My 2017

For me, 2017 has been a year of growth, change and development. The first few months were spent focused on revision and ensuring that I achieved what I wanted in my GCSE’s. I spent my time between relaxing and revising up until mid June. I’m not going to lie. I was exhausted by the end of it. 22 exams, 10 mental breakdowns and 3 lots of coursework later and I was done. Proud of myself yes, but also extremely worried about whether or not what I had done was good enough.

We also welcomed a new member of the family in March. My gorgeous puppy Stanley who had brought nothing sort of laughs, cuddles and mischief. Although it was an adjustment in the beginning, we all love having a little 4 pawed friend and he did provide a lot of comfort throughout exam season.

PROM. The 30th of June was, to say the least, a night to remember. Whilst not being your typical girly girl I have always been someone who loves dressing up and getting glam and prom was not exception. It was an amazing night spent with all my favourite people who all looked FAB and everyone just had a laugh, truly worth every second. Prom was probably one of the highlights of my whole year. For one night there was no arguments, cliques or stress, just everyone having fun. 

For our summer holiday we took a trip to a very rural yet stunning religion of Italy. Both me and my family took this tie to do some much needed relaxation and soaked up plenty of vitamin D. Exploring Italy was amazing and we found plenty of Italian bars, restaurants and coves. Throughout the holiday I had a tough decision to make as results day was looming and I had to decide which sixth form to go to. My parents supported me through my decision making as I had 3 offers but they allowed me to make the decision myself and I don’t think that I had quite decided until results day itself.I am extremely grateful that my parents are able to provide us with such amazing holiday.

From the moment we got back off holiday I had been counting down the days until results day. I remember the night before I hardly slept because I felt like I was going to throw up. Not everyone is academic and so this may not seem like such a big deal to others and looking back I probably should of slept but at the time I was SO nervous. My grades have always been important to me and so the fear of failing was one that haunted me. Turns out I didn’t really need to stress that much as I achieved everything I wanted to and was accepted into my chosen sixthform which was great, but it meant moving school and I wasn’t ready for that.

September was a month that I proved myself wrong and grew as a person as I had to attend a school where I knew 6 people in a year of nearly 1000. I had to find my way around, ask others for help and make new friends. 3 months on and I’m proud of myself. I have made multiple amazing new friends, am studying subjects that I love and I’m motivated to work towards my goals. For anyone who is going to move school in the new year, I promise you that it’s not as bad as you think and that as long as you’re a decent person you will make new friends who could end up being friends for life. Also, a little tip for making friends is to compliment them. This automatically makes them feel good about themselves whilst also making you seem like a nice person. Not to mention it gives you something to talk about if you’re struggling for conversation!

Since starting at my new sixthform college I have grown and focused partly on work but also partly on allowing the friendships with people I love to grow and let go of people who may have been holding me back. This is probably one of the most important things to do and the new year is another perfect opportunity to do just that. As cheesy as it sounds focus on you and surround yourself with people who encourage you and make you happy, this is so so important.

Currently I’m sat here writing this surrounded by Christmas decorations and chocolate and I honestly couldn’t be happier. The people in my life right now make me so happy and although this year has thrown many large obstacles our way there is nothing that could break us apart. I haven’t mentioned the obstacles in this post as I’ve tried to focus on the good that has come out of the year. Of course no ones life is without bad times but we are able to get through them and support each other. This year may not have been as good for some as it was for others but soon it’ll be a new year and an excuse for a fresh start so make the most of it.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a fab New Year!

Love always, Annabelle

xox