Toward the end of last year, I was feeling pretty worn down but I kicked off 2024 taking some time on my own in my favourite spot, breathing with the waves and appreciating how beautiful the world is. It felt like the most beautifully peaceful start to the year and set the tone for a more settled year in my life. That’s not to say it was too peaceful, I’m still my busy ass self but I did find space this year to return to myself a bit more.

I feel so much more healthy, both physically and mentally (thank you therapy). I feel like I’ve gotten back in touch with movement properly for the first time in adulthood (post-uni) and that is such a relief. 2024 was the year of aerial for me and I’ve loved having a cool, new hobby to learn and having the motivation to get stronger so that I’m able to do more of it. I returned to my dancing self with some studio fun, choreographing with pals, and taking some classes. I’ve also been reconnecting with my natural hormone cycle and trying to learn more about my brain and body and how I can support them which has been really beneficial.

In the hobby-sphere, I’ve really found myself back into music and have been on a journey of discovery which has been a lot of fun. Of course, I continue to read loads (annual wrap-up coming soon) and this year I started a little bookstagram where I can share and revel in my bookish joy. Towards the end of the year, I started to dabble in writing poetry too which has been fun – it’s nice to have some creativity that’s just for me. And as always, the Edinburgh Festivals took over my August and overdosed me with theatricality which I revelled in (maybe too hard!).

A very special day this year was finally getting to my sister Claire’s wedding! It had been many years in the making and it was so cool to see all the plans come to life and spend the perfect day with so many brilliant people.

It has been a really fun year for travel and finally ticking off some long overdue trips to friends’ home countries/cities by visiting Lisbon, Malmö and Brighton respectively. As well as spending fun times with friends and fam in Copenhagen, Manchester, London, Crail, Skye and Barcelona. All of these trips were so special and I’m so grateful to be able to visit all these different places. I’m also grateful, as always, for my own bonnie Scotland and the beauty we get to enjoy right here. A really special moment for me this year was finally seeing the aurora borealis with my own eyes!

And returning to the topic of home, I’ve really loved continuing to build myself a haven in my flat. The year has been consumed by bringing together my beautiful living room and bathroom, with a few wee bits in the kitchen and the super important jobs of replacing the windows and installing ventilation. It certainly has not been easy, straightforward or cheap in any way but I’ve learned a lot, spent a lot of quality time with my fantastically skilled dad and I’m so happy with the finished product. I have so loved having the space to host again and have already had so many cosy nights with wonderful people in my home. This year brings me roughly to the halfway point of my flat renovations and I’m really proud of how it’s going.

Overall it’s been a great year full of adventure. I’ve met some lovely people including some of the best new friends and got to spend really special moments with my existing besties too. There have been a lot of silly times, with laughter, dancing, food, music, family and love and I’m so grateful and appreciative to be surrounded by kind, talented, creative folks who inspire me endlessly and make me feel so loved.

Sappiness over, thank you 2024 – it’s been a blast!