December 31, 2013

2013| MY FAVOURITE YEAR SO FAR


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

29 thoughts on “2013| MY FAVOURITE YEAR SO FAR”

  1. Samantha says:

    I love this! I am a huge fan of your style and your blog. It’s been lovely going on your journey with you, the places you’ve been…ahh amazing (well jealous lol)! You’ve inspired me a lot, style wise and just in general. My goals are to do a lot of travelling this year, put more effort in developing my blog and just pushing myself to try new things.

    Happy New Year!

    Sam x
    http://www.lilmissbuttercup.com

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      I’m so honoured! I hope you achieve your goals to do with travelling and your blog (so similar to mine) and ofcourse, trying new things! xxx

  2. Daniella says:

    Happy New Year Fisayo! A beautiful post from a beautiful girl who has a beautiful heart and soul! I find you to be so humble and gracious, creative and inspiring. Thank you for sharing all your stylish outfits and I hope we will get to meet once again in the near future 🙂

    Wishing you and your family and very happy and healthy new year,
    Daniella xox

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Oh Daniella!
      YOU are all those things and much more. I love your blog and I hope yo see you soon!
      Thank you SO much for your love! x

  3. Seymour says:

    Wow! You’ve had a fantastic year! Wishing you all the best in 2014. What did you do to improve your photography skills? Online course, classes?

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      I wish you all the very best too. Not my own photography skills per say (that would just be google for now). I mean my blog photography so the outfit posts taken of me- I hire a photographer sometimes! x

  4. Tiwi says:

    I love your blog and this piece. Reading this made me realise I’m on the right path to finding myself. Thank you for the inspiration 🙂

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      I pray you continue right on that path! x

  5. Abi Longe says:

    Fantastic piece Fis! Once again, I doff my hat to the woman you have become. I’m so proud of you! So much love.

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Oh hey mum. You taught me all I know so I guess I’m proud of you too. Haha. xxx

  6. Happy new year Fisayo!

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Happy New Year sweetheart! x

  7. Karina says:

    You’re such an inspiration, Fisayo! I always thought my 2013 was pretty awful, but reading this and looking back with the fresh hope that the new year’s brought, I’ve come to the realization that I have grown and learnt so much from it. For 2014, I’ve decided to adopt the ‘haec faciat’ and ‘carpe diem’ philosophies (when and where it isn’t terribly inappropriate, of course lol), rather than drown myself in what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.

    Thank you for sharing your story with us; I pray 2014 is just as magical for you, if not more!

    The Chaotic Dreamer | Personal Blog

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Thank you Karina. I’m really happy to hear that this made you look at the positives. That’s what I do all the time! This would have been a totally different read if I didn’t dwell on the positives. I can’t seem to find what ‘haec faciat’ means when I google. Can you let me know please? I hope 2014 is already magical for you. Carpe Diem forever! x

  8. chuqqy says:

    This is like the best Recap i have ever read , you are such a beautiful soul in & out , you reek of style and class i fell in Love with your blog in 2013 and i love that your readers can live vicariously through you.
    For me i would say 2013 was a tumultuous year in so many ways i ended a relationship , graduated school, i must say it brought me closer to my dreams because i discovered who i really wanted to be & i started to dwell on the positives , and whoop i finally wrote my bucket list in 2013 after procrastinating since like forever.
    so in 2014 i am so determined to start on a clean slate with hard work , passion and perseverance i would achieve my life goals.
    xoxo

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      YOU are such a beautiful soul. Thank you SO much for sticking with me? You’re one of my favourite readers- I love to hear from you all the time.
      That sounds like a lot for a year. Is it just me or is there something so special about a girl who’s just out of a serious relationship? I love the determination it gives you to self-improve and the new lease of life. The way a girl cuts her hair, goes blonde or generally goes out of her comfort zone after. Haha. I hope it affected you in a positive way. I’m so glad it brought you closer to your dreams and I still haven’t put my bucket list on paper. I’m too scared! Goodluck ticking off the list my darling! x

  9. Claudia Mensah says:

    My years was great! 2013 was the year that made me realise the only thing that actually limits us is fear of judgement. ..the year I found love like never before. …The year I evolved and realised the things society put a price on are really not the mostly important things in life! And in 2014 I’m taking charge of everything I’m my life. Cos I’ve learnt people can walk the road WITH me, but never walk it FOR me.

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Wow. Sounds like 2013 was life-changing. I think I learnt some of those exact same things this year ahead! So so true. I wish you the best this year. You sound incredibly determined, I’m sure you will succeed. xxx

  10. StylishSana says:

    This was a wonderful photographic highlight of your year and the words at the end were so raw and genuine! I want to say at your age you’re impressive but it’ll make me seem way older than you (26 to be exact) and secondly I had a similar zeal and passion for wanting to learn me, love me, and be me just like you – it is no wonder your words took me back to m 21- year-old self. You are a fabulous being and you do a good job dressing that fabulous statue that is you!I am blessed to have come across your blog, it makes a personal difference in how I feel when I read your words – I live for natural human connections and your blog motives me so much about my own blog. Thank you dearest for inspiration and pure reminders of the littlest things in life!

    God bless!

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Wow! Really one of the best things that have ever been said to me. Thank you for your thoughtful comments always- it means the world to me. I’m blessed to inspire you. God bless you too, abundantly. xxx

  11. Daecery says:

    What a fabulous blog indeed! I’ve been coming for a read for a month! Looking forward to muchmore in 2014 🙂 I can’t wait to get to that point in my life where I get to travel as much as you do!

    -xoxo daeonestyle.blogspot.com (Check out my blog!)

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      I can’t wait to travel more! Thank you lovely! So much. xxx

  12. Nelo says:

    Fabulous! Love everything

  13. Nelo says:

    Now that I have read your post. Happy new year. I enjoyed your blog and your take on style in the year ended and I cant wait to see your fierce take on fashion this year. Wish you a great year filled with lots of love.

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      I wish you the same sweetheart. Thank you! x

  14. abbby says:

    Love ur photo recap of 2013!
    I lived vicariously through your travels and I’m looking forward to more amazing destinations and ur Style selections this year.

    2013 was rocky for me at the end…. I hope 2014 turns out better.
    Peace x Light.
    xx

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Same here, right at the very end! 2014 will be better <3. I hope I can continue to inspire you in 2014. Fingers crossed! x

  15. Desiree says:

    I truly love this post!! Your words touched me deeply. You inspire me to push my boundaries and explore every limit that I put on myself. THANK YOU for this !

  16. Dee says:

    I read all your posts but I have never commented and at 4:30 am, I stumbled across this post which oddly enough I hadn’t read. This is so beautifully written and hit me right in my feels and as such, it has inspired my very first comment.
    You are incredibly inspiring and beautiful and creative and smart. It was magical reading your highlights of your 2013 year and I thank you for always bringing your readers along and allowing us to live vicariously through you.
    I would also say my 2013 was pretty great and maybe my best year yet as well. It was filled with its ups and downs but choosing to focus mostly on the positives, it was also a year of many firsts for me as well. I started the year with a job at school, I graduated with the best grades I achieved throughout uni, I went on a roadtrip with friends to NY – my first roadtrip, I celebrated graduation with my now ex-bf doing lots of firsts, I went to Miami for my birthday with my ex, I got a job, ended a very long term relationship and closed out the year with my family in London.
    We are now a quarter way into the new year but my goals for this year are to travel more, save more, get closer to God, make new friends, be in better physical shape, wear better clothes (thanks for the endless inspiration), be fearless and be happy.
    I hope your year has been great so far and will continue to be. You deserve nice things. xxx

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