A year ago today I felt like the world had been taken away from me. I suppose, in a way, one had been taken away, but I was given a completely new one in exchange. I have absolutely no regrets. In fact, I never thought I'd write this but being dumped was the best thing that has ever happened to me.

There have been highlights and lows but the good times have outnumbered the bad, and the best part of the whole year is finding new friends and re-discovering how wonderful all of my friends are. I couldn't have got to today without them, and especially not without my housemate who has been my best friend through it all. I am not very good at showing my appreciation, but I am so grateful.

I have also had the most amazing opportunity to discover myself: who I am, what I want, who I aspire to be. That is one of the greatest gifts.