In the chaos that was 2016, there was a glimmer of hope like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Through despair I found solace in blogging; writing became my refuge and escape from real life. I am sure I am not alone in stating that writing kept me sane during the political aftermath of Brexit and made me stronger in the wake of 2016’s deaths. We lost many greats this year, Alan Rickman, David Bowie, Prince and I lost loved ones too. As the frost begins to settle and the leaves turn to a crisp, loved ones lay in eternal slumber. Gone but never forgotten. While there were many negative events in 2016, 2017 promises to be a better year.
2017 signals a new beginning, a time to turn over a new leaf and continue 2016’s journey. I started 2016 with pain in my heart, sick and alone. I end 2017 surrounded by my closest friends, as we hold each other in companionship. We laugh and we cry, no matter what we will be there for each other until the very end. We encourage each other to cross the finish line and hold our heads up triumphantly, we did it. No matter what adversity we faced, we plunged into the deep end with hope in our hearts. We made light of terrifying situations and found humor in the most unlikely of places. True friends are worth their weight in gold and while 2016 might have been typecast as ‘shit’, who says 2017 has to be the same?
I believe that 2016 was a testing year for many of us and instead of giving up hope we kept strong. We fought for our survival and helped others along the way. We proved that no matter what life threw at us we were going to be okay. I know that 2016, despite its travails was a good year for me. Not only did I move to London but I also won awards and made new friends. I made massive changes and it paid off; I tripled my blog traffic, worked with huge brands and made long lasting partnerships. We always tend to remember the negatives but for me 2016 was a defining point in my career.
I was thankful that my little wee blog could ever be considered by PR’s as a ‘must have’ blog to collaborate with and it is only a testament to how hard I work. I worked with some of my favourite brands in 2016 including River Island, Chi Chi London and Debenhams and attended fantastic events. As a blogger it is fairly obvious to state that we love getting exclusive invites and samples but best of all is the chance to be part of such a beautiful community. I want to give special thanks to Sarah from UK Bloggers and Bloggers Helping Each Other for being such a wonderful online presence. This incredible woman not only runs two groups but despite her poor health is a beacon of light during dark times. To all you fantastic admins out there, well done for keeping sane and positive during the complexity of 2016.
So what’s next for Faded Spring? Well lets just say I have a few projects up my sleeve that will [hopefully] blow your mind. For now though all I can say is I look forward to seeing what 2017 brings and cannot wait to see other bloggers get the accreditation they deserve. The most exciting thing about 2017 is not knowing what it holds; I want 2017 to be a year where I tick off items on my bucket list. I want to work with brands like Missguided, Esprit, New Look and Miss Selfridge. Most of all though, I want to become a blogger full time and help others follow their dreams too.
What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017?
P.S : This was shot late at night, thus the lighting is kinda wacky! I don’t normally look orange haha!
*Update
Since writing this our cruel festive season has claimed the lives of George Micheal, Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, among others . May you rest in peace angels x
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2016 really was a tough year, I hope you achieve all you want in 2017. I think in terms of blogging my goal is to improve my photography.
I can’t believe 2016 is over and its now 2017. Happy new year and all the best
I think most people would agree that 2016 was a difficult year. It’s great that you’ve focused on some positives and are looking forward to 2017! I love how the New Year gives everyone a chance to start afresh. I have a few trips abroad planned for this year which is what I’m most looking forward to 🙂
It’s lovely that you are able to lose yourself in your writing. Blogging offers a great escape for me as well… sometimes day to day life leaves me feeling miserable or fed up, but blogging about my favourite things helps me to take my mind to a better place 🙂
I think 2016 was very very interesting politically and as it is the field I work in, it is a real eye opener and I cannot wait to see what 2017 brings x
2016 was definitely a year of many celebrity deaths and some friends too. Outside that 2016 was a great year for me personally, a year i discovered so much about me and traveled more. I am excited about 2017 and wishing you success and hopefully you will get chance to collaborate with those brands on your wishlist
It really was a tough year, here’s hoping 2017 is much better
I’m so glad you had a good year overall. You deserve it!
It sounds like you worked a lot in 2016 and you got the rewards that you deserved, congrats! Also, it’s very nice to know that you have so lovely friends, I think it’s very important to have people that we can trust in x
Sounds like 2016 was a bug year for you – I hope 2017 brings you everything you want x
You’ve had a great year blogwise and have produced some great posts. Keep up the good work Ana. I hope 2017 is full of more exciting collaborations for you x
Happy new year! I hope 2017 is good to you. I’m most looking forward to spending more time together with my husband and son as a family and having more adventures.
Best of luck going forward into 2017 – I hope you achieve your goals 🙂 x
I think 2017 has no choice but to be better than 2016 as most felt some of their lowest lows last year – myself included!!
I think I got over the celebrity deaths as, although I find them sad, it’s all just a part of life and they wouldn’t care if I died and it wouldn’t be in the news and there are people dying all over the world because not enough people care whilst they’re too busy caring that someone in the news died. That is sad.
Sorry to sound so negative on such a positive post LOL that was not my intention at all!
Emmie xo
It’s weird how so many people experienced an overall bad 2016 and not just in society as a whole but individually, too. It’s the kind of thing to keep me thinking at night! Here’s to a better 2017. Happy New Year x
2016 was certainly a roller coaster year and very rough for many people. I have truly enjoyed following your blog these last few months and I hope that 2017 is an incredible year for you!
I’m excited to see what projects you are working on in 2017. I can definitely see you working with missguided, you’d be the perfect fit for them x
I am hoping that 2017 will bring me and the family some more exciting adventures – hope you get your wishes 🙂
Here’s hoping 2017 is a great year. Great shout out for Sarah, she is incredible and such a selfless person! x
Hope 2017 is a fabulous year for you babe! That dress looks amazing on you! xo
I am happy to know that you were able to overcome personal obstacles. It must have been horrible to be body shamed all the time. But look at what you’ve achieved. Writing is a good outlet and once passion and dedication set it, there is no hindrance in reaching success. Wishing you even more blessings this 2017!
Happy New Year, I hope 2017 brings everything you desire! I just have to say, you look amazing in those photos! That dress is stunning! xo
Happy New Year Ana – I agree that 2016 was a tough year, so let’s hope that 2017 is kinder and more positive. Love the new website design, btw!!
Lovely reflective post! Always important to focus on the positives. Hope 2017 is just bigger and better for you and the blog, which I love x
I love those shoes!!! And that dress is stunning.
Here’s to a wonderful 2017! ps .. this might be one of my favorite looks you’ve done
Absolutely in love with your dress! May 2017 be your best year yet!
2017 is a year for me to go outside my comfort zone. So far, I’ve been doing pretty good with that. I’m meeting new people via blogs and events. Glad you’re one of them. 🙂