Goodbye 2011…hello 2012

When I began reflecting on 2011, I felt a bit disappointed in myself for not achieving more. On the surface, 2011 was a bit underwhelming. I’m used to pulling a 360 in about as many days; by the time 2010 was coming to an end I had two new jobs including one heck of a leap up the career ladder, moved out into my own flat and achieved a lots of exciting things blogwise. In comparison, there have been a couple of tiny ripples in 2011’s pool but certainly no waves. But are the obvious signs of change that important? Does life really need to move forward in leaps and bounds?

As a person, I’m constantly craving change and moving forward. Frequently changing jobs and houses; nothing tend to last more than 15 months for some reason but I’ve been at my current job and in my flat for longer than that now. Sometimes standing still can be as much as an achievement as moving forward, I just hadn’t realised that until now. As exciting as change can be, stability and building foundations are equally rewarding.

That’s not to say I haven’t grown and learnt in the last year. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes you just need time to ease your foot off the accelerator enough to enjoy the journey. Life is so beautiful but sometimes it’s hard to appreciate it when we’re so busy hurtling around. For me, 2011 was a year to take stock of what I’ve achieved, figure out what I want to do and working my way back to taking the first step on the right path to take me forwards, rather than taking sideways steps. By parking my ambition/need to move at 100mph temporarily, I feel like I have a much better understanding of where I want my blog to go, how I want my career to develop and what makes me happy. The personal growth I’ve experienced over the last year is worth way more than any of the big achievements I used to measure my life with.  

What actually makes me happy are the simple things: sunshine through my window, good food and great friends. I think sometimes we can overcomplicate life and lose sight of the things that really count. Money, clothes, jobs, cars and most things are easy come, easy go. They’re might put a brief smile on our faces but they’re rarely the things that keep us smiling. For 2012, I simply hope for love, laughter and happiness for myself and each of you. Be happy in yourselves, cherish the people close to you and remember that life is short so make sure you’re doing what makes you happy. Life is a game of inches, keep pressing on in your journey. 

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