Two Thousand Sixteen.
I'm writing this in October (with the idea that I’ll post this in the new year) with full knowledge that things change. Assuming they don't, I'm presumably entering the new year single. That's totally cool, I’m really learning to love it. I'm currently sat beachfront listening to live music in my fancy resort towel, contemplating my life as you do on holiday. I've been alone a lot this year. Alone in Boston and in Kuala Lumpur and now alone in Sabang. I've gone a lot of other places alone this year, but I usually end up surrounded by new friends. Being by yourself is scary, isolating and lonely. It's also meditative, exhilarating and free. I have finally become confident being solo - something I've drastically needed and consequently put off for many years now. I think going to Sydney at the beginning of the year cleared my head of a lot of grief and began a healing process. Some months later, I'm unemployed, single and don't know which city I'll be in tomorrow night, yet I am once again enjoying my life. Many events haven't played out like I thought they would this year and for that I am grateful. I met a guy a few nights ago in my hostel in Manila and we went out that night for drinks with some new friends. More than a couple San Miguels and karaoke songs in, he started laughing to himself. I asked him what happened and with the purest smile he responded, "I'm just really happy." If somebody were to ask me why I’m smiling right now, I'd be able to respond in the exact same way. It's only with these moments of solitude (on my beautiful resort listening to this woman crush songs by Maroon Five and Ellie Goulding) that I am capable of reflecting and realizing how lucky I am. So with that, my only news years resolution for the coming year is to do something every month for me. One night away somewhere with only myself.