2017 a bittersweet year

A few years go I came across a round-up of the year post by a fellow blogger Nafisa.After reading it I thought it would be a good idea to do my own round up which you can read up here :
1. 2016
2. 2015
During the festive season I often spend time reflecting on the year that was and planning for the new year.Like the title of the post suggests 2017 was defo a bittersweet year filled with highs and lows.During 2017 I made formed several new relationships with brands both locally and internationally and I look forward to these developing in the new year.But looking back now I am grateful for each lesson and blessing that arrived on ny doorstep as I look back now.So grab a cup of tea/coffee or some wine and walk through 2017 with me.

2017 the year that was….

What did you do in 2017 that you never did before ?
* I became more vocal about what I wanted and stood my ground after years of being a pushover.
* I am a scary cat and had themepark rides but during my media trip to Dubai I went on 3D/4D/5D rides.I was scared but loved every minute.I even went into a very scary haunted house.
* I pushed boundaries with my blog and made more money than I did in 2016 in terms of paid work.
* I spent more time on my own nurturing my thoughts and soul.
* I finished a 5km hike that was not so easy during a media trip to Brahman Hills in the Midlands.
Did you keep your new years resolutions and will you be making more ?
For the most part I kept several of them.But I changed the word to Goals and I will be revisiting some goals from 2017 again.
How will you be spending New Years Eve ?
Pretty much the same way I have for the last 5 years at home.My Dad passed away on New Years morning of 2012.Since then it has become a rather difficult time of the year.I tend to switch off notifications and disappear offline for a few days.
Did anyone close to you die ?
Yes my beloved Grandmother.
What did you do for your birthday ?
For my birthday everyone always seems to let me down and can never arrange anything or do something with me.So for that fact alone as much as I love birthdays I have started to dislike mine.Eventually I threw myself a dinner party at home where I sorted every and the wonderful Akshi from Kreamy Kreations baked me a stunning travel themed cake that was too pretty to eat.

Did you suffer from any illness or surgery ?
Yes during the last quarter I became rather ill and very drained.It was a number of things that contributed to me been so sick.Six visits to the doctor ,numerous jabs and only after six weeks did I feel somewhat human.
What song will always remind you of 2017 ?
2017 was an interesting year for my musical education as I fell in love with different styles of Bollywood movies where I started to stop listening to the words and started understanding the words.
I also fell in love with fusion artist  Vidya Vox.Her music is a mix of east meets west and literally describes what I am.

What date from 2017 will remain etched in your mind and why ?
15 October 7:30am ,the moment I  the call dreaded call from mum which broke me with news of my Gran passing away.
What was your biggest achievement of 2017 ?
Getting invited to a one on one meeting with the Minister of South African Tourism.I think as a blogger this is huge especially as I am not a journalist and knowing that my lil space on the web has been noticed is really a big thing in my books.
What do you wish you had done more of in 2017 ?
Read more books I did not feel very motivated to read much but in 2018 I hope read more.
Taking care of body ,mind and soul including eating healthier ,meditating and exercising.
 
What do you wish you had done less of ?
Worrying about things I can not change and making an effort/going out of my way for people who won’t do the same of me.So in 2018 I am streamlining my life and energy and focusing on who and what matters .
What kept you sane ?
Several people kept me sane this year my mum ,#mytravellerheartbeat and my tribe.Each fulfilled different roles some more than others but each encouraging me give it my best and never give up.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learnt in 2017 ?
2017 was definitely a year of so many lessons :
* I learnt the value of family and friends through various incidents throughout the year.These made me realise who would catch when I fall and who are happy to just walk away.
* Chances I learnt that is ok to take a chance and sometimes these work out in the most wonderful and exciting way.
* The value of taking photographs especially of our loved ones.The quote below is a beautiful reminder of the importance.

Who do you miss ?
I miss my Dad and my Gran.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate last year this time ?
Hate is a very strong word ,dislike maybe outgrown maybe.Life is too short to surround yourself with negative noise.
What was your favourite series you watched this year ?
I ended up watching lots of TV for some reason this year and ended up following some great series.I am a huge fan of BBC series like BroadChurch ,Tell me lies Silent Witness and the Good Karma Hospital
I seem to be watching series with a serious themes like crime ,army /navy dramas but the one different series was This is US.Besides the fictional series I have been watching several non fiction and travel shows like A cook abroad,Sue Perkins in India,Joanna Lumley in India , Weekend breaks with Rick Stein and Hidden restaurants.
My taste in what I watch has changed dramatically this year and I am glad to extend mind.

Dearest 2017…

Thank you for enriching my life ,reducing me to tears and breaking down my walls.You were truly a year filled with bittersweet moments lots of highs with a few lows.Looking back I think you were pretty awesome and in my quite moments I am in awe of just how far I have come and all the wonderful experiences.You made me believe in me and gave me the strength to deal with all sorts of situations.Armed with all that 2017 has provided I look forward to 2018 and all the magic the year will bring.2017 it is time to say farewell and time to welcome your sister 2018.I just got a feeling that 2018 is going to be beyond anything I ever thought about.
As I close the book of 2017 ,I would like to thank all my readers ,followers ,stalkers and loved ones for supporting the Spicegoddess Journey this year.I wish you a blessed new year and may 2018 be the best year ever for you.
Be Inspired !
Ciao