22 Things I’ve Loved in 2022

I can’t believe 2022 is almost over! As we come to the end of the year, it’s time to reflect and look back, including all the highs and lows of the past year.

This year, I’ve experienced lots of ups and downs. I turned full-time freelance, experienced burn-out, travelled abroad with my boyfriend, moved house and spent time with new friends.

Overall, it’s been a fantastic year full of growth and opportunities for personal reflection – and I’ve had the chance to get up to some fun, too.

In this blog post, I’ve put together 22 things I’ve loved in 2022. I’d love to hear your favourite moments from the past year in the comments!

Shrill

In 2022, I watched ‘Shrill’, a fantastic TV series available on BBC iPlayer.

Following the story of plus-size writer Annie, I thought this series was truly unique. I’ve never watched anything like it!

Wolf Hall

This year, I read the first two books in the ‘Wolf Hall’ trilogy. It is a great series, and Hilary Mantel is an incredible author.

Helping other bloggers

In 2022, I’ve loved writing for other bloggers. When I reflected on 2021, I mentioned that I loved working as a VA for bloggers.

This year, I’ve had the chance to work with even more incredible online creators – and I hope to continue this work into 2023.

Heartstopper

If you haven’t watched ‘Heartstopper’ yet, I really recommend it. This Netflix series tells the story of Charlie and Nick, two teenage friends who start a blossoming relationship.

It is a fantastic insight into the young LGBTQIA+ community, and it’s absolutely adorable.

Going to the gym

I never thought I would enjoy going to the gym. In 2022, I started going to the gym a couple of times a week.

I love the rush of endorphins after I finish a session – and I know it’s helping me stay fit and healthy, too.

If you want to exercise but you’re worried about taking that first step, check out my blog post for a full guide to starting out at the gym.

Taking a break from Instagram

In October, I stopped using the Instagram app on my phone. This has really helped me stay productive, avoiding hours of hours of mindless scrolling.

Reading

In 2022, I’ve loved reading. I’ve read a lot of books this year, choosing to read in the evening before bed or at the weekend when I need some chill time.

Graduation

I graduated in May 2022, and I absolutely loved it!

Eleanor at graduation in 2022

My graduation celebration was such a fun experience. I loved returning to my University city to see my former classmates and friends.

The Bold Type

The Bold Type‘ is such a great show – and I really enjoyed watching it in 2022.

Following the stories of three young women in New York, ‘The Bold Type’ is all about their relationships, friendships and careers at a prominent women’s magazine.

My family

In 2022, I loved spending time with my family. During my experience of burn-out, my family really helped me get back on my feet. My past year wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Writing

I’ve always loved writing, but in 2022 I got the chance to write for more clients, grow my freelance business and add a few bits and pieces to my book idea, too.

Visiting Paris

In 2022, me and my boyfriend finally took our first foreign trip together – and it was so much fun.

eleanor-in-paris 2022

We visited all the sights in Paris, spending a long weekend exploring the city, eating pastries and touring the museums.

Becoming a freelancer

I turned to full-time freelance work in February 2022, giving up my part-time job to launch my new career.

I’ve loved growing my freelance career in 2022. It’s been a bumpy ride, but I’m so happy that I made the leap this year.

Networking online

In 2022, I really loved networking online with other freelancers. I’ve made a few freelancer friends, which has helped me re-direct my career after burn-out and improve my connections with others in the field.

Bridgerton

I think everyone watched Bridgerton back in 2021, and I loved the second series in 2022. In fact, I think I liked this series even more than the first. I really recommend checking out this show, including amazing dresses, heartbreaking romance and entrancing stories.

Visiting new pubs

In 2022, me and my boyfriend found our perfect local pub.

going to a pub in 2022

I don’t like trying new places, but I’m so glad I pushed myself to visit new pubs in 2022. I explored my home city and spent time with family and friends.

‘Yours Sincerely Bekki’

Although I stopped using Instagram in October 2022, I loved the skin-positive account ‘Yours Sincerely Bekki’ in 2022.

Bekki shares her acne journey, including her experiences with body confidence, grief and early motherhood. I love her honesty, and she has really helped me accept my own skin.

Swimming

I started swimming in 2021, and I can’t believe I’ve kept it up for a whole year! Swimming is such an important part of my routine now, helping me stay on top of my physical and mental health.

Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris‘ is a fantastic watch, and I loved this show in 2022. Full of crazy storylines, funny moments and incredible fashion, I watched this show a few times this year.

Visiting York

As my University city, York will always hold a special place in my heart. One of my close friends still lives there, and I’ve had the chance to visit her a few times this year.

York Minster

I also went back for graduation in May 2022, and I hope to visit this beautiful city many more times in the next few months.

Moving house

In 2022, me and my boyfriend moved house.

Although the experience of moving house is very tiring, our new flat is so much bigger than our first one. It’s great to have a bit more space!

What things have you loved in 2022? Are there any TV shows you’ve liked or books you’ve read and loved? What is your favourite moment from 2022?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy reading x

46 thoughts

  1. This year I became overwhelmed with my IG engagement groups! It took up way too much of my time, so I dropped out of them and now occasionally interact with posts just because I want to and not out of obligation. I post my blog reviews to IG but I don’t worry about IG any more! It’s too time consuming. The time I was spending had very little return on investment.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. This is a lovely list (you’ve given me some reading and streaming ideas). I have enjoyed this year more than the last for so many reasons; one of which is doing things that brought me joy. It was the little things like watching new movies or tv series (the most recent was ‘Glass Onion’, ‘Kindred’ and ‘Wednesday’). It sounds like you’ve had some wonderful moments too — thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Molly! I’m so glad to hear that, TV shows and other little things can make such a difference to our enjoyment 🙂 thank you so much for sharing your experiences this year. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2023

      Like

  3. Congratulations on graduating and moving! it’s a great list and sounds as though you’ve had a great year. I’ve LOVED 2022, it’s been a great year for travel, challenges, and experiences. Hope 2023 is kind to you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Many congratulations on graduating. May the new year bring lots more trips to lovely places, networking more online and offline, success in freelance work, watching awesome movies and webseries, reading a lot of books, and staying mentally and physically fit. 😘

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Fellow IG breaker here as far as pulling back from the platform. I do enjoy working it here and there and the life I live – circling the globe – seems a good match for what Instagrammers love but I never genuinely felt it. Focusing on my blog and building bonds seemed like a better idea for me. Keep on inspiring.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Congratulations on graduating and your first overseas trip, so happy for you. Keep growing and glowing and when those burn outs come just take them with grace and regroup. I started watching Emily in Paris and I honestly forgot about it, I do need to continue or start over. With Bridgerton I honestly just stopped watching after he she forced him to have a baby and then he started treating her badly

    Like

  7. In case I didn’t say it at the time, as I have a terrible memory for these kinds of things, congratulations on graduating. I also gave up using Instagram this year, and feel much better for it. There are certain social media platform that you can do without and feel much better for it. Happy new year

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Burnout is real. I can totally relate to that. I’m glad that you were able to take some time off. I really enjoyed Bridgerton and Emily in Paris too. My hubby and I traveled quite a bit this year. My faves are our trip to Boothbay Harbor, Maine and Thousand Islands, New York. Congrats on all your achievements. Wishing you more success in 2023!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Your trip to Paris sounds incredible and really lovely as your first couples trip! Wolf hall and the bold type were also watches that I really loved last year too x

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.