thanks for the ride, 2011

Camera: wide lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

It's the last day of 2011 and to be honest, I'm a little sad of letting it go. Goodbyes are never easy (that was quite a theme for me throughout the whole year). It's been a pretty big year for me. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, in fact it's probably been one of the most challenging years I've had to go through, but it's those challenges that makes it exciting and made me learn and grow the most.

There are many things I'm grateful for in 2011. I landed my first ever full-time job in a field that I've been working towards for years. I feel like I'm taking the right step in my career. I became financially independent, and it felt right. I took part in Frocktober for the first time and reached my goal for the charity. I took too many photos, and bought a new camera to take even more. I learned so much that it's too difficult to list them all. I took a step closer to being a confident grown-up, yet ironically at the same time I feel I've grown more emotional than before, making me quite the crybaby sometimes! I met people who I connected with in ways I couldn't imagine, and I'm pretty sure they made my heart expand a little (which should explain my emotional moments). I met creative souls who inspired me; Sweet and funny people who constantly brigtened my days; Kind people who listened to me; Encouraging mentors who believed in me more than I believed in myself; Generous people who helped me raise money for charity; Neighbours became friends; Strangers became brothers; Old friends and family stay loyal and true. With hellos came goodbyes. Some come back, others won't. Some sting a lot more than others, but it's the one that stings the most that means they've just made a huge impact in my life, and I'm grateful for that.

Speaking of loyalty, thank you to all my loyal blog readers. I'm sorry I haven't been the best at regularly updating the blog and replying to comments, but I promise I'll be better next year. Thanks for sticking with me, and I truly hope you all have a happy new year!

So thanks for the ride, 2011. You've been awesome. On your way out, can you tell 2012 to take good care of me too? Yeah? Thanks. xo