I think it’s safe to say that 2018 has been a crazy year.
It’s had immense lows but even more immense highs. There’s been plenty of tears but even more laughs. I didn’t know it was possible for so many big changes to happy in just one year.
So without further ado, here are the best things that happened this year…
I graduated!
After three years of essays, lugging a camera around London, falling out with Canada Goose and interviewing people in the street, I graduated from London Metropolitan University with a first-class journalism degree. As well as being one of the highlights of this year, walking across the stage and collecting my scroll in front of my family was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Moving house
Shortly before graduation I moved out of student halls and into an actual house. Even though I share it with 8 other people it’s probably the quietest house I’ve ever been in. Living in student accommodation was more loud and chaotic than you can imagine.
Also, nothing beats the feeling of renting a property completely unaided. I’m still adjusting to life after my student loan but I’m doing well so far.
Picking myself up
It’s safe to say that I’ve picked myself up a fair few times this year. 2018 came with more mental and emotional challenges than I think I could count. That being said, when I think about the past year I can’t quite believe how much happier I am now than this time 12 months ago.
Making healthier choices
At the start of this year I remember wanting to start taking my health more seriously – and I actually did. I started going to the gym really regularly and eating clean. I ended up losing around 33lbs and more importantly starting feeling better and healthier. I still go to the gym and eat well but I definitely give myself more rest and treats than I used to.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt over the past year it’s that it’s so important to give your body what it needs – whether that be sleep, a really carby plate of pasta or a good long run. Running is something else that I’ve been getting more and more into this year. It feels good to look back and the times where I could barely run 1km without feeling finished. Now I run regularly and I’m always getting faster and running for longer.
Donating blood for the first time
Like I said in my blog post about it, giving blood was something I’d always wanted to do. This year I made my first donation and felt amazing afterwards (despite feeling a bit tired and sensitive). I have since tried to donate a second time but it didn’t work – apparently I have little veins? I’m going to try again in the new year though. I have to wait a little while because I recently had a tattoo done. Which leads me onto my next point…
Getting my first tattoo
Let me tell you that this little wrist wave was one of the most painful things my body’s endured. However, I did manage to get through it without crying a single tear. Despite it being painful I wouldn’t say it was so painful that I’d never get another but I’m so in love with this one that I don’t have the urge to get another one anytime soon.
So much more happened this year but I think I’d need thousands more words to write about all of the good things that have happened in 2018 – I suppose that’s a good thing really.
As always, thank you for reading!
Ways you can reach me:
- Email: courteneynoonan@hotmail.co.uk
- Twitter: @courteneyjn
- Instagram: @courteneynoonan
Bye for now,
Courteney x
courteneynoonan.co.uk 
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