I’m not sure what I can say about 2014 to be quite honest, it hasn’t been the most eventful of years for me, which after a somewhat chaotic run of things since 2009 was quite a welcome relief. It’s been one of those years where I feel like I’ve developed as a person, without drama forcing me to be someone who I’m really not. I started the year in January (as we all do) feeling a little bit apprehensive about what lay ahead and I’ve ended it, tonight, feeling like I’ve got to know myself a whole lot better- and more importantly I like myself and the person I was always meant to be.
I suppose the most major milestone for the year was reaching a healthy weight voluntarily for the first time in my adult life. Now, I don’t profess to be fully recovered from the anorexia that has haunted me for the last 12 years but I have a handle on it and I’m the one in control. I eat well, I enjoy food and no longer fear every mouthful, my weight does go up and down like a yo-yo but that’s just life and I’m aware now of when it’s becoming a problem and seek to address it rather than bury my head in the sand. I’m living my life how I want to, not how mental illness wants me to.
Another big thing for me is finally getting back behind the wheel. For those who don’t know, I began learning to drive when I was 17 (and what a mistake that was!) After five failed tests I admitted defeat and took an extended break, one that lasted ten whole years, oops! I’m now nearing taking my test again- and I don’t think it’d be cheating to write off my previous experience, right?
It was a good year for family things- spending quality time with those who mean the most to me and taking time out of life to see them. Spending a weekend up in Birmingham just a few weeks ago was a highlight, quality time with my Aunt and Cousins and getting to know my Aunt’s three foster girls- as well as watching in amazement at little Noah, my elder cousins boy as he transforms from a baby to a walking, talking and really very cheeky toddler.
The year has had it’s challenges- back surgery and being so busy that sometimes I just want to run away from it all just about touches the surface of that, but work wise I feel like I’ve developed hugely and now work two jobs in very different roles and wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m pleased to report my back issues seem to have resolved too and all I have left to show for them is a neat little scar. Ben landed himself an awesome full time job too, I couldn’t be a prouder girlfriend!
It wouldn’t be a recap without mentioning the blogging highlights of the year for me- compared to some they may be small but I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing brands and make new friends within the Bristol blogging community thanks to the birth of #BlogClub- social anxieties now mostly squashed I look forward to a lot more of that in 2015!
For someone who thought they didn’t have a lot to say about the year, I seem to have written a lot. Link me up to your posts about the year gone by as I love to read how everyone feels about what the last twelve months means to them.
Finally, thank you- to everyone who reads this blog and/or supports me in everything I do. Mum, Dad, Grandad, Benjamin and Trudi I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done and continue to do…and to all my blogging friends, I’m sorry I’ve been a little absent of late, I plan to catch up with each and every one of you soon.
Have fun if you’re out celebrating tonight, enjoy it and don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on 2014 and how it’s shaped you to deal with whatever 2015 throws your way!
Honey! You’ve come so far and although I know you are battling with your old anorexia illness, I can safely tell you it’s not part of you now! I would NEVER say you even had it! 🙂 You look so healthy, happy and strong even after the operation you’ve had to go through this year! You’ve done amazing and I’m so happy to have (virtually) met you!! Thank you for being part of my 2014! Have a great relaxing night tonight and an amazing start to 2015!! Big love
Tatyana xxx
Happy new year, all the best for 2015 xoxo
♥ Cateaclysmic ♥
Happy new year and all the best for 2015, Laura! It sounds like you’ve overcome a lot during 2014 and have been able to do the things you’ve wanted to do for some time. Good luck with the driving test! xxx
http://www.justemma.co.uk
I loved reading this Laura! I only know you through your blog but you’ve definitely seem to have become a lot more confident and happier this year, which is SO good to see because you deserve it. You should be really proud of yourself and I hope 2015 is even better for you! Best of luck with the driving! x
Josie’s Journal
Sounds like a very successful 2014. It’s good to hear you’re doing better and better.
I hope your 2015 is even more successful.
Good luck with the driving test!
Lovely post, I hope 2015 is even better for you! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year my lovely. As always it’s a pleasure reading your blogs and seeing just how far and how happy you’ve become. I’m looking forward to 2015. Jojo xx
Since the off you’ve always had one of my favorite blogs to read and i’m so happy to see you in a happy. I wish you all the best for 2015.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2015! xx
It’s always a pleasure reading your blog, having a glimpse into your life, learning more about E.D. and seeing all the photos of you, Mae and your pretty outfits. I’m glad you’ve been healing as well as you have after your back surgery. I love the photo of you and your mum in the last photo. Your hair looks beautiful in all of the photos. I hope you have a fabulous year 2015!
Sounds like you have had a fab 2014 and you definitely look really happy, Really looking forward to forward to reading more of your blog this year. Wishing you an amazing 2015!
Happy New Year! It seems to me that you have had rather a full year after all. Well done you for all you have achieved!
I started learning to drive at 17 and had a break too! Mine was slightly shorter- I passed at 22. Good luck with your test 🙂
This is such a lovely post, I am so proud with how far you have come, you are amazing! Sending you lots of love for 2015!
Maria xxx
Happy new year, Laura! I hope 2015 will be even better for you!
So glad to have found your blog from another blogger’s site. I look forward to reading more. Would you like to connect on social media? 🙂
xo,
Abby
http://www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com
Forgot to wish you a happy new year in my last comment – it sounds like you’ve achieved a lot over the last 12 months, even if you can’t see it yourself. I’m so happy your were able to make it to some Blog Clubs – having that network was a blessing for me too 🙂