8 Things I've Learnt in 2016

2016 is finally coming to an end, and while it's so exciting to look forward to a New Year full of new adventures, new challenges, new obstacles and new people, I love looking back on all the things I experienced in 2016. For me, 2016 was a year of learning, growing and changing. If someone had told me all the obstacles I would have had to overcome in 2016  this time last year, I'm sure I never would have believed them.. But that's the thing about time, it changes you, and it strengthens you in ways that you could never imagine, if you let it. I've learnt so much in the past year, so today I'm sharing 8 things that 2016 has taught me

1. Be Confident

I've learnt a lot over the past year about what it means to be confident. There are so many people in this world that will tell you what you can't do, or make you feel like you're not good enough, but in the end of the day, you are the only person that can define who you are. Sometimes it takes strength to be confident and self-assured, so I guess in the past year I have learnt how to be strong. Life has hardened me in the best way it could

2. Don't Be So Hard on Yourself

Jess Glynne's song "Don't Be So Hard on Yourself" really resonated with me this year. Cheesy, I know, but I am always guilty of being too hard on myself, pushing myself too far or overworking myself, just to make sure that everything is perfect. The truth is that life is not perfect. Everything doesn't have to be perfect, and when it's not, that's okay too. Sometimes life's imperfections is what really makes it perfect

Jacket, H&M // Jumper, H&M // Jeans, Topshop // Shoes, Adidas

3. People Change

For better or for worse. Everyone changes, and that's just life. It's okay to change, and to grow. Mistakes don't define who you are, or who you will be. What does define you is how you deal with your mistakes. Will they make you, or will they break you? We can't expect everyone to change in the same way that we will, and that's okay too

4. Forgive

Sometimes we can all be guilty of spending too much time holding grudges. Forgiveness is one of the few things that allows you to move forward in life. Just because you forgive does not mean that you have to forget. It doesn't mean that everything will rewind to how it used to be, but it does acknowledge that you have finished one of life's chapters, and you are ready to begin another, in whatever way you want

5. Take time for you

Take time to explore, to laugh, to love and to live. Life is too short to live everyday for somebody else. Do more of what makes you happy, spend time with people that make you happy and take time off when you need it. We all need a break sometime

6. Don't be so afraid

We shouldn't always waste time being afraid of what the future holds. Change can be scary, but it can be exciting too, if you let it. We all get scared sometimes, but this year I've learnt that it's so important not to let fear or nerves get in the way of how you experience life. Everything happens for a reason, and it'll all work out in the end, I promise 

7. Be Bold

Don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Don't be so worried about who's judging you, or where exactly you fit in. It's not your responsibility to live the life that everyone else wants for you. You do you. Be bold, be brave and be you

8. Do More of What You Love..

.. and less of what you don't. Just because you're friends like doing one thing, doesn't mean that you will too. Stay true to yourself. Don't lose who you are. Do more of what makes you happy. Whether it's running or sketching or playing music, immerse yourself in it. Enjoy every moment

2016, you have been beautiful, but I'm ready for all the challenges 2017 has to bring. Here's to another year of learning, living and loving,

Until 2017,