2019 has been a big year but my god it has flown. It only feels like months ago that I started the world of self-employment and now I’m nearing my two year mark at Northampton Life. Whilst naturally every year comes new adventures, this year has been one of my favourites. 2018 brought a lot of stress and life lessons including some difficult times personally at the end of the year – so I wanted to reflect on the good from 2019. Blogs are fabulous for sharing life and little reminders of what you’ve achieved.
Our home is coming together
Two years ago we moved to East Northamptonshire into our dream Victorian home. It’s full of character but with that, comes its troubles. You name it, damp, rot, a bad roof and garden full of weeds. However, we wouldn’t have it any other way. This year we re-roofed and finally got a fence put into the garden. That is pretty much it, however they are probably the two most expensive jobs you could do in any home. The fence has been the dream as we had a lot of half fence which meant we were sharing with neighbours so, the value it has added to our home is amazing. We’re so pleased with it, I can’t wait for next Spring to put in a veg garden too.
A happy work life
Work wise, it’s been incredible. I really feel like I’ve found my place in the business community and I really do love my job. I love running the magazines, I’ve had so many amazing opportunities freelancing through my blog as well as personal projects too. I’ve been able to work with some incredible brands and had some incredible jobs come through that have made it my best paid year in my blogging career. Whilst I feel like work does take over at times and I think I’ve only had a handful of days ‘properly’ switched off this year, it’s been a blast. Only more good things to come in 2020.
Staying in my lane
In 2019 I’ve gone through many bursts of imposter syndrome or jealousy – something I’m not afraid to admit. The media industry is competitive and when I’m focusing on my main projects, I often feel like I’m neglecting another platform. My blog has been quieter this year but the quality I’ve produced has been significantly better, in my opinion, than previous years.
I am in love with some of the photographs and pieces I’ve created so hope to translate that into 2020. The best thing I’ve learnt, more towards the end of the year, is to stay in my own lane. So I’m trying my best to not look at what everyone else is doing and do my thing. I often feel like when I’m on a roll with one thing, something else suffers and I need to stop beating myself up on that.
Public speaking!
Who knew I’d enjoy public speaking as much as I have this year. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a handful of opportunities to talk about digital marketing, instagram for business especially. The first opportunity being a networking and marketing seminar where I had a sell out event to 50 people that even had a waiting list. It was such good fun and has been great to build my confidence and skills in presenting. I hope 2020 brings more opportunities to present about my passions in digital marketing and blogging.
Life is too short not to enjoy your ‘best’
I heard on a podcast this year, which I believe was by Sali Hughes, a discussion on how we keep things for ‘best.’ Be it the expensive face cream, perfumes or even just clothing. One of her friends ended up having cancer and I believe it was a reminder that if tomorrow was your last day on earth, would you be happy with yourself if you stopped enjoying the best bits in your life?
Is best just your wedding day or birthday? Life really is short so I’ve been taking more effort to enjoy using my ‘best’ Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks for day-to-day wear, I don’t keep a perfume for best for it to go off. If you can add that amazing wedding day scent to your everyday work outfits or use a handbag that makes you feel like a bad-ass business women, do it. I’ve been embracing this a lot this year and I can safely say I feel like there’s a little element of glam in everyday.
A positive New Year
I’m very excited by 2020, 2019 has been so good for me, I’ve learnt a lot about what I do and don’t want and I’ve made some solid relationships and connections. Whilst it’s easy to want to do loads of new things because it’s the New Year, I’m pretty happy with more of the same. The only exception being is that I’d really like some more holidays in 2020! I missed having one this year and my god I could do with some sunshine and sea!
What’s been good for you this year? What have you learnt professionally and personally? Wishing all my lovely The Beauty Type readers a prosperous new year, your views, engagements and support means the world.