So 2019 draws to a close and I am happy to say it was a wonderful year for me. I was scared of turning 30, but, really, 30’s can be liberating.
First of all, my partner (of almost nine years) and I got through some rough patches that had nearly knocked us down in 2018 -- And we came out on the other side stronger than ever. I've been madly, madly in love with him all through 2019, as though we were brand new lovers… and it’s rad.
But that wasn't all. Back at the beginning of the year I finally got my ass to a psychiatrist, and getting diagnosed with depression and anxiety lifted a weight off my heart. I started on meds, and sleeping properly like I hadn't in years. The grey, gloomy, doom-ridden mist that clouded my every emotion started lifting a bit, and fuck did that feel like rebirth.
Then… Cherry on fucking top, my partner got a scholarship to do part of his phD in London, and with him I went -- turning my lifelong dream to live abroad into reality. We were there for six months, and while I truly wish it'd been longer, I am not complaining.
London was wonderful. I got a CELTA certificate and managed to travel quite a bit. I spent a whole month in Italy, studying the language and traveling around that beautiful country. I loved it so much I can't wait to go back! One whole week was spent in Rome with my dear @madamsnark, drinking in European history and art and gorging ourselves with gelato. I also met the lovely @ladureena while I was there. And @angstofdestiny first in Amsterdam, then later in his home country. Em also accompanied me to Prague, to the wedding of my high school bestie. All of this not counting weekend trips I took to Brighton, Oslo, and Milan. For someone who loves to travel; not bad, huh?
When it comes to creative projects, well… Not all are roses, but… you know. Small steps. I drew quite a bit this year and I think my art has improved quite a lot, so that's great. Writing, however, is probably my biggest regret in 2019. I've written very little, published next to nothing, and made no progress convincing myself that my writing is worth anything. Still struggling with that, so here's to hoping 2020 will bring with it a flow of words and confidence in them.
But hey! I'm happy not just for myself. My sister got herself a dream job, my sister-in-law graduated from MedSchool, several friends made great things happen this year, and I am proud of every single one of them (or you, if you're reading this!)
So yeah. 2019 was a gem, and I hope 2020 will be even kinder to all of us -- and, personally, I hope it brings me $$$ because 2019 left me broke. XD