WHAT I HAVE LEARNT FROM 2017.

Initially, I wasn’t going to create a post like this. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been missing on the blog these past few months. I won’t even say that I don’t know what the reasons are, because I am 100% sure of the cause – YouTube. I have been so focused on growing my channel for 2017, but so much so that my blog had to take a backseat. I’d like for that to change this year, but before I jump the gun, let’s discuss what I’ve learnt from the year 2017 (also I realise that January is almost over and I’m still posting about 2017 – its okay).

If you’ve been following me for a while, you may know that Samantha Maria is one of my all-time favourite YouTubers/bloggers. I read her post on “WHAT I HAVE LEARNT FROM 2017” and I was really inspired to create my own little twist on the idea. What I have learnt from 2017. The curve balls that the year threw at me. The challenges I conquered and can now share. Let’s get started. Its going to be a long one.

Career

As many of you know, I have a honours degree in psychology. I studied for five years, which kind of felt like lifetime. I graduated in April 2016, and thereafter felt like I was wasting away for a bit. I didn’t apply for my masters degree, like my parents wanted me to. Whenever a family friend or relative would ask me “So what are you doing with yourself now?”, I would feel a sense of shamefulness take over and then slowly slip away from the conversation. I was embarrassed that I wasn’t doing anything conventional or in the norm, but why?

I realised that I was thinking for other people and assuming that there was something wrong with just blogging and creating content for the year. I also had to realise that its not my dream to study immediately after obtaining my honours degree. I had to actually take a stand for myself and my life, and ultimately, I needed to step away from the mindset of feeling like a failure or like I wasn’t good enough. I gradually shifted my thinking and started to be proud of what I’ve accomplished as a blogger/YouTuber – I mean, how many people can say that its their job? I am proud to be an entrepreneur who chooses what she wants to do with her life and doesn’t have to answer to a bossy employer on the daily (apart from Lorenzo, who often claims to be my MANager). 2017 has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and solely focus on my content for a good few months. Out of that came the courage to start my YouTube channel, where you guys have gotten to see a totally different side to me (the more chilled side if you watch the vlogs). I am very proud of what I’ve built, if I can be totally honest with you but I know that the Lord has a lot of work to do within me. How exciting is that? The fact that we think we’ve done well, but God has even better in store. Wow.

Relationships

Wow. 2017 was an interesting year for the relationships in my life. I lost a few people who I thought were my friends; rekindled and strengthened old friendships; and made a few new ones. I’m someone who gets affected quite easily by friendships, and I mean this in the most sensitive sense. If a friend lets me down or hurts me, I would take it really deeply. It would cut me so deep that i would ponder on it for months and feel like there’s something with me. I have slowly realised that 2017 was the year for that to change. I lost friends, and it was okay with me. If people left then so be it – God brings people into your life for a season. Sometimes these seasons aren’t permanent and we need to be okay with that and move on. Sounds harsh, but its the reality of life. I have made some new friends and rekindled old friendships that I am so grateful for.
In terms of my relationship with Lo, we’re doing really well. Lately we’ve been listening to Mike Todd’s sermons on YouTube (I’d HIGHLY recommend it) and it has changed our relationship in so many ways. We’ve learnt how to love each other better and communicate more effectively. But to be honest, I can’t really explain it all on the blog because I’d prefer if you watch the videos yourself and see the change in your life.

Wellbeing

2017 was a tough one in terms of this specific topic. I struggled a bit guys, I really did. The happy days were great, but the devil is liar and ensured that I dwelled on the negative a lot. I focused on reasons why I wasn’t growing in 2017, especially after I took the whole of 2016 to finish my degree, and compared myself to those within the industry. I felt stupid, alone, and inferior. Gosh, now that I’m typing up this post, I’m actually thinking of how negative my attitude was during some of 2017. I also realised how much weight I picked up during 2017, and that affected me emotionally as well. Did you pick up weight too (especially over the festive season)?

For 2018, I would love to and will take better care of myself. Take myself on a get-away, buy a treat or book a nail appointment, buy more books, and step away from any negative situations. I would love to step back every now and then and reflect on a few days/weeks, and not let burn out happen. And most importantly, I would love to dive into God’s word and work this year!

There we go – 2017 in a nutshell (kind of).
Thank you so much for your support, comments and love during 2017. You have no idea how much it means to me! I’ll chat to you real soon.
Until next time,

Photographer: Lorenzo Lakay