36

So, this is 36. I know I probably say this every year, but what a year it’s been! These past 12 months have been a whirlwind to say the least, but I feel like this year, might have been my best year yet. Yes, a lot has changed. But here are some of the big lessons I learned these past 12 months.

Trust the universe

The past year has been full of some high highs, and unfortunately some low lows. But one of the things I’ve constantly been reminded of is to trust the process. And ultimately, trust the universe. I was made redundant from a job I LOVED back in September. And it was soul-crushing. To know that the whole team was going, along with about a quarter of the company was tough to deal with. Especially as I felt so settled and happy in my role. But the universe it seemed had another plan for me. As within a couple of weeks of the news coming out, I had already secured my now job – which is a much better fit for me and one that I am absolutely enjoying!

Learn to let go

Anther tough lesson I’ve had to learn this year is that some people are only meant to be in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And that as you get older, your circle of friends becomes much smaller. I’ve had to accept that some people who I would have considered friends for life, are sadly not. After always being the one to reach out, and to make plans. I took a step back only to realise that

No-one is coming to save you

This might have been the biggest lesson I learnt this year, and it’s the one I’m the most grateful for. And that’s because I feel like I’m finally starting to live life on my terms. As you might have seen, I went on a big solo trip this year to Las Vegas. Which is something I never would have done before. I always assumed that to do those big things in life, you needed to do them with a partner or with a group of friends. But being in Las Vegas on my own made me realise that no-one is coming to save you. If you want to do something, then do it! You are in charge of your life. So do the things you WANT to do, regardless of whether other people want to do those things with you or not.

Things get better with age

And the final lesson I’ve learned over the past 12 months is that with age, comes confidence. I really don’t care about the things that I used to, 5 or 10 years ago. With every year that passes, I become more sure of who I am. Of what I want. And more importantly, what I do not want in my life. And that is honestly priceless! I just wish I could go back to 18 year old Steph and let her know that everything is going to turn out exactly how it’s suppose to. To not worry about things she can’t control. And that she really isn’t as fat as she thinks she is!

So if this is 36, then I’m very happy to be here!