2012: The Year That Was…

I’m not sure I’ll be sad to see 2012 disappear this evening.

Despite moments of glory for Britain as a whole, with incredible Jubilee and Olympic/ParaOlympic successes, when I recall this year it will always be tinged with a hue of sadness for me. Plagued with a plethora of health problems, there have been times when I have struggled to see what my next move should be. For one of the only times in my life I have felt my strength slip away and have had to find new, revised ways of getting through the dark days.

For that reason though, I will also look back on 2012 with pride. I have been forced to face some scary demons this year, have had to make fierce adjustments in my lifestyle and been made to re-evaluate the word “friend”. Yet navigating through these unavoidable minefields has made me stronger; more appreciative. Perhaps even a better person. For that, we’ll have to wait and see.

For all it’s faults, 2012 has also been a year in which I found love in unexpected places. My darling partner James has been with me every step of the way, which both baffles and bemuses me as in all truth, it would have been much easier for him to scarper by about March! My friendships have changed, but I think for the better – as it’s become apparent who will be there through the bad bits as well as the good. I have made some amazing friends who have been supportive and kind and whose words have helped me through some truly horrendous times. I’ve also seen true beauty in people I’d known before but who rushed to the forefront when things got tough and of course, have the best friend anyone could ask for in Helena. OK – our friendship used to be more PPG* and less BBO**, but it’s just as lovely watching movies and drinking tea as it is quaffing Champagne at a club launch somewhere. I think…

It’s disappointing not to be able to add value to a business at the moment but am walking out of 2012 with my head held high, determined that 2013 will see many new opportunities for me. With all of the diagnoses and coming to terms with chronic illness dealt with, I can now focus on finding the new best version of me, rather than dwelling on the old one. I aim to take a course, in Graphic Design or something similar, and I plan to have the three new “arms” of This Little Lady up and running in the first half of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for Events, Boutique and our new Interactive sections…which are all very exciting indeed.

I’ve also been blessed to have some great trips abroad in 2012, that were only mildly marred by my pesky health. Venice in March was a highlight – the most romantic trip with my gorgeous man, and Cape Verde in August for more of the same (although less romance, more weird hotel entertainment. Brilliant). Then there was Paxos with Helena for 10 days of glorious sunshine in one of the most beautiful spots in the world – and Paris last month for yet another romantic mini break. Travelling is tiring but it is absolutely worth the effort. Exploring fills me with joy.

So. While I may not be sad to see the back of 2012, I’m not angry with it. It’s  been a journey of discovery and pain, but also kindness and light. I am full of hope and excitement for the New Year – it may not be plain sailing but I am looking forward to embracing the changes and seeing what’s out there for me now.

What has it taught me? That some friendships are too important to lose; that love of all kinds arrives when you least expect it; that some people run when things get hard but others stay and fight, and they’re the ones you want to cling on to. It taught me that I’m stronger than I ever imagined and that change can be good. I’ve realised that no matter how much crap life throws at you, having good people around you means the good ALWAYS outweighs the bad. And most of all? Life is exciting and keeps getting better if you let it.

Here are some of my favourite moments from 2012…

How can I not look back at those and smile?!

I don’t have resolutions as such but I am going into the year planning to spend more time making the people I love feel special. They have done so much for me this year and I could not have got through without them, so in 2013, it’s time to pay it back. I’ve drawn up my own little New Years Honours list to show gratitude to all the people who have helped, cared and made life a little bit more wonderful during 2012. So without further ado…here are my special ones.

Highest Honours

(For making life…better)

• James Whatley: Genuinely the best boyfriend anyone could ask for. Supportive, inspiring and kind, even when it may not be deserved…
• Helena Fleur Rea: I could not wish for a better friend. Makes me laugh whenever I am sad and is always on hand to give me a kick up the arse and remind me why it’s worth the effort.

Commendations

(For making me smile consistently throughout the year)

• Mel Kirk
• Giles Fisher
• Tracy Lawrence
• Gary Day Ellison
• Gemma Went
• Wayne Gibbins
• Geraldine Legge
• Natalie Pender
• Louise Thurstans
• Jessica Austin
• Lorna Harris
• Lauren Marks
• Tom & Kate Butterfield
• Alice Lindley-Munro
• Emma Cossey
• Judy Johnson
• Sarah-Jayne Ryan (and family)
• Steve Ward
• Susan Perry
• Zoe Berkeley
• Jules Jackson
• Jules Alexander
• Linzi Peel

Additional Thanks

(For kind words, taking more time than needed and generally being lovely.)

• Alex Myers
• Gabrielle Laine-Peters
• Angela Molineux
• Alice Hart Davis
• Sam Young
• Ryan Lock
• Peter Turner
• Muireann Carey-Campbell
• Ariane Buteux
• James Bunting

So there you go. And what a gorgeous list it is!

Just a little bit of fun but my way to show that kind deeds and a little bit of love don’t go unnoticed. Thank you to everyone who has touched my life in some way or another this year…it’s been hard, but it’s been SO worth it.

Happy New Year everyone. I wish you love, happiness, health and no more troubles than you can easily handle. And I wish the same for me!

What have been your favourite bits of 2012? Let us know in the comment box below! x

Bring it on 2013. We’re ready for you.

* PPG = Professional Party Girl / ** BBO = British Bake Off