If you had asked me at the beginning of all this how exciting this year was going to be, I would have been enthusiastic in my response. If you'd told me I'd visit 9 different countries, scuba dive with sharks, follow a goat path up a mountain, run for miles, visit a war zone, record a second album, tour the first, play for audiences that number in the thousands and meet more friends and fans than I can count... Frankly, I'd have laughed in your face. This year has been incomprehensibly good.
Words simply can not express just how grateful I am for the people in my life and the experiences I have had whilst touring Snapshot in 2014.
I have learned so much from those around me across the globe.
In Australia, I learned that home will always be home and that a person should be true to their roots no matter how far their branches stretch to reach for light... And that playing a show alongside my musical heroes kicks ass.
In Cyprus, I learned to think on my feet and of the heroic nature of keeping things light and positive. The vast majority of people on this planet just want to smile, laugh and be happy. For some, this is much harder than for others and anything you can do to brighten someone's day is a far greater help than you could possibly imagine.
In Afghanistan, I learnt the value, sacrifice and the valour of those who commit to military service and the epic human capability to face adversity, rebuild and carry on in the most repugnant of situations.
In India, I saw true, unbridled happiness and love in people who possessed less than anywhere else I had seen before. Things can very easily get in the way of what's really important.
The great city within which I am so lucky to now reside teaches me lessons every minute of every day and there is so much still yet to learn!
Looking forward, there are so many more adventures and lessons in store for 2015!
With touring trips through France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Singapore, Australia and the US already in the diary, not to mention all those fabulous UK festivals and the launch of my upcoming album, Outside the Wire at Water Margin, The O2, London (it feels so surreal just typing that let alone saying it), my team and I are now bracing ourselves for another spectacular year!
As far as 2014 goes, thank you all so much for your love and support this year. If I have learnt anything, it's that saying yes to the things that scare you can offer some surprising and remarkable experiences in life. So take a deep breath, give in, say yes and see the exhilarating potential that 2015 brings.
Happy Christmas and best wishes for a dazzling New Year, Lovers!
Caddy x