Another year has come to an end. We hoped that 2021 would be better than 2020, and arguably it was in a way. For me, 2021 was monumental in little and big ways. I wanted to take this time as we spend our last few moments in this year to reflect on what it's meant for me, so I hope you don't mind.
I turned 25 this year.
Before I turned this age, I was panicking about turning it. I thought "Oh my God, 25, how? What? No, I'm too young." Something about this age felt daunting, like there was an expectation to have my life together. When I was younger, I had a plan and I thought my life would be totally different to what it actually is at 25. But then I relaxed into this age, I spent time with myself and realised the thing we all need to realise: Nothing ever goes to plan, and that's not a bad thing. 25 has made me stronger, made me love myself more, made me be more myself again like I was when I was a kid. Though I'm an adult now, I feel connected to that carefree, confident little Emma again and that for me is so beautiful. And now, going into 2022, in just over a month, I'll be turning 26 and you know what? I cannot wait. I'm not scared, I'm excited for all the possibilities it holds. What a shift in mindset.
I completed a Master's Degree with Distinction.
I decided to not let COVID take a whole year of my life away by last minute deciding to do my Master's degree in Media & Communications from the comfort of my home in Sri Lanka. Back at my alma matter, a comfort place for me really, but a course that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Having to make friends through Zoom calls, becoming a student rep, actively participating in classes when others may have been silent. I really pushed myself and tried to get the most out of this course. It paid off. Just the other week, I received my results and the confirmation that I would be graduating with distinction - I lost my mind. I couldn't be prouder of myself, though that sounds so self-centred. But it's important to celebrate all the wins, and this one was huge for me. Now I look forward to my in-person graduation next month back in London, meeting all the new friends and celebrating this achievement even more.
I started a whole new venture on a sport I love.
People are still confused when I tell them I love Formula 1 and have since I was a kid. It's a part of myself I kept hidden for fear of being judged. But why was I scared of being judged for a passion? Lord only knows. F1 has been in my life for as long as I can remember. It filled my weekends, the whole family watching it together and being so invested in every race. As I grew in coming back to myself in the most authentic sense, this love came pouring out for more to see. I felt comfortable sharing that unexpected side of me. So when my mum told me to take that love, passion and, excuse the pun, drive, and turn it into something that could be so good, I took the plunge. I got myself on TikTok, created "The F1 Rundown", launched it in October and have been consistently creating content on the sport. In just 2 months, I've reached over 3600 followers, 50k likes and views ranging from 1k to 5k to 10k to 30k to even... 100k. Every time the number goes up, my smile gets bigger. It's the same when I talk about it and people notice. So maybe, who knows, you might just see me as a presenter for F1 someday! (Keep your fingers crossed for me because I'm working to get there).
Though it took a back seat, this blog still means the world to me.
I didn't post or create as much content as I would have liked for Seventeen James, I may not have the biggest following or readership, but it's not stopping me. I want to keep going, creating and sharing. I have so many ideas for 2022 and I can't wait to execute them because the drive and determination is there. I want to make this bigger and better. So I hope you'll stick around for the ride. I promise you, I'll be back with a force in the new year.
Alongside all these big achievements, there have definitely been the small ones too. I've been blessed with beautiful supportive friends, who have showered me with so much love and appreciation. My family have been nothing but cheerleaders for me and my comfort. Most importantly, I learnt how to truly be me, more so than ever. 2022 will be a continuation of that journey and I'm so ready for it. I think it might just be my best year yet. I can feel it.
I hope you all had the merriest of Christmases and I'm wishing you all the good things for 2022. Happy New Year my lovelies!
Lots of love,
Emily xxxx
