Looking Back at 2014


It's surprising how much one can change in a such a short period of time and although we often consider twelve months to be a considerable lengthy time period, it really isn't. As you get older the days seem to go faster than ever before and years seem more like a handful of months. When you get older, you realise the importance of how precious time is and how much you long to embrace every moment. I always knew 2014 would be a big year for me - after all the excitement had been building up over the last two years for my wedding and graduation, but I never expected how much I would develop as person. 2014 was the year that I truly became a 'woman' (as cliche as it sounds) and finally ditched the immaturities and lack of confidence that held me back. 2014 was the year I finally found my empowerment and that hard work really does pay off. If I can accomplish all that I did in only 12 months and manage to somehow survive,  the world really is my oyster.


Graduation

So what really happened in 2014? If you could list all the life changing moments a person will have minus having children, you will pretty much have summed up my year - passing my driving test, getting married, getting my first job, getting my first house and graduating university. In July last year I graduated university with a first class honours degree in Journalism. This was an accomplishment in itself as I had such a tough time during my three years at university with illness and family issues. At one point, one of my tutors suggested that I should post-pone university until I was physically and mentally stronger. I worked hard everyday - sometimes from my bed as I was too poorly to make it to university and I never gave in. Towards the end of my degree I told most people that after everything that went on, I'd be more than happy with a pass. To get a first class honours degree was like a dream come true - I don't know how I did it and I'm still in shock to this day, but I do know that I deserved it and I worked hard and I'm forever grateful for the guidance given to me by the University to make this possible.


The Wedding

It is every girls dream to have a fairytale wedding and on September 6th last year I married my best friend and soul mate James. Despite the heavy rain, everything else when to plan and it was the best day of my life so far. 


Health
Not everything in life can go perfectly and sometimes things can happen unannounced. During my final year at University I was struck down with extreme fatigue and really painful joints in my hands, wrists, knees and feet. The pain was so intense I could barely get out of bed and missed weeks off University. I went to the doctors repeatedly, begging them to take me seriously and look into my complaints and was told that it was all in my head. Emotionally and physically drained I kept pleading with doctors until they eventually ran further tests, which finally revealed that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic illness that not only affects your joints but also your immune system. Dealing with my diagnosis was difficult - being told that you have arthritis at 23 isn't the best news to receive and the stripping of my independence on flare up days made me feel frustrated and upset. However, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and since coming to terms with my health problems and adapting my lifestyle, I have now become a stronger, more confident person that looks at life in a different way. I'm more understanding of those that deal with health problems on a day to day basis. I've realised that I'm not invincible and that I have to look after myself as much as possible and most importantly I live for the moment and try grab any opportunities I can because you never know when things can take a turn for the worst.

2014 will always remain one of my most memorable years - for better and for worst and I doubt that any other year will beat it. However I will try my hardest to make 2015 every bit as memorable as the last and I look forward to what this year will bring.

What are your most memorable moments from 2014?


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15 comments

  1. Sounds like 2014 was an amazing year for you! You looked beautiful in your wedding dress :)

    2014 was an incredible year for me. Probably my biggest and happiest moment was graduating and/or getting rid of my insomnia for good.

    xo Azu

    www.raven-locks.blogspot.com

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  2. WOW, you have had an amazing year, you look beautiful in all of these pics btw especially your wedding picture!

    Em

    www.emsmixedbag.com

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  3. I am so sorry to hear about the pain that you went through...but I am glad it was all balanced out with amazing personal achievements!
    the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com

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  4. Congratulations on your degree and wedding! I know how you feel, I went to uni at 19, after being diagnosed with rheumatoid at 18. I kept being told by docs I wouldn't get through uni! I think it's just the push you need though, I've grown up immensely just like you've experienced :) I just need to finish my PhD now! I really hope 2015 is wonderful for you :)

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  5. My most memorable moment of 2014 was graduating from my community college and starting at a university (:

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  6. You looked adorable on your wedding day! Looks like you had an amazing year except the health issues, of course. I wish you loads of health and happiness in 2015. xx

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  7. Amazing photos, looks like you had a great year!

    Sophie
    xx
    www.pocockins.co.uk

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  8. Awww amazing pictures.. It sure has been a great year for you. Wish u an even better n happier 2015. All the best :)

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  9. Wow what a year for you, your dress is absolutely stunning and you look amazing! I hope 2015 brings you a lot of happiness x

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  10. oh wow it has really been an amazing year for you!!!!! congratulations on all your achievements!!! nothing this major for me, if not getting back my strength in a loving and respectful relationship after quite a bad one up to 2013. so still good for me :)
    xo
    Alice|Alice's Beauty Madness

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  11. it is so sad to hear that you had you beg them whilst they kept saying it was in your head :/ but you have had a great year nevertheless :)

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  12. Wow, you truly had some life changing moments last year! Congratulations on the wedding and graduation! I hope you have a wonderful 2015 xxxx

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  13. What an amazing year you had, aside from the health issue of course. Hoping 2015 will be an even better year for you x

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  14. Sorry to hear about your health issues, you've done amazingly well to achieve all you have especially on top of that! You look beautiful in your wedding photos <3

    Jess xo
    http://just-jesss.blogspot.co.uk

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  15. its crazy how much can happen in a year <3 congrats on all your accomplishments <3
    www.millesimy.com

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