2014

2014 has been somewhat of a mixed bag for me. At times I’ve hated it, and would happily erase the whole past 12 months, never to be thought of or spoken about again. But at other times it’s been the most incredible experience to date. I visited places I’d never been to before, my eyes have seen the most beautiful of sights, I’ve been blessed with nothing but continued love and support from my amazing family and close friends whilst also being embraced and welcomed into a new family.

I’d like to think I’ve come out of this long year stronger and wiser, so I thought I’d write a little something to say goodbye to 2014, and welcome with open arms 2015 and all the opportunities, challenges and whatever else it may have to offer…

So here it goes: Five things I’m thankful for in 2014:

Visiting Alaska.

To do so was easily the best decision I have ever made. I’m so thankful to my friend Emma who chose to study there for a year, because if it wasn’t for her I doubt I’d have ever chosen to visit. The mountainous horizon that goes on for days, being able to watch humpback whales swim in their natural environment, seeing the Northern lights on the morning of my 25^th birthday, finding starfish, looking up and watching a sky full of shining stars and exploring the insides of an ice-cave: it was very easily the most magical and enchanting of weeks I’ve ever spent anywhere. There’s something very comforting and reassuring about feeling so small surrounded by such a large yet peaceful and beautiful landscape (that doesn’t involve buildings), I simply couldn’t urge you all enough to go and see the breathtaking views for yourself.

My friends and family's continued love and support.

New friends, old friends, work friends, reacquainted friends, family and my two fantastic parents: without you and your encouraging love behind me 2014 would have been a hell of a lot harder. Thank you so much for everything, it has and always will be so very much appreciated.  I’ve also been fortunate to be able to see and spend some enjoyable quality time with both sides of my family this year. My Dad’s side at my cousin Helen’s wedding in the summer and my Mum’s side on Boxing Day at my Grandma’s: this very rarely happens so I’m definitely grateful for that.

Being able to spend another birthday with my darling Jaz.

People often don’t understand why I insist on going home for the week of my dog’s birthday, but she knows! The quick wag of her tag, the constant paw giving and cuddles on the sofa wouldn’t be missed for the world. Jaz has always been a blessing, this year in particular being even more so. I hope she realises just how much she is appreciated and that I, along with my family, are so lucky and thankful that she’s been a part of our lives for 13 amazing years.

Finding a home away from home.

No matter how many friends you surround yourself with, there’s absolutely no place like home. London has been pretty daunting and lonely at times and I’ve often felt the urge to run home and retreat back into familiar surroundings, routines and people. Three years after moving up to the big smoke and I’ve somehow had the luck of coming across the most amazing family who have not only welcomed me into their home, but also their lives. Marli is a constant little ray of sunshine, with whom I cannot spend enough time with! And her parents Diye and Flo have very kindly given me with the home away from home that I’ve been longing for since moving away, for which I am so very thankful.

The return of my writing.

I may not have written a lot (and the majority of which has been about X Factor!!) but it’s such a nice feeling to want to write again. I lost my mojo for a while but it’s slowly working its way back, which I’m thankful for. Writing brings me pleasure, so long may that continue.

I’m hopeful that the next year will bring some pleasant and long awaited changes and adventures, but as long as its filled with more smiles than tears and laughter than fears, plus a whole heap load more of furry cuddles from my four legged friend I’ll be more than happy!

Happy New Year all x

Marli.

As a child I was never really into dolls, of course I had the odd couple, but I don't remember being overly fussed. I was more into my grandparents dog, Barney. He was my best friend for the first five years of my life, he made an excellent cushion and even in his old age (he was 11 when I was born) kindly put up with my young, irritating ways. I imagine I pulled at his tail and ears more times than I'd like to admit.

....Twenty years on and the same still applies (minus the pulling of a tail of course!) Whilst a good few of my close friends have children, here I am still doting over a dog, albeit a different one now, Jaz. Whilst many of the posts I see upon my Facebook refer to people's children, mine often consists of photos of Jaz or an excited countdown until the next time I see her. Stepping off the train at Bournemouth station and seeing her there (accompanied by my Dad, she's not that advanced!) will always be my favourite part of coming home. There's nothing quite like the excited quick wag of a tail to tell you that you're loved. 

After seriously debating giving up the London dream to return home I finally made the decision to stick at it. I somehow found a lovely new house to live in within the space of 24 hours, with a family whom I warmed to instantly. Two months later and it's like I've found a home away from home and I'm feeling extremely lucky and thankful. With a certain little someone, who has absolutely no idea of the massive impact she has had in my life playing a major role in doing so.

Marli is two and a half. She likes play-doh. She's a Peppa Pig fan. She loves playing doctors and adores having her tummy tickled. She randomly bursts into song, which is often teamed with a fabulously cute little dance. She greets me with a loving smile and warm welcome every time I see her. She's often found near a tap playing with water and has the most amazing laugh that has quickly become one of my favourite sounds. She's such a little character, full of her own unique quirks and mannerisms which make her, her. All in all, I think she's pretty fab. 

I'm not claiming to be an expert in the topic of toddlers now, far from it. But having lived with one for a short while I've found myself being reminded of little but important things I've stupidly forgotten along the way...

1) Don't over complicate things. As we get older, we begin to have the ability to complicate things. But when you're really little, there's none of that. Marli isn't complicated. She doesn't live her life trying to impress anyone, she does what makes her happy. Like dancing around to Taylor Swift and singing Shake It Off as we're walking around Westfield. She didn't do it to impress anyone, she did it because she wanted to. And more to the point, why shouldn't she? Even though she wasn't setting out to impress anyone, everyone who passed her couldn't help but smile. Marli has helped reinstall my motivation to do things that make me happy, and more importantly to not be confined by my fears of failure or humiliation. 

2) Be more forgiving. Sometimes I upset Marli, like when I put the Play-doh away earlier than she wants. I'm officially in the bad books, but give it a couple of minutes and she's giving me a hug. Holding grudges is exhausting and hard work, there's no point wasting time sulking over something that's been and gone, smile and move on.

3) Keep on dreaming. Marli has a wonderful imagination. The other day she got her toy mop and broom, put them in a rucksack (which was easily the same size as her) somehow managed to put it on her back and said "Goodbye. Marli adventure." Off she walked out of the room, mumbling to herself but ready to take on anything armed with her broom and mop! As I've grown up I've dreamt a lot less. Mark my words: next time Marli goes on an adventure, I'm going with her!

4) Laugh everyday. As I mentioned earlier Marli has the most amazing laugh. It's a proper one, where nothing else but enjoyment is going through her mind. She's blissfully happy. I want to laugh more like that. When was the last time you laughed so hard you actually forgot everything else going on? Marli did it today when I tickled her, which resulted in me doing the same! It was perfect.

5) Try new things. Marli can be a bit of a risk taker. She tries new things: be it jumping off the sofa or trying new foods, she gets stuck in. I on the other hand, daren't jump off the sofa and basically only eat chicken (breast, not off the bone!) She's made me want to man up and stop fearing the unknown and take a leap off the sofa, instead of sitting on it, always staying in my comfort zone.

6) Treasure friendships. This isn't to say I don't already treasure each and every one of my friends, but more to emphasis it. Marli goes to the park and often goes up to children three or four times her age and tries to get involved, they of course oblige and a friendship (of sorts) is formed. Children find true joy whilst playing with friends, which is something I'd like to do more often.

7) Notice the little things. The other morning Marli was stood at the sink screaming with joy whilst playing with water like she so often does. She was really concentrating. It was like every drop that fell from the tap she had analysed and enjoyed. Something so simple that I take for granted bought her such joy. When did I stop noticing the tiny details and wonders that surround me everyday? And more importantly how much more beautiful would life be if I took the time to notice them?

Sadly being only two and a half Marli is yet to learn how to read. Hopefully one day when she can she'll see this and realise how uplifting and inspiring she has been, something which I will forever be thankful for. And maybe if like me as she gets older she forgets some of these flawless rules to live by, it'll help remind her of them too.

Thank you Marli for bringing nothing but pure happiness into my life. Shake it off!

Love Emma x