What will it be like in 2019? That is one particular question currently resonating in my head.

So, Goodbye 2018...

and with another year coming to a close, another new one will be soon upon us.

With those thoughts in mind, I feel it is necessary and appropriate to reflect on the year 2018, by expressing a huge thank you, to all that have continued to support me, with my exciting ventures and now look forward to what new goals I can set myself, in the year ahead.

Throughout an exciting 2018, I have been thoroughly delighted with the progress of my humble blog and website, and I have been pleasantly surprised about how my commitment and hard work is beginning to pay off.

For me, honesty and a realistic approach will always prevail and trying to balance my dreams, and personal ambitions have not always been easy, especially when you are trying to balance those hopes and dreams around life's rich tapestry and my full-time job.

I cannot express how hard it is to juggle all these elements and still produce something worthwhile, especially when you struggle to start establishing yourself in a world already swamped by other bloggers and outdoor/adventuring experts.

Questions run through your mind and there have been times when I have contemplated, is it all worth it?

With those thoughts in mind, I only started this inspiring journey, just 18 months ago with the initial intention of simply following my passion - the Great Outdoors. To write down my ‘Thoughts and Stories’, draw upon my experiences as an outdoor practitioner, educator, share with like-minded others and to continually keep all of what I do, authentic and down to earth.

Throughout, I have continually tried to be positive, maintain a strong focus on what I want to achieve and continuously be true to my word. During this process, I have attempted to avoid being distracted by others and their endless words of self-promotion, copying ideas and working in ways that end up creating an unrealistic and alternative reality for themselves. As a result, I have followed my instincts by regularly collecting my thoughts, working to my plan and doing it all on my own.

By doing so, I’ve continually tried to establish genuine thoughts and stories. Refined my content, to hopefully inspire and encourage others to get outside, get active and indulge in the same interests as me. In turn, this has enabled me to maintain a clear conscious, strategy and foresight for my prospective plans.

From a humble start, I have let my successes speak for themselves. Towards the end of the year, my blog was nominated for an award, and I have managed to complete my first book — a practical guide for others to perhaps utilise if they so wish.

To me, these elements speak volumes and to believe in yourself allows you to achieve. Perhaps like others, I am not motivated by the kudos or likes, unnecessary self-promotion and pretending to be something I'm not. This just is not me and not in my nature. I enjoy what I do and wish to share my thoughts and stories in a meaningful way, in the hope that a percentage of the population will resonate with my style and overall approach to writing about this particular niche.

So, in conclusion, I would like to extend a big thank you to all the people who have invested and believed in me and supported me throughout the year and allowing me to have the biggest laugh with those who haven't.

It is clear 2019 offers many opportunities for us all and the chance to step up, go out of your comfort zone and actively chase your dreams. Find time in the year ahead to push yourself into something new, enjoy it and by doing so invariably remember who you are and where you've come from, keep it humble and keep it real.

Thank you for sticking by me and I hope to have a lot more to come in 2019.