Reflections | Four Good Things That Happened in 2017

Hey Sweeties,

Well well well, hasn’t it just been forever since I last said “hey”?! We as people and bloggers need to not apologise for periods of absence because when it’s not your job, sometimes life gets in the way of hobbies and it’s just one of those things, but I am still sorry for my absence over the last couple of months.

Because it has been so long, I completely missed posting any Christmas content so if it’s okay with you, and because we are still within the twelve days of Christmas (albeit just), I am going to post some photos from my recent trip to London that I do every year in December, to see the festive lights and decorations around the city.

2017 was an odd year for me to be honest, and while overall I won’t particularly remember it as being a good year, good things did happen and it’s these four good things I would like to reflect on in this post today.

Reflections | Four Good Things That Happened in 2017

Five Good Things That Happened in 2017

1. I made a small amount of money from blogging

About this time last year, having just witnessed this blog turn three years old (it’s now four, a birthday I also missed owing to recent events), and I said to myself ClaireySweetie needed to start earning its keep. Blogging doesn’t have to cost money, but it does, certainly while you are getting yourself started because until you get on the radar of PRs, you create content and review products you purchase yourself. Of course this never stops because it’s important to not rely on being sent items to review, and the most genuine posts are the ones that are written (and inspired) by a person’s experience. Content aside, blogs also cost money because you need to ensure your domain remains yours; your site is properly hosted; you might want to take out some advertising on social media or fellow blogger’s sites; and it’s more than likely if you are serious about creating good content, you invest in photography equipment and possibly editing software. Hobbies cost money but how great is it if every once in a while somebody pays you to do what you love? This happened for me briefly in 2017 and it was amazing, and something I need to ensure I make happen again in 2018.

2. Earned my previous employer ‘Business of the Year’

This is possibly my best achievement as my career is important to me and through taking some initiative and identifying an opportunity to get my employer some PR in the local community, I entered them into the Maidenhead and Windsor Business Awards. In total I entered them into three categories and on the night we walked away winners as ‘Business of the Year’, and finalists in the two other categories. It was a really great way to end my time with them before I pursued new opportunities elsewhere.

Five Good Things That Happened in 2017

3. Hit my salary goal

When I started my career in marketing five years ago, I have had a salary goal I wanted to hit by the time I reach my thirties. Even though I was a couple of months into my thirties when it finally happened, it did happen and I felt really proud of myself. If you work your arse off and progress yourself, you’ll hit your own goals too!

Five Good Things That Happened in 2017

Five Good Things That Happened in 2017

Five Good Things That Happened in 2017

4. Turned thirty

Believe it or not, this was a good thing and I’m pleased I’m out of my twenties. I reflected on my twenties (here), and I also learned how to give zero fucks (here) since entering a new decade of life.

Five Good Things That Happened in 2017

Five Good Things That Happened in 2017

What four good things happened to you in 2017?

Here’s hoping to a successful, safe and happy 2018 Sweeties!

Until next time x

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