The things that brought me joy in 2019

I always find this time of year a little bit odd. The excitement of Christmas slowly starts to dissipate, the prospect of real life returning begins to creep over the horizon, and the days have a hazy quality to them as we all try to muddle through the Chrimbo limbo.

What I do love about these days in between Christmas and New Year though, is the opportunity they bring for reflection. I love casting my mind back across the last 12 months, thinking about everything I’ve done and achieved in that time, and starting to make some plans for the new year ahead.

This year, as I sat down with my journal (I’ve been using the Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020 journal this year and loving it), what I noticed was how much more joyful 2019 has been than the years that came before it. This was the year I truly prioritised the things that are most important to me, the year that I allowed myself to lean into what feels good. And do you know what? It paid off.

I’m ending 2019 feeling happier and more content than ever before. I’ve made some big changes this year, changes that will have an impact long into the new decade ahead. But I also made tiny little tweaks to my life that have brought me so much joy. Changes that are barely visible to anybody but me, but have made me feel so much more content with my lot.

Of course, this year has not been without it’s stresses or challenges or bouts of anxiety, but I can honestly say, that when I look back at 2019 in years to come, it will be with an overwhelming sense of joy. And so to celebrate that, I thought I’d share a list today of all the things that brought me joy in 2019. Both for me to look back on when I’m old and grey, but also, to perhaps remind you that joy can be found in moments both big and small…

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Starting the new year slowly, with a walk on the moors in the sunshine and a very tasty lunch.

Watching the seasons change before my eyes during my weekly jogs along the canal. 

Rediscovering my love of reading, and spending hours and hours getting lost in other people’s stories.

Launching my podcast, Practical Positivity (and celebrating the fact that it hit 50,000 downloads a few weeks ago!).

A whirlwind weekend in Paris, where we ate great food, visited my favourite bookshop, and reminisced on our teenage years watching Death Cab for Cutie play at a beautiful theatre.

Reconnecting with old friends, and catching up on all the stuff we’ve missed in each other’s lives.

Escaping to beautiful places like the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales with my family for some proper quality time together.

Celebrating my nephew’s 2nd birthday, and, week by week, watching him turn into the incredible little kid he is now.

Taking a trip to the seaside on the coldest day of the year, just because I was craving some sea air. Warming up with some fish and chips and a pot of tea afterwards.

All the nights curled up at home on the sofa with my husband and my cat, feeling as content as I could ever be.

Getting out for big Sunday walks in the countryside, and refuelling with a good roast dinner at the pub afterwards. 

Seeing my cousin for the first time in over a year when he visited from Australia.

A glorious week spent on the Isle of Skye, full of beautiful hikes, beach trips and plenty of down time.

Launching Joy School, and watching the magic that happens when people start prioritising joy in their own lives.

Indulging our taste buds at some incredible restaurants, both near and far.

Watching the Spice Girls perform live with my Mum and my sister, and reliving my youth as we sang along to every word.

Hosting friends and family at our house as regularly as possible, and earning my label as a feeder. 

Afternoons spent in my Mum and Dad’s back garden, eating pizza, drinking fizz, and putting the world to rights. 

Discovering the beauty of Northumberland for the first time as we spent a weekend hanging out on beaches and in book shops with our family. 

Working with a brilliant coach and realising the potential that I had within me to build a business that makes a positive impact.

The feeling of pulling up in an Uber outside our front door after the many, many trips to London I took this year.

A very fun long weekend in New York with my husband, where we revisited our favourite haunts, discovered new spots, and fell in love with the city all over again.

Spending more time outdoors than ever before - climbing mountains, swimming in the sea, paddle boarding, and generally just feeling at one with nature for the first time since I was a kid.

Watching one of my oldest and best friends marry the man she loves at the most beautiful wedding.

All of the pasta that my husband cooked from scratch for me this year. 

Starting a book club with some of my lovely Leeds pals, and having an excuse to geek about reading over a glass of wine or some home baked goodies.

Watching some of our favourite bands play live, and singing along to every word.

Plenty of weekends spent on Anglesey, enjoying our favourite island.

Finding some business besties here in Leeds, and feeling grateful for the incredible support they’ve shown me this year. 

A summer holiday in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy, full of sunshine, sea views and the most incredible food. 

Retraining as a coach and loving being a student again.

Making the decision to leave my day job and take my business full time. 

Spending more time in Leeds doing the things we love, from trips to our local pub, to days out exploring everything our city has to offer.

Listening to my husband write new songs, and watching him perform them for the first time at gigs.

Drinking a glass of champagne at Searcy’s in St Pancras to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. 

The days spent pottering around our house, making it feel as homely and cosy as possible.

Turning 30 and feeling more like myself than ever before. 

Falling in love with Bologna during a slow weekend of exploring. 

Making things with my hands - from cinnamon buns to my Christmas wreath.

Fun weekends with friends, usually involving one too many cocktails and plenty of raucous laughter. 

The evenings spent swimming lengths at our local pool, and the deep sleep that always follows. 

The many date nights (and date days!)  with my husband.

Working with some truly brilliant coaching clients, and helping them to make incredible things happen. 

Celebrating Christmas with both of our families, and making some gorgeous new memories to take with us into the new decade.

Making plans for the future, and believing with every fibre of my being that the best is yet to come.