Happy New Year Everyone!
I hope you all had a good Christmas and new years. I know I haven’t been posting so regularly so I thought I would give a little update for you all. Grab a coffee and let’s go…
I have been putting off writing for a bit and I wasn’t sure why; I love blogging and seeing all your lovely comments and private messages. The reason I do this is not just because I love it but also because of you reading this. I would like to thank you for taking time out and reading my blog. I started this not knowing how it would go down and having doubt in myself, however, I feel that I have a little family of people who come along on the journey with me. I am so overwhelmed by the response and how many people love reading and say I have helped them. It’s the biggest reward!
Over the past couple of months, my mental health hasn’t been too good. I was afraid to talk about this and therefore I put it off for a long time. I’m currently sat in bed after having a massive breakdown this morning. It makes me anxious talking about this because I’m opening myself up but in order to heal I think we have to be honest with ourselves. The beginning of 2018 is not quite how I envisioned it. I had an amazing Christmas and new years eve but after I just felt empty. They do say that January is a horrible mouth because we have just had an exciting build up to Christmas that it can leave us sad as things go back to normal. I have had a bath and taken care of myself. It’s time to share how I feel and reflect over 2017. I’m ready and I haven’t felt this ready to open up in a while.
I’m turning 18 this year and I couldn’t be more excited. If you know me then you will know how long I have wanted to be 18. Something about becoming an adult excites me but also scares me. I think I have been really overwhelmed lately. I’m not sure what I want. It’s funny because I remember being younger planning my life out and knowing exactly what I was going to do. Now I’m not too sure. I have grown to learn that, that’s okay. You don’t need to have your whole life planned out at the ages of 17/18. I am still so young and I’m going to take a year out away from education and all the shit. Be me and discover who I am.
Mental health is horrible. You can’t romanticize or disguise it, it’s there. Some people don’t realise that if you have depression it doesn’t just mess your mind up but also your sleeping pattern, motivation and relationships with people. I think that’s what happened to me. I got into this cycle and I couldn’t get out. It’s still a struggle but there are good days and bad days. I try to be positive but sometimes that’s not what you need. Sometimes you do just need to be sad. Cry, scream, eat the whole tub of chocolate ice cream and stay in bed watching Netflix. Let it out and allow yourself to accept that you’re not going to be okay all the time.
2017. A year of adventure, a new job and lots of meals out lol!
One thing I like to do at the beginning of a new year is scroll through my camera roll and look at all the memories of 2017. It’s so important to see how much you have grown as a person and how things have changed. Looking at all the happy moments and being grateful. I advise you to do it.
I think I ate double my body weight in meals last year. I love going out for food I think it’s nice however you can’t beat ordering a dominos (definitely had too many of them lol).
2017 was the year of me starting my blog and becoming a lot more interested in photography, especially on my Instagram. I was so happy and grateful to get a camera for Christmas so you will be seeing a lot more photography from me! As I briefly mentioned earlier I didn’t know how I would get on with blogging and I absolutely love it! It’s my little outlet. I can’t thank the people who believed in me to start writing, I wouldn’t be as confident as I am now if I didn’t. I love interacting with you (the reader) I always love getting comments or messages. I like having a community of people. Never be afraid to comment or message me. I would love to hear from you.
I started reading some fantastic books that I highly recommend! I am not a big reader but I love a book to dip in and out of. The two books you must read are ‘Love, Style, Life’ By ‘Garance Dore’ and #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso. Two inspiring, strong ladies that I admire!
I went to a few incredible shows! Jack Whitehall’s comedy show was hilarious! I went to see ‘The girl from the sea’ which had so many talented actors that blew me away! Blood brothers was just amazing; if you’re looking for a show to watch I would highly recommend that one!
I started my job last year. I love being a barista and being around coffee all day lol! I love socializing with people and making lots of different drinks. I must say I make a mean gingerbread latte; Starbucks eat your heart out lol!
I bought a lot of stuff last year! All that I love and use however my bank account didn’t quite approve lol. My new year’s resolution is to save. I wonder how long that will last 
I attempted to make some healthy food from ‘Eat Smart’ by ‘Niomi Smart. Considering I’m an awful cook, I did pretty well. Made and discovered some beautiful recipes that I absolutely love!
Adventures were the keyword of 2017 as I went to some beautiful places. I won’t go into any of them as I have done blog posts on each of them. Stapleford Spa was amazing with lush food! London for my Birthday was just amazing, I am so grateful that I went with one of my favourite people and just had the best time. Also, Brighton was an incredible experience that I will remember for a long time!
Working with small brands was so cool. It’s something I look back on and am very proud of myself. I thank all the brands for the opportunity. The stuff that I promoted I genuinely love and every time I look around at the beautiful prints from @LXRprints and @KatStanley I smile.
I had some big hair changes slowly going blonder and blonder. I love my hair now it’s exactly what I wanted! #blondebombshell
So there you have it. My 2017. WOW, when you look back it’s incredible how much you do and I’m so grateful and lucky to have all these amazing opportunities and memories! I urge you all to do the same and tell me what your favourite memory of 2017 was?
So hello 2018. Let’s have you! Although for me it hasn’t started the best there is still time and I think reflecting over 2017 makes you realise a lot can happen in a year. I plan just to take care of myself and see where life takes me. One thing I am really passionate about doing this year is charity work and donating. ‘Mind’ the mental health charity is so close to my heart. I will always support and help the best way I can as I feel so passionate about mental health and helping others in need!
I wish you all the best and I hope 2018 brings you happiness, love and good health. I just want to say if anyone feels sad, lonely or depressed please feel free to message me! It doesn’t matter if we aren’t close just know you have a friend in me. Mental health can be such a lonely thing and I would hate for you to suffer alone!
Instagram- @alicewoodwardx
Snapchat- alibongo1234
Lots of love and happiness
Alice xo
Alice Woodward 