My "Best of 2020" Pictures Explained!

Happy New Year and what a way to start the year. I am sure so many people are glad to see the back of it but I also know that it still had incredible highs and so many memories. 2020 hasn’t been what anyone ever expected, but despite everything, for me, it’s also been filled with a lot of joy and huge milestones. I think it’s safe to say that even though Luke and I were separated for over 4 months, we're still together and I’m beyond happy. We’ve spent time together in more meaningful and memorable ways. I also hit some huge student midwife events that I will always remember.

Every year - since the site launched - I've shared my "best" nine social media pictures. Of course, this is so subjective and pictures with the most likes, don't represent my life's milestones but I do think it is a lovely way to look back on each year and see what memories made it into the top spots. So what made it into my top nine photos?

1. This photo is actually from a trip to London that we took in December 2019, but I shared it at the start of January because whenever I'm having a bad day, Luke changes my mood in an instance. I captioned it "You make me a happier, better person. Forever grateful to have you in my life". 
2. I know I've talked about it a lot recently, but 2020 was the year I qualified as a midwife and finally graduated from university, after almost 7 years! It's something I will always remember, but I'm very ready for the student life to be over. What I don't think I shared on the blog in full was the fact that my last shift was absolutely horrendous. I came home devastated, heartbroken and shattered. It wasn't the high I expected to leave on, but it defintely confirmed that I was 100% ready for a Christmas break. 
3. I am actually so happy that this photograph made the top nine. It's not my favourite selfie of us, in fact far from it. I could pick so many flaws in it and tear it apart, but I think we were so in the moment, we didn't care. I wanted a quick picture to remember the moment we reunited after so long apart, and then we enjoyed the rest of the day together, making up for lost time. We'd spoken every day throughout lockdown and although I'm so grateful we live in the 21st century, it's not quite the same as being together in person. I'll always cherish that day together. 
4. I spent the majority of the year in Wales with my dad, and after the first lockdown finished and visitors were allowed, Luke came for a long weekend trip. We filled it to capacity with a fun agenda and I loved every second. We barely argued, which is new to us! I joke, I joke. But this picture was taken just before he was leaving. I love kissing pictures but he refuses to take one so I was really surprise when I saw he'd snapped this one. I sure do love him. 
5. I never expected to spend our first anniversary online and separated. It was a strange time and so early into the lockdown, it was never going to be an option to see each other. We tried to make the most of it, and the second we were both awake, we spoke for a couple hours and opened presents. It wasn't quite what I had planned, far from the fancy French restaurant booking I'd made, but it was still special.
6. This image is a selfie for my second job interview. I had two successful online interviews, which were strange in themselves, but I secured my first job and I'm starting later this month! 
7. I've actually found myself becoming very needy this year. I think it's probably because usually I'd be spending time with loads of different people, but instead it's Luke or no one. So even though he likes to go out constantly for cold autumn walks, I'm forever wishing I could cuddle up with 24/7. 
8. This year was also the World Health Organisation's, Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and it was such a special year to be President of the Nursing and Midwifery Association. I celebrated International Day of the Midwife with such a full programme of events, with myself running interviews, presenting research findings and getting in touch with both the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers for England. 
9. Finally, this last image reminded me of how grateful I am that we were able to celebrate some things in normality. The Rhubarb Show has always been a tradition in my family and for the first time ever, I was able to bring a date. Luke and I also had a beautiful hotel stay and it was perfect timing, being just before Covid-19 hit a few weeks later.

Let’s face it, most of all, we survived 2020. Here’s to another year, expecting the unexpected. Don't forget to see the other years too, starting with 2019 and stay tuned for my full 2020 rewind post coming soon.