...so long 2013 and thanks for all the fish

Dear 2013, 

I know we only got to know each other briefly in the last year but I have to admit I will be glad to bid you farewell, no offence.

You were that house guest you know the one, that eats you last bit of bacon in the fridge, leaves the bread packet open so the loaf goes stale, leaves the toilet seat up and never cleans up after themselves.  Sure we had some good times I'll give you that....but you tested me.

So good things...

• I got to see my family and dear friends (who I miss so much) and got some much needed sunshine, and remembered a tad too late that one (especially with freckles and fair skin) can burn on an Aussie beach in under 15 minutes.  Relaxed in a hammock with a gorgeous mountain view and drank and ate far too much or maybe just the right amount :)
• There was my wonderful birthday weekend with my amazing friends.  
• A cycling weekend in Norfolk (thank the universe for flat countryside) where I found the most incredible pork pie I have ever eaten and was spoilt rotten with the most hospitable company of Panda and the Bossy Blonde.  
• Walking across the O2 was pretty incredible my party was super and made ever so special by my brilliant friends and my amazing present that everyone rallied around to get.  
• I completed London to Brighton with an amazing friend and learnt that there isn't enough padding to ease that kind of '54 mile' pain and also learnt that no one will come and collect  you at the half way point in a helicopter or limo no matter how much you put that begging energy into the universe.  Finding out that, that begging energy can come across as whiny when you kick the dirt and refuse to get back on your bike (so I have been told ;))
• Learnt how to open my heart and fell deeply, head over heels, knock your socks off in love for the first time in years and had some of the most amazing romantic weekends away and not away. 
• I went on a holiday with two very hilarious and intelligent mates and saw the beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria, ate fabulous food,cemented my relationship with Sangria and realised my lifelong ambition of dancing on a stage with a pole.  Career options open ;)I also learnt that very crucial life lesson that vodka can be 'too cheap' and one can drink 'too much of too cheap' vodka.
• I found a new sport I really enjoy...indoor rock climbing here I come.
• I got to spend Christmas in Germany seeing new stuff (I do love travel)with my very dear friend who I adore and making a new friend, you can never have too many ;).

Actually truth be told 2013 for the first half of the year you weren't that bad we connected, we worked together well, it was smooth.  I thought we might even be friends and I was very excited about getting to know you better.

Then as it often goes one thing led to another, words were spoken and we ceased to see eye to eye.  For reasons unknown to me you started murkying (OK maybe that's not a word, but I'm going with it) my New Year's resolutions and goals and that's when it all started to go downhill.  You would probably argue 2013 that I made my own choices that life is what you create but I  blame you 2013 for the carnage that you allowed to unfold.  The motto 'whatever doesn't kill makes you stronger' was your mantra and lesson of choice.  I almost feel guilty for shaming you on line like this because you would probably argue with me that it was a 'learning experience'.

So what did you teach me 2013?

• Friendship and loyalty. I've said it before and I'll say it again....you taught me that hands down my friends are my best feature, in that respect I am well and truly blessed.  I could not in all good faith think of a way to thank my friends for the love and support and patience (I can not forget patience....I mean honestly, collectively my friend's tolerance has reached a whole new level).
• Strength, at this point I'm totally picking out my Marvel comic book/graphic novel superhero name.
• Trust in my gut instinct, you can talk to others until you're blue in the face but it's those voices that whisper to you in the middle of night, they are the ones that you ultimately listen to.  You can't escape yourself (says the girl whose travelled around the world in the passionate attempt to do just this).  
• New experiences are key, you never stop growing and learning. Some of those experiences are hard, painful and challenging but you have to believe they make you in to a better version of you Mel 2.0 and this can take place at any age and you need to be open to this.
• Forgiveness of yourself, life is hard sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes you have done absolutely nothing wrong and it still goes kaka....and that's OK, you will survive. Just keep breathing. It seems silly/ridiculous/irrational to be crueler to yourself than you would be to your own worst enemy.  Easy advice to give, harder to live by.

So I welcome 2014 with open arms, hopeful that it will be an improved version of 2013 with new positive adventures, excitement, love and loads of sunshine, rainbows, unicorns and happiness.

Looking back on this blog I realise that you weren't so bad 2013, maybe I judged you too harshly. Lessons were learnt I might just thank you for them in 2015, I'll get back to you on that one 2013, we'll catch up, have a drink and laugh uproariously at our shared history.

All the best,

Melissa