My 2023 roundup

My favourite time of the year (after my birthday of course) is the beginning of January. It's a time when I pause and reflect on my life and on the person that I am and that person that I want to be...

It's no secret that I have struggled in several areas of my life since 2020; relationships, family life, career, friendships, etc have all taken major knocks one way or another. My self-confidence plummeted and my anxieties were at an all time high. In conjunction with this, every time I tried setting healthy boundaries with people, I was often left feeling gaslit and invalidated.

This is the year that I have decided I've had enough. I've felt hurt by many family members and friends, whether it was them making mindless comments about how I have gained weight, that I used to look better before or them simply deciding to cancel plans with me in favour of last minute 'better' options.

There have been many times when I felt completely on my own and lost. I've had some scary thoughts, wondering how people would get on if I weren't here. I have wondered what the point of my life is. These are thoughts that I have fought so hard against and I have never shared with anyone until now....

For the longest time, I have felt like the side character in my own life.....2023 saw me reclaim who I am. I am finally putting myself first and I am honouring my peace and happiness above all else. I may be flawed, but in many ways I have many gifts. I am kind, compassionate, creative, talented, hard-working and above all, I am a strong and resilient woman.

In 2023, I have made new friends, explored hobbies, read many books, watched many films, explored most of Italy and started dating again. I don't have my whole life figured out but I know that I am far more capable than I give myself credit. I don't know what 2024 holds for me but I am determined to put my mental and physical health first.

To those who have come across this blog post, let's raise our glasses to 2024 and let this be our best year yet!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!