5 good things that happened in 2016

Happy New Year! Hope everyone has had a great start to 2017 so far. There's been a lot of talk recently about how 2016 was a pretty bad year, and most people are happy to see the back of it.

My 2016 got off to a pretty bad start. I won't go into the details, but there was a point early last year where I felt like I was stuck in a hole, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to climb out of it. It wasn't all doom and gloom though. I picked myself up, sorted my life out, and in spite of all the crap that went on last year, I think it's important to focus on the positives.

So here are 5 good things that happened to me last year...

1. I went to Florida (twice)

First in January, then again in August. I visited every major theme park in Orlando, from Disney's Magic Kingdom to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I fed giraffes at Busch Gardens and swam with dolphins at Discovery Cove. And I loved every minute of it.

2. I sorted out my fitness and started playing hockey

I don't understand people who say they don't see the point of New Year's resolutions. If you want to carry on being the same fabulous person you were last year than that's great! But if you want to use the New Year as motivation to make a positive change then DO IT.

I was one of *those* people who decided 2016 was the year I'd finally get fit. I started going to the gym 3-5 days a week, then later joined my local hockey club, playing for the ladies 2nds team. I met some amazing new people, lost over a stone in weight and gained a shitload of confidence in the process.

3. I climbed a mountain

At the start of August headed to North Wales to climb Snowdon with some of my workmates. Everyone did so well to reach the top (and get back down again!) and I can't wait for our next mountain climbing adventure this year.

4. I completed a 10K WOLF Run

In September I took part in the Autumn WOLF Run with a group of girls from hockey. For those who don't know, a WOLF Run is a 10km challenge through woods, obstacles, lakes and fields. I'd just got back from Florida 6 days earlier, so my fitness level definitely wasn't at its peak! The adrenaline rush was incredible though, and we all did so well to complete the course in just over 3 hours. I'd love to do it all again this year.

5. I turned 26

"Only 4 more years 'til the big 3-0." Getting older used to really freak me out, but I've realised it's not so bad after all. I had one of the best birthdays since I graduated University nearly 5 years ago, and I'm excited to see what the next year brings.

2016 taught me that a lot can change in 12 months. Life is too short to waste it. Grab every opportunity that you can, and if something is making you unhappy do everything in your power to change it.

I'll stop with the cheesy motivational quotes before I burst into song... here's to a fantastic 2017!