I can’t believe it’s that time of the year again! Since I first started this blog all those years ago, on the eve of each new year I’ve spent time looking back on the past 12 months, and setting fresh goals for the year ahead.

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When I started this little blog of mine over six years ago (major props if you’ve been reading for that long) I had NO idea where this little online diary would take me, and since it’s very beginning this blog has allowed me to share my journey with you all. These year-end posts are never intended to be boastful – 0n the contrary – I always have a little giggle reading back on my 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 editions and how much has changed. I guess thats the thing about time passing, you just never know what’s ahead of you! So here is an honest look at some of my highs of the past 12 months:

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Travel:

When I look back on my favourite moment from 2016, it’s nearly always the travel-related memories that stand out the most. So whether it’s visiting somewhere new for the first time, or having an adventure with someone you love, I hope to make even more time for travel in 2017, with plenty of adventures with my nearest and dearest. Some of my highlights were visiting Paris with Thomas Sabo, a press trip to Croatia, and a three-week adventure in Thailand with the Thai tourism board. Traveling through work is something I am eternally grateful for, and those are certainly some of the biggest pinch-me moments from 2016.

Personal:

For so long I had been fiercely focused on achieving my work goals, which often left me with a poor work/life balance, but this past year I made a big effort to change that. In 2016 I switched off more, I took time out for myself, and most importantly, I took greater care of my body and mind. One of my happiest changes of 2016 has to be my leap into the world of fitness. I was terrified at first, but I’ve now developed a healthy obsession with my local gym. If you follow me on Snapchat (ciaraodoherty) you’ll know that spinning is my favourite way to work up a sweat, and I do a 45 minute class at least 4-5 times a week. It’s done wonders for my stress levels and productivity, and now I can’t imagine not having it in my regular routine.

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Work:

Career-wise, 2016 has been without a doubt my busiest yet, and the opportunities that came knocking really blew me away. With the explosion of the term “influencer”, there was suddenly more interest in us bloggers than ever before, and back in February, I signed with AR Agency to help manage my brand collaborations. Having the help of a dedicated agent allowed me to not only focus on building my brand, but to really refine the direction I wanted to move in for rest of the year.

Alongside working on big campaigns with brands like Thomas Sabo, Raffaello, and many more, I worked to produce more blog and video content for you guys than ever before. Without a doubt, the biggest shift happened with the launch of my Youtube channel. I started it in January, but it was only in the second half of the year where it really started to build momentum, which led me to realise that video content is where my true passion lies for 2017. I absolutely love writing and won’t be giving up my blog any time soon, but I’ve found video a much more inspiring and engaging way of sharing my content with you guys, so you can expect A LOT more of it coming your way in 2017!

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2017 Goals:

I know I say this every year, but I really am so grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way thus far. 2016 has been a hard year for so many of us, and it feels like every day more bad news is broadcast into the world.  I won’t share all of my 2017 goals here, but one of my biggest aims is to continue to be grateful, and to appreciate the health and happiness of my family and loved ones as much as possible, and to never take what I have for granted. Myself and Yoseph are moving to a new place in the new year, and I really feel like it’s the start of a brand new chapter, and one I’m so excited to take you along with me on. I would also like to thank you, my readers, for your continued support throughout the year, I appreciate you being here so very much. I have so much in store for you this coming year, but I’ll finish this by wishing you all a very happy and safe New Years Eve, and every success in 2017, I just know it’s going to be our best one yet!