Five years ago today, I made one of the most significant and difficult decision of my life.  The thing is, I have written and rewritten this post numerous times over the past few days as I am not sure how much I actually want to share. So, I'll move on past all the details and onto the difference that five years has made for me.

• These years have shown me that I am stronger than I ever thought possible.
• Instead of constantly living from one pay check to another and often not having enough money to pay the bills, I can happily share that all my bills are paid on time, I have a small savings balance and come February 2013, all my loans will be paid off. I will be debt free!! 
• I live in a lovely flat, with nice furniture. It's taken working two jobs and slowly buying new items once I could afford them but I'm there know.
• Most days my life feels much more peaceful than what it used to. I know longer need to be worrying about any sudden changes.
• I am a happier person than what I used to be.  
• I'm free to go where I want and when I want, and I can spend my money however I wish.
• I'm making new friends and am able to keep those relationships going.
• My confidence is growing and I am learning to stand up for myself more often.

2012 has been a great year. A year in which so many great things have been going on, both in my own little world as well as in this country.  So here are the things that took place in 2012 that made this year so very memorable for me.

• I read a bunch of really great books and got my very first Kindle.
• I went to my first Mercy Ministries Conference down in London.
• Much time was spent out doors going on long, lovely walks - around parks, lakes, reservoirs and fields.
• I documented yet another day in my wonderful life.
• Many new recipes were tried and devoured - delicious!
• I tried to focus on learning to love my body no matter its size. I still have a way to go with this but I can see small steps of progress which I am trilled about.
• We went to the gorgeous country of Iceland for a short holiday - pictures can be seen here, here and here.
• I got a new hair cut.
• I captured some of my most favorite childhood memories.
• I became a permanent team manager, and then found out that my job was at risk for redundancy.   Five months later we found out that our jobs were safe!
• Rashaen got a new job and I found myself on the pathway alone.
• I've made some new friends this year.
• I painted my nails A LOT!
• My relationship with my heavenly father grew from strength to strength.
• I found positive affirmations that feel like they fit me and my life.
• It rained a lot this year. All through summer and so far all through winter.
• The romantic in me came out a few times this year.
• Mom and I walked 7 miles in one day - through soggy fields, mountains, bushes and so much more.
• Herman came for a visit.
• Some of my favorite posts by other people. This world is filled with some really amazing people.
• I went to Wales all on my own for my first single holiday. I met some great people there and had a really lovely time.
• I turned 31 this year and had the best birthday ever! And 30 things I learnt in my 30 years so far.
• Such great inspiration in 2012
• I passed my Biological Psychology course with a grade 2 pass - 73% overall.
• I won a spot on Soul Restoration 2 and have loved every single minute of it.
• The Olympics was awesome and I was so very proud to be South African.
• We got an extra public holiday this year - the Queens Jubilee.
• We had a Royal Wedding and an announcement of a royal baby on the way.
• Many great people passed away this year, including Whitney Houston, Neil Armstrong and many more.
• I found a great church and can't wait to get more involved next year.
• I started my own gratitude journal - and have kept it up since August.
• I have paid my car off in full - woohoo!

There are many great things from 2012 and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings. Thanks for sharing this year with me.

My love for books has followed me through to my adult life.  I try to read every night before I turn the light out.  When I fancy a relaxing morning, I curl up in bed with a cup of tea and a good book.  I thought that this year, I would document my favorite books from 2012 and share what I have learnt or what I enjoyed about those books.

1. A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.


2. Unlimited by Jillian Michaels.


I don't really know where to start with this book.  I couldn't put it down. I read it in six days. I feel like I need to read this book again and again.  The story is beautiful, the writing is descriptive and the message is soul changing.  This book portrays God in all his amazing awesomeness and magnificence.  The God of the Israelites is the God of today - and that is so awesome.  I don't want to give too much away for those of you who haven't read the book, but this book also spoke to me about my own worth and value. Such a lovely book! 

5. Submerged by Dani Pettrey.