2016 check

Good morning my dear readers! I can’t believe that a whole another year is coming to a full circle – to it’s end. Today is the last day, less than 24 hours left until we enter new year, 2017! What are your plans for tonight? Are you staying in and keeping it low key, maybe going out for dinner or are you up for a full night of partying with friends? 🙂 I’m doing it “grandma” style this year since I’m sick with flu and am going for a trip so I try to get well and stay warm and still. 😀

I’d like to take a moment to have a “check” through 2016. As I have already mentioned in my Monday’s post, this has been the most longest, toughest and challenging year of my life. I am not yet ready to go into detail on why it’s been that hard but I will open up and speak about this, esp. because something major I’ve been dealing with might help somebody who might be fighting the same issue.

I’ve been browsing through some of my favourite bloggers and I got an idea from Polienne  to go through couple of questions in order to take a proper look back through this year.

*DESCRIBE 2016 IN THREE WORDS

Strength, learning and breaking point ( ok that makes it 4 😀 )

*WHAT ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU PROUD OF?

No matter how hard this year has been, how many times I’ve been in disbelief that some things are happening to me and how much I can still handle, I DID find enormous “secret” socket of strength, faith and hope… I’ve always been a dreamer and believer and 2016 tried VERY hard to take those from me and I’m happy to say that I have conquered and didn’t let go of seeing magic and beauty in everything and everybody around me.

*THE BEST NEWS YOU’VE RECEIVED IN 2016?

There weren’t that many but the ones that I can def. point out were some of my best friends either getting married, getting their first child or quite a few business deals/ collaborations I’ve received a “yes” as an answer. 🙂 The most proudest news of this year were that my little daughter got into a best elementary school in Finland which she had to go through 2 entry exams to get in.

*WHO WAS YOUR NR. 1 PERSON THAT YOU COULD ALWAYS RELY ON?

This year specifically, my “go-to” person was myself… I have pretty much realised that I’m my own best friend and that I can always trust my own gut to guide me and that if I love and nurture myself, I can only then enjoy and accept the friendship of others.

I was blessed with few new friendships in 2016 and I can’t even put it into words how valuable those people are in my life right now. They’ve cheered me up and kept me going more often than they can realise. Thank you Tiia, Magda, Jad, Joseph, Rita, Toni, Leo, Jemina, Mirjana, Lora, Ines, Mel, etc. for every word and gesture, you made this year worth remembering for being a heart of gold people to me!

*WHICH MENTAL BLOCKS DID YOU OVERCOME?

As this year has challenged me so much, it has also changed me a lot. My core is the same, but I have grown up in ways I thought were never possible. I’ve matured, gotten to know the power of my inner strength, the quality of my skills, importance of my dreams and that “letting go” is sometimes the best present I could give myself. I’ve overcome fear of not being accepted, not being worthy enough and being “left alone”.

*WHAT WAS YOUR BEST CAREER MOMENT THIS YEAR?

If something went well for me then it was my blog, photography and business growing bigger and better than any year before. I had many campaigns/ collaborations I could have only dreamed of. I’m by no means “worldwide – best- superstar- entrepreneur” but I did score on my own “achievement scale” a lot.

From campaign with God Morgan juice and Vice Denmark, towards Cluse and Nicole Vienna watches, Dear Frances shoes, Dyson and Pandora jewellery to numerous restaurant visits and reviews… I can’t wait to continue this exciting chain in 2017 for which I have planned A LOT and can’t wait to start those projects and reveal more. 🙂

*WHAT MOVIE OR BOOK AFFECTED YOU THE MOST THIS YEAR?

My most awaited movie this year was after one of my favourite books – “Girl on a train”! Gosh, I get shivers just writing this! Emily Blunt is my girl crush and I have LOVED this book and movie… You just have to watch / read it, I don’t want to spoil it for you. 🙂

*WHAT WAS THE MOST FAVOURITE MOMENT YOU’VE SPENT WITH YOUR FRIENDS?

Oh, this is an easy one! I have somehow managed to surround myself with a bunch of true foodies and my favourite moments spent with friends this year have revolved around food and restaurant hopping A LOT! Some of the best laughs, cries and convos happened while indulging in food with no shame. 😀

*WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PURCHASE THIS YEAR?

I have totally changed my point of view towards materialistic belongings and I haven’t been spending nearly as much money as I used to. When I did spend money, it was on pieces which are of great quality, necessary and which I absolutely LOVE! My favourite purchase must be my Gucci Dyonisus bag and Tommy Hilfiger x Gigi Hadid coat.

That’s it… Officially BYE BYE 2016 and THANK YOU my dear readers for everything!!! YOU made my year 10000 times better than it would be if I didn’t have this blog, your support and love. I can’t wait for 2017! Stay tuned!