2016, a year in review.

2016 has been undeniably the toughest year of my life. Its heartache, brutality, and unlimited amounts of stress really made me appreciate things, pushed me to my limits, and really made me try hard. However, despite the hardships of this past year it did not come without some of my greatest life achievements, and amazing memories that I would like to share:

Passed my teacher exams.
Had my last ever dance show.
Passed my driving theory test.
Went to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
Got a conditional offer from Hull university.
Got a conditional offer from Kingston university.
Got an unconditional offer from Canterbury university.
Got a conditional offer from St Mary's university.
Passed my practical driving test.
Went to see Wicked.
Went to see Guys and Dolls.
Had my last day of Sixth Form.
Went to Majorca on holiday.
Went to see Aladdin the Musical.
Had my 18th Birthday.
Went on a surprise trip to Paris!
Achieved above my predicted grades in my A Levels.
Got accepted into university.
Went on a family holiday to Sandgate.
Went on a Spa day with my friends.
Went to see The Woman in Black.
Moved into university.
Went to see Mcfly live.
Started my first school placement.
Went to see the School of Rock.

Each year, I set myself countless amounts of goals to achieve in the new year, only to usually completely forget about them come half way through January. I thought that I would reflect on last years goals and see how well I did.

1. Loose weight and eat healthily.
Now that... I definitely did not do! In fact I think if anything I actually put on more weight!

2. Pass my driving test   

Completed! I passed my driving test on the 21st April this year, first time with only 4 minors! I was very proud of this, and was very lucky to pass first time. I think it was a lucky day to pick, as it was also the day of my boyfriend's 18th birthday!

I passed!

3. Read 10 Books

Reading for pleasure is something I rarely have time for, especially now that I have to do so much academic reading for university. I did read 10 books last year, however many were academic books required for exams, coursework, e.t.c. and so I am discounting myself on that one. 

4. Get into University/Pass my A levels

I am very proud to say that after a long application process, including teacher tests, DBS checks, and interviews, I received an offer from all 4 universities that I applied for, including one unconditional offer. I passed my A Levels, and even did better than expected, and was accepted into my top choice university. This is by far one of my greatest achievements.

Moving into university!

5. Gain 30 followers on my blog

Since my blog was extremely neglected throughout 2016, this goal was not achieved! Perhaps this year I can try again!

6. Go to another concert

I did indeed go to another concert! I went to see Mcfly on their Anthology Tour at Kentish Town in September. After being the biggest fan of Mcfly since I was 5 years old, it was amazing to finally see them live, playing loads of my favourite songs. I would love to see them again!

Our view of the stage

7. Learn to play a musical instrument

Again another incomplete goal! Did not even attempt this one, as I never really had the time to sit down and teach myself. 

8. Take more photos, and use them! 

I think that I have definitely started to do this! I should definitely still carry on with this goal throughout this year, and throughout my life. I have printed many of my pictures out, and have stuck them onto my wall in my uni halls, which has created a huge photo collage. I have also put some pictures in frames at home, I am starting to make myself some photo albums online, and have bought myself a scrapbook to store my photographs in. 

9. Take better care of myself

This goal I feel like I did complete. I now have a simple facial skin care routine that I stick to, have tried to maintain my hair to a much healthier condition, and have taken better care of my body. I have also taken better care of my mind, for example I have been doing much more exercise, such as going to the gym, and have tried to give myself much more rest. 

10. Be confident and say yes! 

I have definitely pushed myself this year in many aspects, and have definitely said yes to many things that I never thought I would. 

This year I have not set myself any specific goals, only to work on me as an individual, spend time with my family, work hard, and enjoy life. The things you should do anyway, but sometimes don't. 

I hope that you enjoyed this post, as it helped me to reflect on my year, and I hope it made you think about reflecting on your year too!

Do you have any new years resolutions?

Thanks for reading,