5. The Fault In Our Stars.
This book completely took me by surprise, I mean I knew the brief synopsis before I read it. I also knew about the Green brothers from their Youtube channel. However what I did not expect was to be so moved by the words of somebody else. This book actually solidified my belief that working in the area of literature was my path!
Anyway I wrote a whole post about this... find it here!
4. Equality/ Same Love
DOMA and the equal rights movement spreading and acceptance now being shown by law changes were felt universally. The atmosphere this year that has been to do with equal rights has been mostly positive. Even though there are certain places where terrible things have been happening to stunt the progression of this important movement, the darkness has been matched equally by light. Some of this light was provided by one of the most important and my favourite songs this year! Macklemore being brave enough to talk about a topic which normally in his genre isn't highlighted is not only brave but inspiring and I really hope this songs and the publicity it is getting helps people be more open and accepting... WORLDWIDE.
3. Applying for university/the whole process
I will be the first person to admit that this process as im sure is applicable to everyone going through it was, tough, nerve wracking and almost the death of me. However saying this, it is one of the biggest things this year which has brought joy and the feeling of being proud of myself through and through. Not just for getting through the process alive and sane but because at the end of the seemingly endless tunnel there was a light. Getting into all of my choices was something this time last year and well even previous to that I thought not impossible but implausible. So YAY! GO ME!
2. Ariana Grande
Of course I knew about Ariana from Victorious... However when she released her debut album everything changed for me! I viewed her as a musician and by god is she talented. There is no song on this album I did not fall completely, wholeheartedly in love with. However if I had to name a few I would recommend listening to 'Piano' for a song to dance around your bedroom too! 'Almost is never enough' A stunning, romantic duet with my fellow Brit Nathan Sykes, both of the vocals on this are so beautiful and from Nathan a true representation of just what he is capable of. Ariana's vocal range is extraordinary, and even though there have been repeated comparisons to Mariah Carey, I think she has her own style and being someone who never really got the whole Carey thing. I do get Ariana, I think her music is able to strike a chord with all ages and genders. She has broken the barriers of niches and created a whole load of awesome melodic beauty to grace our ears with. If you haven't heard of her... Where have you been? Also don't worry too much because I can assure you 2014 is going to be MASSIVE for her.
1. My Family!
Family and friends are the most important 'everything'. This year as many before and im sure many to come have been full of ups and downs, sometimes more downs than ups but one thing for certain is that with every year my love for them gets that little bit stronger. I am taught so many things by the people I hold dearest to me, whether that be new friends that have arrived this year or ones that have been here for all of my 20 years on this planet. Whether it be having a shouting match with my mother, cuddles with my sister, hanging out with my brother, laughing with my father or enjoying my youth with my friends there is nothing I could ever value more than the faith, support and happiness that they give me. "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." - Richard Bach
