My 2016 in review....

What a year! 2016 you really tested me! 

My struggles at the beginning of the year forced me to take time out but during this time I learnt a lot about myself and I had the chance to take stock.  It has also helped me take a step back from my business and have the time to think about what fizzi~jayne makes... is about and how I want it to grow.  It proved how I need to schedule regular times to review my business (including my blog) and plan ahead in order to develop and grow successfully.

This year has taught me a lot and I thought I would share this with you.....

Take time off when you need it. 
I'm not a robot, I can't work all the time, so why do I feel guilty if I'm not working? 
As a business owner or freelancer, we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves and feel bad for not working as there is always something that needs to be done. We all need time off to recharge so we can perform at our best, how can we be successful otherwise?  

Self care is important and it should be the number 1 priority on everyone's list!

Just show up and work....
...you may be surprised what you achieve.  
During my difficult days I felt I couldn't do anything. What I found is just starting something (no matter how small or mundane) is all I needed to make myself feel better and have that sense of achievement. It would almost always mean I would achieve a lot more than I thought I would and certainly more than had I done nothing.

However, if you're not motivated to work, is it because you need a break? Go to first point. 

We need to celebrate our achievements, no matter how small.
It's this time of year when we tend to look back at our year and see if we achieved everything we planned.  It's easy to beat yourself up, but focus on what you have done, not on what you haven't achieved.

One of my successes this year is I managed to get ready for the Christmas craft fairs even after having time off and feeling like I'd never have enough stock.  I'm exhausted and ready for a rest over Christmas, but I survived! 

I attended the Royston craft fairs and for the first time I went to the Hatfield House Frost Fair with No3 Royston.  This was a 4 day event and although sales across the board were not as expected, my scrabble cards were selling like the proverbial hot cakes!

I was chuffed to be asked to be one of the craft bloggers and artists from around the world to create a gift box and handmade gift to auction on eBay.  This was part of the #PHWinterWorkshop campaign organised by ParcelHero to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.  I hope we have managed to raise a lot of money for a great charity.

Brain chemistry does not define who you are
Whatever goes on in my brain I am still living my life and I don't let my mental health problems define me.  

I still have my inner demons but I'm fighting them. I understand myself better and the root of my problems compared to at the start of the year. It is said a lot but life is a journey and sometimes there are bumps in the road, you just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Ask for help
We all need help, even Batman had Robin to lean on and share the load.  I am so grateful for the love of my friends and family who support me and for my virtual friends who have shared their emotional stories with me and offered their support.  For all the bad things that can be said about social media and the Internet I am lucky that I have met some great people.

I really enjoyed meeting up with some of my virtual friends in the flesh this year thanks to Made by Mrs M's Photowalks.

Don't measure your success based on other highlights on social media
The risk with blogs and social media is that everyone looks like their life is fabulous. So if you are having a bad time of it, don't think you are the only one and everyone else is living the high life, the truth is you don't know what is going on behind the computer screen.
We are all on different journeys and I need to focus on where I am going not where everyone else is.

Daily fresh air helps clear the mind and refocus on what's important
One of the highlights this year was getting our puppy.  Jenson is 8 months now and his waggy tail always puts a smile on my face.  He needs a lot of exercise and our daily walks have helped clear an overactive mind.

Look at that cute face!

Before I sign off I want to thank you for reading my ramblings, for every comment or interaction you've had with me on this blog or other social media sites. Thank you to those who have supported my business and have ordered anything from fizzi~jayne makes.... or come to see me at an event. 

Thank you for all your love and support.  I hope you enjoy the festivities and will have time to relax. I'll be back after a little break, sharing my plans for 2017.