It's funny that at the time of writing this, it is my worst day of the year so far. It's a shame that such a great year ends on a disappointing note, but, is that not just life? I'm a very happy girl- I try to see the sunshine in every situation and even when I cry, I still remind myself how great life is. I don't like to share sad feelings; even with my friends. The fact that it's okay not to be okay is a fact that I've had to learn year after year. I love to be the hero and I'm used to being strong. However, it's the last day of 2013 and I die if I'm not going to be positive about it! When I look back on the year after these low feelings are long gone, I will remember it as one of the happiest of my life so far. On January 1st 2013, I woke up in the Seychelles to the sunrise in the first picture- the most beautiful I've ever seen and that was when I knew it was going to be a great year. I was going to make it mine.
February, usually one of my worst months as it's so cold in England in February was a major highlight. I celebrated one of my best friend's birthdays in Miami with some of my favourite people. It was so much more fun than I could have ever imagined and a much-needed break from a very busy work period. It was a year of so many firsts- first time I went to a strip club (King of Diamonds in Miami, it was gross!), first time I went to Miami, Spain and Dallas. February was also my first fashion month when I had the opportunity to meet designers Lucas Nascimento and Henry Holland.
It was in April, when I was invited for the RewardStyle conference in Dallas that I learnt so much about blogging and I vowed to start taking it much more seriously. I knew that if I was going to make a success out of it, my photo quality really had to improve. I raised the bar and have reaped the benefits- my readers obviously prefer my content now and I can see the effects on the blog's growth.
In May, I put some of the knowledge I got from the conference to use and collaborated with a brand that I love and wear almost everyday: ASOS. This was my first dive into the world of collaborations and I really enjoyed it.
June was perfect. I had the time of my life in Barcelona and Ibiza with one of my favourite girls. I followed that up with Marbella and Casares with my mum. It was all about Spain for me during the summer.
The most magical time of my year was August- my birthday month. For one day, I was a real-life princess and I've never felt more love or peace than spending my 21st with the people I love the most in Paris. It was then that I realised how much I was loved and how much I loved the closest people to me in life and I don't think I've ever been happier.
Then, there was a brief trip to NYC with my dad and I rounded off the year at home with my loves.
Two days ago, I was speaking to someone about travel. She shares a mutual interest in visiting places off the beaten path and she asked me whether I travel to find myself. It was such a startling question for me because I never thought about that. I replied instinctively 'No, I travel because I love it. I already have found myself'. And then she said 'I can tell'. It was only after that conversation that I realised just how much I've grown in the past year. I spoke to someone about it after and she told me she didn't find herself until she was 40. I was so shocked. Maybe it's because I've been single and I've had so much time alone and not been able to escape from myself. My idea of a perfect night is going for a steak and sweet potato fries dinner and then eating a banana and toffee cake in bed whilst blogging, reading blogs or watching a TV show. Most of my happiness has come from within. It all makes sense now but I'm still very shocked that she could tell that I've found myself.
So, I guess 2013 was the year I found myself. The year I accepted me for me. The year I decided what I like, what I don't like and tried at all costs to avoid doing anything that I don't like. If only for the reason that I have found peace within, I think it's safe to say that it's a year I will never forget.
My mission in 2014 is to be fierce and fearless. To work harder than ever before and to really go for it in every aspect of my life. To become completely confident in my body, to save more money, to buy only items that I truly love and will cherish. To love, to be loved and to be happy. As long as I'm alive and the people I love are alive, I have no excuses not to be happy.
Your turn- how was your year and what are you determined to achieve in 2014?
I wish you guys immeasurable peace, love and happiness in 2014. I thank God that I get to have friends in various parts of the world and I have so much love for you.
Love Always,
Fis
xoxo