Well hello to you my reader chums! 7 years ago today, a little 16-year-old me made the decision to create this blog and to date, it has to be one of the best choices I've made. This blog has been a space for me to document my life online, share things I love and grow my writing skills through the years. And, now at nearly 24, it's safe to say, a lot of things have changed.

Della Loves Nutella began as a makeup blog as I tried to put my stamp on the online beauty community, however, over the 7 years, it's evolved to predominantly more of a travel blog with posts about books (I'm a huge bookworm), lifestyle, mental health, and the occasional beauty article. I still have a big love for beauty but travel has now stolen my heart and that's why it's now the forefront of what I love to write about the most. 

To mark the occasion, I wanted to sit, reminisce and discuss everything I've learned these past 7 years; about my blog, about myself and about life in general.

Just be you - In any sense of life, being yourself will get you a lot further than trying to be everyone else. Whether it's trying to be friends with someone, your online content like this blog, getting a job or starting a new relationship, the right people will love you for you - and you shouldn't have to change for anyone. As I've gotten older, I've embraced who I am a lot more and learn to love myself, and all the weird quirks which make me, me. By just being me, I'm lucky to be surrounded by a good group of people, I've found a job I love and I love what I'm doing online. In regards to my blog, I know that some posts I can write will make my blog better for traffic, however, I stick to what I know and love as it's made me enjoy it more, rather than doing it because I know it'll do well if that makes sense.

Appreciate moments over things - When I first started this blog and was hugely obsessed with makeup, fashion and looking cool, I was so fixated on buying nice things and thought that having pretty things was so important. However, as I've gotten older, I'm not a major spender on things, a lot of my disposable income now goes on travel, days out, weekends away, concerts, theatre shows or generally experiences. I cherish my time so much and how I choose to use it, that I've learned to appreciate being in the moment, who I spend my time with and how I'm spending it more than possessions. Don't get me wrong, I still love to shop but at the end of the day, it's the stories/memories that I'll be telling my future grandchildren. Go out and make those stories!

Do what's right for you - Life is what you make it as Hannah Montana once said and everything you do, should be down to you. I've learned over time that you shouldn't live your life to please other people, you should do exactly what's best for you and learn to say no. Pick the career you'd like, be friends with the people who treat you right and make choices that will make you happy.

Spread kindness around wherever you go - One of my favourite phrases is 'throw kindness around like confetti' and I think it's something everyone should stick by. It doesn't cost anything to be kind so when you're able to offer a helping hand or simply make someone's day with a compliment, try and do it as much as you can. You never know what someone is going through so a little bit of kindness can really help.

Self-confidence grows with time - When I first started this blog, my level of self-confidence was really low. I didn't know who I was nor did I like who I was and I was incredibly shy in every social situation - and I always thought I would be that way. However, over time and learning to accept myself, my flaws and surrounding myself with positive people who supported me in every way, I began to love myself. And, I look back at 16-year-old me, and I want to tell her it will all be okay, you will love and accept yourself, you will get your self-confidence and you will boss life. To any younger reader of mine, please believe in yourself as you will get there with your self-confidence, you are important and beautiful in every way. 

Your mental health is important and your feelings are valid - My mental health journey has been a long one with many ups and downs but I feel grateful to get to a point in my life where I understand my anxiety, my triggers and how I can live with it. It took me a while to realise it's okay not to be okay, that I'm allowed to have a down day and my feelings are valid, no matter what the issue is. Looking after your mental health is so important and I wish I knew that at a younger age and how exactly I could look after it. Self-care, taking time out, meditating, exercising and talking about my thoughts have helped massively - and can help you too. If you ever need someone to talk to, my Instagram DMs are always open.

Have a grateful heart - I feel as I got older, I've become more aware of the world and the bad things that go on and it makes me more grateful for the life I lead. In the grand scheme of things, I'm incredibly privileged; I have a roof over my head, food on the table, the luxury of being about to travel, a good family, great friends and a wealth of experiences already to date. And, when I'm feeling low, I try to focus on that as it puts everything into perspective - giving me to have a better outlook on life.

The past 7 years documenting my life have been absolutely incredible and I wouldn't change a thing about it. I can't wait to see what the next 7 years of blogging look like - and to look back on my writing in years to come. Thank you to everyone who has read my blog, whether you've been here from the first post or have read it first today. I'll forever be appreciative of my loyal audience, for the brands I've worked with and that I'm able to have this space on this internet that I call mine. Here's to more years of blogging!

 I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your favourite type of blogs to read?

Thank you for reading <3