"For last year's words belong to last year's language, and next year's words await another voice."

I realise most people would choose to start a blog tomorrow. I mean ... it's a New Year, right? But I think these people miss the crucial moment in 2013 when you reflect on what kind of a year you've had.

So perhaps a lot of you are thinking:

"What a load of bull. This girl thinks she's so deep."

No. But I like to think I'm not mindnumbingly shallow. So I'll take that as a compliment.

Others of you will be a little more polite:

"Everyone likes to think they have this BIG REFLECTION on their year/life at New Year, but the reality is that they don't."

I think the opposite is probably more likely....... Now, I'm not saying that your life goes into dramatic slow motion as the clock hits 23.59 and the countdown begins, your year flashing before your eyes. No, though some will. Rather that, at some point, as one prepares to welcome the new year, there's a moment (however brief) taken to consider what we've learned, what we enjoyed - what we didn't. People we've met. Things that have changed. And then, for most of us, before you know it all of those thoughts disintigrate as the New Year washes over us we are swept along with the wave of New Year feeling. For some of us, those waves will be positive and forward looking. For others, negative. Dread.

Those of you who aren't looking to 2014 with excitement, take a minute to think about what you're glad to leave behind and make a pact to change whatever it is that is filling you with negativity. If you really think about it, you'll find that we're constantly thinking about things we like and things we don't. Take Style Magazine (The Sunday Times), for example. Each week they have a "Going Up" list and a "Going Down" list. Arguably it's pretty trivial. But our own personal lists need not be...

What's on my list?

Well ...

Things I'm relieved to be leaving behind in 2013

1. One rather unhealthy & bad relationship. I've heard it takes an awfully long time to get over a serious relationship. In this case, it really wasn't difficult. I guess that tells me that it was way past its sell-by date. In fact, if I'm honest, it should have ended about 2 years before it did. It hadn't made me as happy as it first did for a long time. Retrospectively it was quite f***ed up and I've since come to realise that a lot of the good times really weren't so good after all. There's a big life lesson there, though. Firstly, it's definitely important to realise when the great wasn't as great as you had thought. But it's also important to walk away instead of dissecting all those good/bad times. And what better time that at New Year?

2. University. It was fun sometimes but I'm over it.

3. Two faced friends. They say you only have a few really true friends. More than once, I've found that has proved itself. This year, for example. It's sad to lose someone you thought was a close friend ... but it's so much better to know, even if it really sucks temporarily.

4. Cellulite. Dude, you're not wanted. Somehow don't think I have a choice, though.

5. Living with parents. Okay... there's a possibility I won't escape from this... but a girl can dream.

6. Dating younger than me. It doesn't matter how gorgeous they might be (you might actually realise they weren't when you take a step back, as I did), they're not mature enough. They're just not. It might just be a year. Maybe less. But trust me. Sooner or later you'll see it too. Find yourself someone a little bit older, or at least your age. They'll appreciate you more - though you'd expect it to be the other way round, I know. They'll love you more. They'll actually DATE you rather than be more interested in the bedroom. They might even cook for you. I never ate anything cooked for me by my ex, but these days I'm only too happy to share (or even relinquish) the kitchen space with my man. It's refreshing and brings you closer together. So, if you're with someone you're starting to feel isn't quite mature enough for you, think about whether you're REALLY happy. And don't rule out dating someone older than you'd originally planned. They might make you happier than you've ever been before. Of course, that relies on you finding yourself a really lovely one. I probably can't help you with that, I'm afraid...!

7. Uncomfortable shoes. It's really time to ditch those.

8. Ideally, any flabbiness I might be carrying that I really don't need. But I feel like I might be leaving that behind a little way into 2014 instead.

9. College politics. Oh man. I was over that before it began.

10. Food in Halls. Thank bloody god I no longer have to witness such crimes against food.

Things I discovered and loved in 2013 that I'm totally taking with me

1. Body Brushing

2. Chlorella & Spirulina - Seriously. If you haven't tried these. DO.

3. Kale. Particularly with Quinoa. In a salad.

4. A man I might quite like. Watch this space, but I'm keeping it hush.

5. Robert Plant. Front row at RAH. Taking Led Zeppelin and turning it roots. Oh wow.

6. Peppermint Mocha. I'm now better at coffee. YEAH BUDDY.

7. Epsom Salts. My new best friend.

8. Bare Minerals. Yeah, "what took me so long"? I know.

9. John Frieda "Sheer Blonde, Go Blonder". It really brings out my highlights.

10. Uglydolls. Ironically cute. I've cuddled mine since Christmas.

Yep. Some of the things on my lists are trivial. Life needs a bit of triviality. But some of it's important. Plenty more so than you know right now. But I hope you'll remember them if they cease to be trivial and start to make a difference to you.

Live music has become a big thing recently, and I'm glad for it. I've had some seriously great times.

There have been some pretty s*** times too, I won't deny it. But, look, those bad times will be reasons to smile one day. Honestly, the majority of 2013 sucked. I'd say the first 6 months were pretty bad. The next three gradually improved, and the final 3 have been truly amazing. One of the people my age who I respect most actually said to me when things hit their lowest point this year that "things happen for a reason". Cheesy, huh? But she was right. That bad stuff? It actually led to something wonderful. There's a possibility the best thing that has ever happened to me wouldn't have come to pass if it weren't for one of the worst.

So, goodbye 2013. Hello 2014. I'm ready for you. And you're probably going to throw some serious s*** at me sometimes. But I'll take it. I've got some really awesome people in my team.

If you're reading today, the 31st December 2013, take a few minutes whilst you're curling you hair or your eyelashes, waiting for that new colour you've painted your nails to dry so that you don't have to walk like a retard for fear of it smudging, or maybe while you're waiting for a friend to make up their bloody mind which outfit to wear tonight and think about what you take forward with you and what you leave behind. That nail colour? It's seeing you from 2013 to 2014.