2014. The year that was... // Life

2014 has been an interesting year. It's been filled with amazing highs and incredible lows and I still don't think I've fully processed some of the things that have taken place. When 2014 started I had a 5 month old baby and a toddler, barely 2 years old. Now, as 2014 comes to a close I have a 17 month old toddler and a toilet trained, 3 year old preschooler. 

My word for the year was determination. It's kind of ironic how the word I've chosen for the last 2 years has actually become my biggest challenge for the year. In 2013 it was patience, and I did not have a lot of it. It was sorely, sorely tested. This year, my determination has been sorely tested and I've really struggled in these last few months to have determination to do anything. I've felt a little stuck.
January
I feel as though I have failed in many things, the things that I was so determined to succeed at, the biggest one being my weight. I'm so angry at myself for letting it get out of control again. For losing the determination and mindset that I worked so hard for in the first part of the year. It's been really easy to beat myself up about it and that only makes things worse.

For me, weight and weightloss is 100% a mental thing, and I have to work really hard to keep the mindset that I need to achieve weightloss goals. After Mum's accident and then being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and not being able to run, I felt myself losing that hard-won mindset and slipping back in to old ways.
February
I find I often get to a certain point in the year where I start to think there is no point in starting anything new until the following year. And I've been in that mindset for a few weeks now. To be honest I'm pretty over 2014 and so ready to start fresh in 2015.
March
I made some big decisions this year, and came to a few realisations as well. Not the least of which was finally deciding what I want to do with my life. I want to be a photographer. So I made the leap, I put myself out there and I gained some invaluable experience thanks to a couple of amazing blogging friends, Ann, Emma and Vanessa, who put their faith in me.

I've enrolled to go to Tafe next year and study what used to be the Certificate IV in Photo Imaging. It's a 9 week course and will gain me entry in to the Diploma of Photo Imaging if I do well. And I plan to. Undertaking the Diploma is the plan for 2016, but right now, I'm just excited about taking my photography to the next level and learning some amazing things.
April
Mum is doing really well. Despite her accident at the end of May she has shown an incredible determination to heal and get better. She can now walk, and even drive small distances, something which is surprising all of her doctors and caregivers with how fast she has progressed. Mum really has been the absolute definition of determination this year, and so perhaps it was a fitting word after all!
May
Punky and Zee have filled my heart with great joy and sent me out of my mind with frustration. They are so beautiful, and I still look at them some days and wonder how it is that Dave and I got so damn lucky. Watching their relationship as sisters grow has been a real privilege and I know there is plenty of love and fights in my future as their Mother!
June
Punky has changed from a cheeky little toddler into a mischievous little girl, right before my very eyes. There is well and truly no trace of baby left on her face or body and that makes me a little bit sad, I will admit. She has a wicked sense of humour and an even more wicked sense of trouble! She keeps me on my toes and brings me to tears of laughter and frustration, sometimes at the same time!
July
Zee has gone from a baby to a toddler, complete with walking, talking and tantrums. Her vocabulary at almost 17 months old is really quite amazing to me, and she talks way more than Punky did at that age. She's incredibly smart and a real joker. She knows how to make people laugh and exactly how to press her sister's buttons!
August
Dave has been a tremendous support to me throughout the years. If it wasn't for his strength I don't think I would have managed to get through those early days after Mum's accident. He allowed me to be able to spend hour upon hour at the hospital, sitting with Mum in the Intensive Care Unit, waiting for her to get back from her surgeries.

I've had more child-free nights this year than in the 2 years previous because he's not just a weekend Dad but a hands-on, full-time Dad who takes the care and raising of his daughters so seriously. I was able to go away for 5 nights to the other side of the country, safe in the knowledge that the girls were in the best possible hands. There are many women who can't feel like that with the father's of their children, but I am definitely one of the lucky ones.
September

I'm looking forward to 2015 and all the promises it holds. I'm praying hard that good things come to my loved ones and closest friends and I'm determined that I am going to push myself to finally achieve some of the goals I set at the beginning of this year.
October
Blog-wise 2014 has been a good year for me. I've grown my community and met even more amazing ladies who share this love of spewing out thoughts to the world. I've really enjoyed getting to know all of you through your blogs and on Facebook, and I can't thank you enough for caring and taking an interest in me and my life.

The support and love of this amazing community we call the blogosphere has lifted me up in the dark days. You've given me laughter. You've made me think. I can't thank you enough for jumping on this crazy ride with me.
November
This will be my last post for 2014. I plan on taking a couple of weeks off from blogging over the festive season but I'll still be around on social media, don't worry about that! I'll be back on board the week starting January 12th and I have big things planned for this here blog in 2015. The first Linky Lovin' Friday will be on Friday 16th January, so make sure you tweet or FB me any links in the New Year that you've seen around the place think I should check out.

Reading Writes will also be back from February 3rd next year, so make sure you write down all those books you get to read over the holidays (yes, I can hear some of you laughing at the idea of having any time to sit read more than a cereal box!).
December
I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Be kind to yourself and your kids.

Love you longtime!

Do you have plans to take a break over Christmas? How was 2014 for you? Got anything big planned for 2015?

P.S. I am about 1 person away from reaching my goal of doubling my FB fans this year and I would be beyond grateful if you could send anyone my way who you may think will get a little kick out of my musings on FB. Consider it a little Christmas pressie for yours truly. Your cheque will be in the mail ;-)

Comments

Kylie Purtell said…
Ok ... great wrap up post ... I couldn't move past your first picture! That collage says it all
Merry Christmas!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Kylie Purtell said…
Great wrap up! I'm sure you'll do well with your course and look forward to seeing more of your photos :)
Kylie Purtell said…
Your photos are gorgeous, your children are gorgeous. Good on you for following your dream and taking the leap. Wonderful things happen when you step off that scary precipice. Here's to a kick-ass 2015 for all of us. Enjoy your well-earned break xx
Kylie Purtell said…
Oh, and YOU are gorgeous too. But that goes without saying! I also forgot to thank you for your incredibly generous support of my blog last year, and sharing my articles with your readers. Champion.
Kylie Purtell said…
It doesn't sound like a failure of a year - it sounds like a year when you found an exciting new direction. Deciding what to do is half the battle. Wishing you every success in 2015. Also I am so glad that things are looking better for your Mum.
Kylie Purtell said…
Congratulations on taking the plunge with the photography course next year! How exciting:) I can totally relate to the whole weight dismay thing. I once heard someone say 'Just eat less' , which sounds so simple but is so hard when you're exhaust ed, busy and surrounded by junk food advertising and easy, unhealthy, options. Take care and enjoy your break x #TeamIBOT
Kylie Purtell said…
I love that you're studying photography and some of those pics in the post are just gorgeous!


I tend to think our expectations of ourselves (and others) are now spectacularly high, so we can't help but feel like we've failed when we compare our lives to those of others. (Of course others often only show the good bits, so they're misleading anyway!)


Deb
Kylie Purtell said…
What a year you have had. So pleased to hear your mum is doing so well. It was lovely meeting you when you came to Perth and I'm looking forward to catching up again when I fly to Sydney at some stage next year.


Have a safe and happy Christmas.
Kylie Purtell said…
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Have a great break and I look fwd to reading about all the shenanigans next year. Ill get hubby to become your next liker on FB. He'll love it and probably won't even know I did it.. he he he!!!
Kylie Purtell said…
You've had a huge year Kyle, and it's been nice to be a part of it. I'm so glad your mum is doing so much better. That must be a huge relief to all of you.
Kylie Purtell said…
What a year you've had, Kylie! I'm so glad that your Mum is on the mend.
No doubt 2015 will be a big one for you, hun. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family xx
Kylie Purtell said…
I'm new to Facebook, still trying to work it out but I've just liked your page. Merry Christmas!
Good luck with your photography course. Your photos look brilliant already, can't wait to see how they evolve!
PS Love the photo of your daughter in March. She looks like she is flying!
Kylie Purtell said…
Kylie what an absolutely massive year! I'm so glad you're taking some time out for you and the fam. I feel really excited for you for next year. The photography course sounds amazing. Good on you for chasing your dreams. Looking forward to reading more of your spewed out thoughts next year :)
Kylie Purtell said…
Wowzers! What a year! I'm so pleased I found you and your blog this year. 2015 is going to be your Year of Awesome, I can feel it, there is just so much to look forward to. I love how your turning your dreams into action. Hope your Christmas is very merry and that the new year is full of good stuff. xx
Kylie Purtell said…
Loved this post hon. I think you have done amazing well this year. I've really enjoyed watching your photography grow and your pics are FABULOUS!! You've inspired me to want to take a course too. I'm pleased your mum is on the mend too. Those girls are gorgeous and you've done a fab job with them. I'm so looking forward to what 2015 has in store xxx
Kylie Purtell said…
I think one of the (many) things I love about blogging is getting to look back over the year and reflect, especially when it's easy to think that nothing has happened!
Congrats on enrolling in the Cert IV, you certainly have some gorgeous little people you'll be able to use as models! Those eyes!!!!
Enjoy your break and look forward to seeing what 2015 has in store for you!
Kylie Purtell said…
It sure has been a big year for you and it was lovely to get to meet you in person finally! Have a lovely bloggy break, we're away for a week so I'll be off the radar also! Here's to smashing 2015!! x
Kylie Purtell said…
Awww, it's been a privilege to get to know you in 2014 and I'm looking forward to more crazy blogging fun in 2015!
Kylie Purtell said…
Happy new year, Kylie. Don't eat yourself up about your weight when you are kicking goals in so many other areas. It's not worth it. You are talented, creative and blessed in so many ways. Everything you need for a very happy year ahead. Enjoy every moment! x

Popular Posts