2014 Reflection

Reflecting on 2014...

This is a reflection post - looking back on the good, the bad and the ugly of 2014. What a magical year it has been for me and our little family.

My sweet friend Claudz had a great 2014 reflection post last week - some easy prompts to capture a year in answers...

What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before?
I ran a running race, the Neon Run - which means I actually had to run. I ran 5km without stopping and without walking... This is HUGE for me. AND I even managed to enjoy it!

Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept to most of them but there is always room to improve. I will definitely be making more resolutions and hopefully be more intentional and accountable for 2015. They are more goals than resolutions.

How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
We will be in London with my in-law family. With three kids under two, it will be a quiet evening in.

Did anyone close to you die?
Unfortunately, yes. One of my best friends lost her Dad earlier this year - a very sad time for all.

What countries did you visit?
We visited Mauritius, Houston, New York and London.

 

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
More faith and quiet time - I have not devoted enough time to Jesus and prayer. I am also looking to be more present with those that matter.

What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
7 May 2014 - the day our second little girl, Ellie Nicole was born was a day we will never forget.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Becoming a mom for the second time. I feel so blessed to be a lucky mom of two princesses.

What was your biggest failure?
I don't think anything was a complete failure. No, I am not perfect and many aspects in life need work and improvement but nothing was a  failure.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
I am happy to say that I didn't - it was a healthy year (except a cold, allergic reaction and tummy bug that were minor)

What was the best thing you bought?
Our Bugaboo pram - I love our pram and it is perfect for our family. Black and classic, easy to clean, easy to use accessories, light and small and fits well.

Source

Where did most of your money go?
House repayments, monthly bills, medical bills for the birth and NICU and our holiday.

What song will always remind you of 2014?
Ghost by Ella Henderson - my bestie sang this at her bachelorettes and her wedding and it has stuck!

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent quality time with MC. It has been a busy year with his career and having two kids and we have had to sacrifice our alone time together.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spend time and energy on people who don't matter.

What were your favourite TV shows?
Elementary, CSI, Devious Maids, Mistresses, Pretty Little Liars, Strictly Come Dancing and Masterchef.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, hate is a very strong word.

What was the best book you read?
Gone Girl.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Luke Bryan - I am loving Country music.

What was your favourite film of this year?
Gone Girl - it may have been the only one I watched!!

What did you do on your birthday
I had cake for breakfast with my girls, lunch with friends and a quiet night in. I had a birthday picnic the next weekend.

What kept you sane?
MC - he is always my rock and voice of reason.

Who did you miss?
I missed MC a lot of the time as he traveled a lot this year. I missed my Nana and both Pops that have passed away - especially on their birthdays. I missed my other Nan who has slight dementia and moved to Joburg. I miss our family in London especially with the birth of our niece.

Who was the best new person you met?
I have met so many new and lovely blogging friends - online friendships are truly special.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014
That no two people are alike - so no one else in the world is like me. Which means no one thinks like me or acts like me. This has been a tough lesson this year as I spend a lot of my time, energy and love into caring and giving to others, only to be let down in return. This has taught me to take a step back and rethink how much I need to be doing for others. 2015 is all about focusing my time on those that really matter and letting go of those who don't. A tough pill to swallow...

How was your year in 2014?

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