So as we begin 2018 its only right that we take time to reflect on 2017 and all this year has brought us.

1.What was your happiest event?

This is an easy one to answer, the adoption of Daniel. Although we have had Daniel as part of our family since December 2015 being able to officially call him my son was such an amazing day and one I will cherish for a lifetime. It is the day the paperwork caught up with my heart.

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

We lost more children to Rett Syndrome, each one breaks my heart. I pray that this year will be the one of the cure.

3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that actually went ahead and did?

I had my first jager bomb and got gloriously drunk with a group of new friends and ended the night dancing in a 80’s/90’s nightclub. Not something I would do often but it was nice to let myself go especially after the year we had.

4. Who let you down?

I don’t actually think people ever mean to let others down, sometimes I wonder if I do have too high expectations but I’m working on entering 2018 stronger in myself and relationships.

5. Who supported you?

This list is vast, from family, friends, church, internet peeps its been an intense year but I have felt myself lifted up by so many.

6. Tell us what you learned

I am responsible for my own happiness, I often find myself feeling upset by others yet I am not responsible for them. My happiness, my joy is mine to find. I cannot expect others to know what I want if I don’t, so I’m excited to work on this in 2018, making more time for myself and my hopes and dreams.

7. Tell us what made you laugh

So many things, I have a really dry sense of humour and love nothing more than a good belly giggle.

8. Tell us the things that made you cry

Anyone who knows me will tell you I am a crier, I mean even adverts set me off. Yes 2017 has brought me to tears in so many ways, the loss of too many too soon. The current governments disregard for human life, seeing first hand people waiting in hospital corridors on trollies in pain. Doctors and nurses searching around for much needed equipment. Food banks, family breakdowns due to financial pressures, and so much more.

I have watched families with children with disabilities battle daily for essential equipment, support and care. Watching those who try to live the best way they can be belittled and broken by a system that cares more about profit than people.

I need to believe we are a world that loves, yet right now I am having to search for the light in the darkness.

9. Tell us three things your child or children did to make you feel proud.

My children make me proud everyday.

This year my eldest Kennedy, graduated university and is now doing a Master’s. I love her thirst for study and cannot wait to see where the future takes her.

Eden has started a new job and is doing so well, proving finally to herself what we have always known, she is awesome.

Brodie has left school and started at college, her confidence has grown incredibly and whilst she still is anxious she is finding the courage to live life to the fullest.

Daniel has done so well this year, although the beginning of 2017 was rather scary he has defined the odds in so many ways. He is really expediting expectations, I love watching his character form.

10. Tell us the things that made you proud of yourself.

This is a hard one as I struggle to see pride in myself yet over this last year I can see I have become stronger. The adoption process made me really look at who I am and besides gaining a new son I have finally realised that I’m not too bad.

11. Tell us the challenges you overcame

Life is a challenge so everyday I am learning to see all that I have overcome and to pat myself on my back now and again. I have faced situations which I would normally shy away from but I’ve also learnt to say No. This has been a massive challenge for me.

12. Tell us the things you would like to change about your life in 2018

I want to be a builder in 2018.

Building on my education

Building on my friendships

Building on my writing

Building on my family,

Building more laughter into my life.

But most of building the memories.

Life is for living, hoping 2018 is a year of living life to the fullest, loving hard and laughing louder.

 

 

 

Joining in with https://kateonthinice.com and her HIGHS AND LOWS OF 2017 link up.

Feel free to join in if you want to

1. What was your happiest event?

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that actually went ahead and did?.

4. Who let you down?

5. Who supported you?

6. Tell us what you learned.

7. Tell us what made you laugh

8. Tell us the things that made you cry

9. Tell us three things your child or children did to make you feel proud. Please miss this question out if you are not a parent.

10. Tell us the things that made you proud of yourself.

11. Tell us the challenges you overcame

12. Tell us the things you would like to change about your life in 2018