! 2019 is all about self love, kindness and happiness for me personally.
Zoey | https://zoeyolivia.com
Sophie
01/18/2019 at 10:37Ah thats good, glad you’ve found the calm this year!