The end of 2024 is just around the corner so I thought I would share a quick review of my year. Like most years there have been ups, and downs and middles, such is life. I think that everything that happens over the course of a year teaches us valuable lessons even if it’s not obvious what the lesson is at the time.

Places 

This year has been a quiet one when it comes to days out and travel. In fact there have only been local days out for us. The kids did have a lovely holiday in the summer with my eldest daughter.

Some of my favourite places we visited this year include Salford Museum, Cheshire Oaks, Blackpool Sandcastle, Speke Hall and Sealife Manchester. We really didn’t travel far but still had a good time.

Hobbies 

Reading and entering competitions have remained at the top of my hobbies list. This year I also got back into journalling and scrapbooking which I’ve really been enjoying. Daisy has joined me in scrapbooking, it’s been nice to do it together.

I haven’t kept track properly of how many books I’ve read this year and I didn’t set a goal. I’ve been mainly reading thrillers and horror this year and have enjoyed a few cosy crimes too. I think I will write a separate post about the books I’ve enjoyed this year.

I love entering competitions and am actually in my 24th year of doing so. It’s a great community to be part of and of course, the prizes I’ve won have been fantastic. According to my spreadsheet, I won a total of 100 prizes this year which is just amazing.

Something else I’ve decided is a hobby is going to charity shops, I love finding vintage books and ornaments to collect. I’ve found some amazing things this year and next year I want to visit some charity shops a bit further afield to see what else I can find.

Life

Overall life has been good to us this year, we are all still here, happy and together. I’ve had some issues with my physical health and I seem to be collecting conditions like they are Pokemon. Having to slow down and accept that I can’t do as much as I once could has been really difficult for me.

One goal I did have for this year was to focus on improving my mental health which I’m happy to say I have done. I’m going into 2025 with a much better outlook and the tools I need to keep my mind healthy. I’ve had therapy this year which has been really helpful and I’ve also made sure that I’ve advocated for myself at every appointment I’ve had.

The kids have continued to grow up, they make me proud every single day. They both enjoy school and continue to do well.

I decided to start blogging again properly and I’m so glad I did. Blogging really encourages me to focus on making memories, taking photos and documenting daily life. It’s also a really nice community to be part of.

Even though this past year has been a quiet one I’m happy with what I’ve achieved. I’m entering 2025 with a good mindset and a determination to keep going no matter what the year may bring.

I hope this year has been kind to you and if it hasn’t then I hope the next one will be. Leave me a comment and tell me how your year has been, I would love to hear about it.