I usually do a sort of achievement list at the end of each year. It’s a way of patting myself on the back for progressing and achieving and doing good things for myself.
But this year hasn’t felt so great; I feel I have less to say and share with you guys. So, here’s a shorter list of things that were positive from this year for me personally.
I hope it helps you to reflect on your own year and find the positives. It wasn’t until writing my list that I realised perhaps this year wasn’t as bad as I thought it was…
(In no particular order)
- Wrote 35k of a contemporary drama fiction novel (my first real one)
- Wrote 15k of an MG fantasy novel
- Wrote 20k of a YA fantasy novel
- Wrote half of different YA fantasy novel (my current W.I.P.)
- Upgraded my website
- Published loads of content to my website
- Maintained and grew my podcast; changed the name to Mindset Managed
- Lost weight
- Many fun doggy days out and about
- Ice skating and going so fast and confident around the rink!
- Read 20 books
- Got a new job
- Started studying again
- Created and completed the Confidence Challenge!
- Created and published workbooks for guided self-reflection
- Saw my partner Graduate!!
- Witnessed my brother’s wedding!!!
- Completed the Bear Grylls challenges and flew in the air simulator for my birthday
- Went to Alton Towers theme park
- Met author Angie Thomas and had her sign her books (she also told me she wants a signed copy of my own books once I make it!)
- Watched my partner do so well in his American Football team and win the Rookie of the Year award
- Was shortlisted for the Mental Health Blogger of the Year award!
- Submitted my first university assignment and received a 2:1 grade
- Visited my first pumpkin patch
- Improved in my yoga practice
- Maintained a regular journal all year
- Made new friends
- Reached out to old friends
- Went to a spa twice and had massages and afternoon tea!
- Watched many, many new films (we go every week!)
- Started jogging
- Uploaded YouTube videos
- Sold unwanted clothes and things online (decluttered and organised my space)
- Read many non-fiction self-development books to better myself (emotionally and mentally)
- Family parties with the new babies!
- Outdoor cinema watching Harry Potter
Now that I look back, this year was a good one. I didn’t make loads of money, or complete a manuscript, or publish a book, or get married or pregnant; I didn’t graduate, or travel, or do something socially accepted as “great” or “interesting” but it was a good year nonetheless!
Years have peaks and valleys; ups and downs. We can label a year as bad or good purely by our own perception of it. I choose to see it, now, as a good year. And I sincerely hope yours was good, too.
Here’s to 2020; may it bring the wonders we desire… I have a feeling it will…
xx
S. R. Crawford 