Reflection | 2016: A Year in Review

Two Thousand and Sixteen, you will certainly go down in the history books. You've been a bit of a rollercoaster both on a personal level and a global level which is why I'm not quite sure how to review you. I've not known a year yet to be such an emotional rollercoaster with some amazing highs and crazy lows. While globally everything seems to be up in the air which the news and media are reporting I thought I'd look at my personal year, it's highlights and lows, because you know, change starts with you.

2016 Top Highlights:

I'm going to start by thinking to the positives of the year with my top highlights

1. Getting distinctions at college
2. Moving into my new job role
3. Sitting in Centre Court at Wimbledon and drinking Pimms while watching Serena Williams
4. Watching Andy Murray play at the ATP World Tour
5. Some great holidays including Devon, Portugal and Center Parcs with some brilliantly amazing people.

2016 in Numbers:

Number of bucket list goals completed: 2 (must improve on this next year)
Number of countries visited: 3 (must improve on this next year)
Number of weddings attended: 3
Number of funerals attended: 1
Number of boyfriends kept: 1
Number of concerts attended: 4
Number of theatre shows seen: 5
Number of instagram uploads: 218
Number of blog posts: 69

Blogging Achievements:

1. 2016 was the year for Rachel-Emily.com, I bought my own domain name, re-branded and set about really launching the blog. 
2. Improving my photography. There's still a way to go but i'm proud of what I've achieved so far
3. I have followers!! Thank you, this still doesn't feel real yet. 
4. I attended my first ever blogging event and everyone was so lovely. I can't wait to go to more of these next year

What I've learnt this year

1. The big things are hard to control so to focus on the little things. My one vote probably didn't make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things, it's all the votes together which have concluded in the way the world is ending 2016 so instead i'm focussing on the little things I can do to make a difference. Holding the door for someone, upholding good manners, smiles to the people I pass on the street. 
2. My friends and family, including J, are amazing. Studying part time and working full time have turned me into an emotional wreck/monster at times this year and everyone has supported me, helped me and put up with me. They are key to my success and I can only hope that I can play the same role for them.
3. Saving to get on the property ladder is so. damn. hard. 
4. You work to live rather than live to work. Finding the balance between this is absolutely key.
5. You can never be too organised or too 'early'. 
6. People aren't immortal and so you need to make the most of having them around while they are still here. Losing my nan this year was hard as I didn't see her as often as I would have liked. The loss of so many well loved stars has also hit home this year with some big names now missing from the world. Note to self for future: appreciate the people you have in the now. 

How did 2016 treat you? What were your highlights?

Follow over at Bloglovin' to catch tomorrow's post on what goals I'm setting for 2017 and my adventures in 2017 to achieve them.  Now please excuse me while I go bake my weight in brownies ready to see in the new year with chocolate, friends and sparklers.

Love Rachel x