Wrapping up 2020!

(Excuse the pun, although I was quite proud of it ngl)

Guys where has the time gone?! Considering we've spent the majority of our time indoors, I'd say it has gone pretty quick no? They say time flies when you're having fun, but the only fun I've had is binge watching Sister Sister, I'm obsessed!

Anyways, I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a pretty crap year. Covid-19, racial injustice, bushfires, concentration camps, and more. Everyone's been hit by these differently, some harder than others, but we've seen moments of togetherness and triumph.

Aside from whats going in the world and around us, it's likely we're going through our own sh*t too. I had the joy of going through 5 months of recovery(!) after my surgery, and lost my bundle of joy, my Nana. 2020 has given me a lot of pain for sure, but it's also made me stronger and I've made so many realisations. Most importantly, I've learnt to be grateful for everything I have and enjoy life to its fullest. You only get one, so make the most of it and make it count.

I remember last New year's, I kept saying 2020 is gonna be my year. I was so excited to enjoy my final year of uni, graduate with my girls, get a job I love and go on loads of boozy brunches! Safe to say that none of this happened, but you know what? 2020 was still my year, just not how I imagined it. I didn't get my final year, no physical grad and i'm unemployed. But hey, i'm happy! Vids - 1, Covid - 0! I've spent more time focusing on myself and built up the courage and confidence to start this blog. So cling cling to 2020, you've made me a better person and allowed me to achieve my goals, thank you.

I want you guys to write down (or make a mental note) of all the good things that have happened to you this year. And if you're sitting there thinking you haven't done much or achieved anything, you're wrong. Erm hello???? You just got through months of being in a global pandemic!! Give yourself more credit please. You have done the most just by getting through these past few months and honestly, you should be so proud of yourself because we all know it hasn't been an easy ride. Being in the midst of a pandemic and dealing with your own stuff is a massive achievement in itself. So grab yourself a drink and cheers to you because you got did it!

2020 has been a mad one no doubt and no one expected it (except The Simpsons?) but nonetheless, you carried on. Though things didn't go how you thought they would, believe that everything happens for a reason. Take time to reflect on the year and praise yourself for getting this far. You have been amazing and I'm so proud of you. It goes to show that no matter what life throws at you, you're more than capable of overcoming anything.

I know things aren't back to normal and its probably even more stressful with this new strain of Covid about, but just remember that you have the strength to get through it and you aren't alone. Don't let anything stop you from achieving your goals, and if anything use this time to work on them. YOU'VE GOT THIS.

Always remember to look at the good times and take everything else as a lesson. Like I've said before, it's easy to focus on the bad but we need to remember there have been positives! (Hopefully not your Covid tests). So i'm gonna end this blog with 20 good things that have happened this year. Whether or not they're big or small, they're still positives.

1. Captain Sir Tom Moore raised £32.8million for NHS charities (He's 100 and probably fitter than me)

2. BLM movement

3. Support for the NHS (Thursday evening clap, discounts, free meals)

4. Scotland became the first country to provide free period products

5. Rediscovered love for hobbies like baking and decorating

6. The number of people that beat the virus

7. Spent more time with loved ones

8. Mental health awareness (that it's real and social media is just a facade)

9. More emphasis on health and fitness (encouragement of daily walks etc)

10. Improvement in the environment (pollution levels dropping)

11. Saved money from commutes to work and going out

12. The recognition that we don't always need to be out and about to have a good time

13. Starting and supporting small businesses

14. Potential vaccines being developed

15. Self-reflection and focusing on yourself

16. Comeback of drive-in cinemas and concerts

17. Restaurants sharing recipes for people to cook at home

18. Support and togetherness during the difficult times

19. Celebration of intimate weddings and birthdays

20. Donations to charities and food banks

Lots of love,

V x

P.S. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! Hope you get to spend it with your loved ones and enjoy it as much as you can. See you all in the New Year!