Top 10 moments of 2017.

This year has been really interesting. With the absolute shambles that is 2017 drawing to a close, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate my personal achievements and enjoyments of the year. I am excited to be heading into 2018 and for everything that it may involve.
I’ve realised that releasing an album and another book didn’t even make the cut.

10. Being kinder to myself.
I have spent the vast majority of my life struggling with mental health issues in varying degrees. There is no doubt that I have had down periods this year but my understanding of my own mind and what I can best do to get through those spells has improved dramatically this year. I would hope that I have helped others through their own issues and spread awareness at the same time. The fact remains. I am always here for mental health chat.

9. Joining a gym
I never saw myself as a gym person. I still don’t. I tend to get there early morning when the real gym people are there. I joined in January like I imagine 90% of people do, and unlike a lot of others, I have stuck with it. Not to gym-shame anyone else of course. It’s much easier to Netflix and chill with a baked camembert.

8. Krakow.
In November/December, we went to Krakow as part of a srprs.me trip. We drunk a lot, walked a lot and I ate my weight in pirogi. Would recommend.

7. Glastonbury.
In June, Clarissa, Adam and I volunteered to work at Glastonbury on behalf of Water Aid. It was an amazing weekend and we were part of an incredible team. Sure I had to clean toilets but I also got to see Royal Blood, Radiohead and Jeremy Corbyn.

6. Watching my brother get married.
In my head my brothers are 8 and 5 so it was very strange for me to get my head around the idea of Robert getting married, and being 28 years old. I am forever grateful that we got to be a part of their big day.

5. Delectably Dead.
While the reviews might have been mixed (at best), the experience of co-writing a dinner show with one of my best friends and being a part of the amazing cast is one of my highlights of the year. I will never forget the incredible feeling of hearing someone else recite words you have written.

4. Running a marathon.
I’m currently recovering from a knee injury so it’s hard to imagine this even happened but in April I ran the London Marathon, finishing in 4hrs 16mins. I would love the opportunity to do it again but it depends what happens to my bones between now and then.

3. Turning 30.
I had an incredible birthday with everyone I care about. I managed to tick off a number of my bucket list items at the last moment, including riding a horse.

2. Philippines.
In May we spent two weeks backpacking around the islands of PH. It reaffirmed my opinion that I find no greater joy than hoofing around somewhere different with a pack on my back. I never took the opportunity to have a gap year so I’ll take these breaks wherever I can get them.

1. Becoming an uncle.
Please allow me a moment to get sentimental. In February, my brother and his now wife celebrated the arrival of Kadie-Lei, my niece. Despite my insistence that I could deliver her, they had a doctor do it, but I was on the scene soon after. I cried the first time I held her. I still want to cry every time I hold her. Seeing my brother with Kadie, Harry and Kelly makes me realise just how incredible family is and what it can be. I’m so happy for him and proud of the man he has become.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made 2017 what it was. On a grander scale it has been trash, but for me, it has been awesome.