2014 | Looking Back

I've already shared my aims and goals for 2015, but I thought it would be nice to have a little look back over the year that has been and share how I got on with my goals for 2014. I have to admit, 2014 has probably been the toughest year I've ever had, for a few reasons which I'm not really going to go into; suffice it to say a relationship break-up and having to move back in with my parents were not part of my plan! I'm proud of the way I've been making the best of things, though, taking the opportunity of saving a little cash now I'm living at home to start taking driving lessons. I've been applying for jobs left, right and centre for something a little more relevant to my long-term career goals, and recently got a one day a week voluntary role which will fit around my current, paid job. I'll be starting in the next few weeks, so hopefully, that'll get me the experience I need to secure a full-time, paid role sooner rather than later! Living at home has also allowed me to take a step back and really focus on myself and my friendships which have for one reason or another been a bit neglected. I've been taking the time to keep in touch with friends and trying to see them a lot more often, which has been really nice; one of those friends came round a few days back to take some photos of my dog which have turned out beautifully (see below!*) and I'm hoping to get one made up into a canvas or print for my Mum. Finally, in the last couple of months I've started seeing someone new; he's a lovely guy and I'm looking forward to seeing what's to come in 2015!
This time last year, I shared my goals for 2014, and unfortunately I lost track of them somewhat over the course of the year. Admittedly, the one about sorting out finances with the ex became a bit of a non-starter when we split up, but I shifted that slightly and am proud to say I've completely paid off my credit card bill. Making healthier choices in life is something I do on-and-off - I seem to go through phases of eating properly and exercising, then kind of lose motivation. With a concrete goal for 2015 (Total Warrior, I'm looking at you!), I'm hoping to stick to this a bit better. I'm pleased with how I've been applying for jobs and working to gain relevant experience for the career I want to pursue; I feel like that goal was one I managed to keep in sight over the year and again, I'm carrying this one forward for 2015. Finally, the blog; it's been hard fitting it in around work commitments and everything else, but I do feel like keeping at this little hobby is worth the effort and I'm pretty happy with my space on the interweb. I know it's far from being the best blog out there and there are weeks when I barely manage to get a post up, but all in all I'm glad to have it and I enjoy it, so I'm hoping to be able to keep it up as we head into 2015! How do you feel as you look back on 2014? Are there any big moments that stand out to you from the year? What are you most proud of having achieved?

xo
[*Please note the images in this post are not taken by me; they link to their source and I'd really appreciate if you could visit the page!]