What 2017 Taught Me

Happy 2018, everyone! After a mid-year resolution in 2017 to dedicate more time to my blog, I seem to have failed miserably at it. I think it's safe to say that this year is going to be all about time management and managing my expectations of myself. I always have the best intentions, but in reality forget that I can't commit to the 101 commitments I give myself! 

However, I didn't fail with all my goals in 2017. Last year saw a lot of change in my life and the beginning of a new chapter for me. I'm officially a working girl now! I graduated from my university degree with a 1st and started a new job. I joined a running club and went from barely being able to run a 1/2 mile to completing a 10k race. (I'm as shocked as you are, believe me.) 

Last year I learnt lots, mostly about myself (that sounds even cheesier than it did in my head...). In the famous words of Kylie Jenner, it was a year about realising things. The main thing I learned that was that a bit of hard work goes a long way and it's always worth it. I've proven to myself that I can achieve something if I really put my mind to it. I never went to university expecting to get a 1st, but going into my final year something in me clicked. I wanted to get a 1st, even though I didn't really think I could get one. A small part of myself clung onto the idea though, and with a lot of perseverance, I achieved it. 

It was exactly the same with my decision to start running. I was never remotely interested in taking it up, until one day I stumbled across a YouTube channel by a lady called Adrienne Ldn, and her video about running the London marathon. I thought that her achievement was so bloody cool, and at the end of the video I remember thinking wow, I wish I could do something like that. Then I got sucked into a spiral of watching marathon training videos on YouTube, and a few days later I decided that I wanted to try running, and maybe one day run a half marathon. That plan is still in the pipeline - it's a goal I've got for the next year or so! 

I think as well as self-belief (whether that's genuine belief, or a fake-it-until-you-make-it kind of belief), another common factor in my year has been a support network. For me, everything I did last year was undoubtedly a little easier to do because of the people around me. It's taught me that who you surround yourself really does matter. My friends and family spurred me on during revision, and the friends I've made at my running club have given me the motivation to keep on going that little bit longer. It's also made me realise that I need to make sure that I give that support back whenever I can. I think in the past it's something that I've done subconsciously - because it's just what you do for your friends - but this year I do want to make sure I more consciously support those around me. 

I haven't formally thought of any resolutions for this new year. I've never been one to come up with a list at the beginning of the year- my goals tend to come about quite randomly as I go along. I guess all the usual apply though - I want to be a bit more efficient with my time and focus on the important things rather than small, unimportant admin and boring things, keep improving my fitness, save a bit more money and have fun. Oh - and be better at keeping my room tidy! 

As always, I'll update my blog when I can and fill you in on what I'm doing and of course, what I'm wearing. I hope your first week of 2018 has had a good start! Speak soon x

What I'm wearing: