And just like that it's 2017. When did 2016 happen? Feels like it's flown by. I saw the new year in in good old London town, stood on the mall near the queen's crib, watching the fireworks from afar sharing prosecco with strangers. Bucket list goal - tick! As we sat drinking cocktails and wine in the warmth, me and my friends reminisced about the past year and discussed our goals for the year to come. I don't set resolutions but as I've got older every year I find myself looking back on life and looking forward, wondering what life has to hold. Here are my thoughts.
When I was a young girl, I learnt a lot from Mia Thermopolis in the Princess Diaries movies (Crosses fingers for another movie!). She was everything I wanted to be. A ugly duckling into the beautiful swan, a girl just wishing to be invisible, a real life princess. Now as I'm near turning twenty one I would say it's still one of my favourite movies. 'Why?' I hear you ask - because it subtly gives advice I've realised I should take forward through every year of my life. Ten year old me had no idea just how much that movie would keep her smiling.
'Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent' - Joe to Mia
I feel like last year I let people get me down who should never have done. My housemate advised me to make a list. A list of all the people who are important to me and who's opinions matter to me. When self doubt was creeping in she advised 'are they on this list?'. This stuck with me, and I hope in this coming year I spend less time worrying about those people who aren't on the list and more appreciating those people who are.
'Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear' - Mia's Dad in a letter to Mia
In a new year reunion at the pub with my friends conversation soon turned to my love life - well it's non existence was more the topic of conversation. They made it very clear they wish for me to find a man this year, and although I do not need a man to get by (hands up for girl power) I understood where they were coming from. I don't put myself out there at all, I'm very happy to admit that I find the process of meeting new people and trying new things a very daunting one. The fear of rejection is an issue. But maybe fear in this situation is normal...maybe I just need the courage to accept this, and find what's more important?
'I look like a moose'
'But a very cute moose, make all the boy moose go whaaaaaa' Mia vs Paulo
'Make all the boy moose go whaaaaaa' is a running compliment in our student house believe it or not. When one of us appears from our rooms looking hot to trot the words are spoken and a laughter erupts. This year I vow to boost people's confidence, to appreciate them more and make it known to them just how great they are. So if my housemates are reading this now...you all 'make all the boy moose go whaaaaaa' on many occasions and I wouldn't change you for all the mini quality streets in the world.
'I'll spread my wings, and I'll learn how to fly, I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish, Take a chance, Make a change...And breakaway' Soundtrack
I owe it to my ten year old self to keep these lyrics of postitivity in mind. I loved this song, little did I know that actually to do as Kelly Clarkson said would be harder then it seemed. But for this coming year, why can't I be ambitious? Always back the underdog.
'What makes you different, makes you beautiful' Soundtrack
What more needs to be said? This year, I refuse to be anything but myself.
And so I think it's time to stick a movie on don't you think. I wish all you the very best for 2017, I'm going to try post on here more, and I've got a lot planned to share with you.
See you soon,
Love, Hannah x
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