2018 , a year much like a packet of Liquorice Allsorts filled with some sweet and bitter moments but nevertheless I am grateful for all the sweets life has brought me this year.I have had to do a lot of adulting  and grow up literally overnight.So much has changed in my life since 2018 started and time has surely flown by.

A few years ago I came across the round up of the year by a fellow South African blogger Nafisa and decided it was such a great way to round up my year and share my the highs and the lows.

2018 was indeed a year of all sorts, I was fortunate enough to partner and work with some amazing brands which I hope to continue with in 2019.I realised the value of time and how I did not want to waste my time doing things and been around people who were not my tribe , distancing myself from these situations and people made me realise that I have a small yet fierce tribe who love me hard and always have my back.I got to spend quality time with loved ones doing things I loved and wanted  and that meant I became selfish with my time and put me first rather than others for once. The airport and my signature pink suitcases were constantly on the go for 2018 both locally and internationally and  on my travels I got to meet some rather amazing people. With all the positives of 2018 , there were indeed some lessons I needed to learn along the way these lessons brought tears, heartache and disappointment but I am grateful for all of the lessons and blessings of 2018.

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1.What did you do in 2018 that you never did before?

I ticked off two bucket list travel dreams 🙂 the first was really nerve wrecking but so worth it and everyone should add Cappadocia to their Bucket List.

Hot Air Balloon Experience in Cappadocia

For my 40th Birthday this year I was feeling a Tad Bit down and filled with mixed emotions.So when the opportunity to tick off a bucket list dream presented itself to me I was over the moon.

Staying onboard a luxury train

I also had my first written article posted in an inflight magazine.The piece was an ode to “Falling in love with Durban”.I am hoping to write more in 2019.So if you are flying MANGO this festive season do keep an eye out in the JUICE  magazine and snap a pic of my article and share it would me.

I was asked to present to a group of Brand Managers earlier this year on the  world of blogging and how to work with bloggers. This was such a kick ass moment for me as I had such a light bulb moment of harnessing my inner strength and focusing on me and the life I wanted to create and oddly enough having this mind-set I

I spoke at a Tourism Conference on Travel Blogging as a Destination Marketing tool. This was a huge win for me and my blogging career to be asked to speak about what I love. The audience was made up of various stakeholders including South African Tourism , KZN Tourism and the various accommodation and experience providers in the area. Prior to the event I was a tad bit nervous but once I got on stage every just flowed and I loved actually speaking.

And for the first time I was the programme director at an Awards Ceremony as much as I am a lecturer and speak in front of hundreds of students every year I am rather shy and not a huge fan of the spotlight.

2.Did you keep your New Years Resolutions and will you keep new ones for 2019?

I am not a fan of the word resolutions but prefer the word goals instead.So I set some goals and surprise I actually kept a few.So going into the new year I will be setting my self some new goals and revisiting some I did not to around to do.And the biggest goal will to be kinder to myself.

3. How will you be spending New Years Eve?

The same thing I do every year ,become a recluse.My Dad passed away on New Years morning in 2012 so this time of year after Christmas is very difficult time for me and they say time heals but not totally sure about that. So my plans for the evening include been offline probably an early night with a book.

4. Did anyone close to you die ?

Thankfully not this year.

5.What countries did you visit ?

Mauritius

Turkey

Portuguese Islands

6.What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?

More quality time with my loved ones as well as free time for me to read and write more.Oh and not forgetting making some time to get physically fit.

7.What date in 2018 will remain etched in your memory and why ?

There is no date in particular as this year had some pretty awesome moments and it would be hard to pick just one.

8.What was your biggest achievement of 2018?

Getting over some of my fears.

Speaking at a conference.

Purchasing my first property.

9.What was your biggest failure ?

Not looking after myself mentally and physically this year.

10.Did you suffer any illness or injury ?

Nothing major just the usual cold and flu. But most of my conditions this year were stress related so going into 2019 I want lower stress levels and

11.What was the best thing you bought?

A flat.

12.Where did most of your money go in 2018?

TRAVEL

13.What song will remind you of 2018?

I don’t really keep up with popular music and I listen to a mix of English, Bollywood and Arabic. But Ed Sheeran PERFECT just gives me all the love vibes and no I am not in love.

14.What do you wish you had done more of ?

Reading and travelling without a doubt.

15.What do you wish you had done less of ?

Stressing and procrastination.

16. What was your favourite TV programme?

For the last couple of months I have not really watched much but “This is US”  and My Kitchen Rules SA and OZ versions were totally amazeballs.

17.What was the best book you read this year?

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman

18.What was your favourite movie of the year ?

Without a doubt had to be Bohemian Rhapsody!

19. What did you do for your birthday ?

20.What kept you sane?

My work and blog kept me sane this year am not sure I would have said that a few years ago.But the stability of my everyday job , blog and blog events kept me sane while everything around me was changing.

21.Who do you miss ?

My Gran and my Dad.

22.Who was the best new person you met ?

I am constantly meeting new people so it would not be fair to pick one BUT to all you awesome people I have met this year, I thank you for the lessons and blessings you have brought into my life.

23.Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018?

To be a kinder human not only to others around me but the world too and not forgetting to be kind to myself.

Dearest 2018,

I am utterly grateful all the lessons and blessings you have brought me this year. At times you tested me so much I thought I would break but still I am here living and still breathing.You gave me experiences like no other , I got to eat some pretty amazing food, stay in some beautiful places and meet some extraordinary people.I look forward to what the new year   bring got a feeling it is going to be rather spectacular.

Be Inspired!

Ciao

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