HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Only eleven hours to go.

This year has been eventful to say the least.

I lost my first full-time job.

I got another job, which was seriously bad. I was made redundant after four weeks.

I had a gigantic mental health crisis. I was diagnosed with Autism.

I got another job which turned out to be a massive pay rise.

I forged a completely new relationship with my family. I realised how much they care. I spent time with my nieces and nephew, and I found out I have another one on the way, due in just weeks.

The gigantic mental health crisis was interesting. I was an officially a missing person for three days, homeless for three weeks.

Eventually, my family found me. I ran to a neighbouring city. They flew down, they only had one day. Their initial plan was to check the libraries because I love books and I’m well known to frequent libraries. That’s exactly where I was.

I had a battle with the bottle after I lost my second job. Although I don’t drink out of bottles, it was mostly a tussle with the tap beer. A mangle with the mixers.

That’s why I ran, I was intoxicated one night and thought “how am I going to come home in this state?” I come from a culture where people don’t drink. When my family found me, they weren’t mad, they understood that it happens. Now when I pass a pub, they joke with me, “do you want to go inside?” LOL.

It’s funny that I was found in a library. I haven’t read a book since, that was back in May. I find that really sad, and I hope to read more in the new year.

When I see a relationship unfold in a book, I find it impossible to avoid comparing it to my own life, where I haven’t managed to attract anyone. It makes it impossible to read books, because every book, every movie, literally everything in the world has some sort of romance. Why? Is the entire universe trying to make it hard for me?

Comparison is the thief of joy. But so is knowing that no-one has ever wanted to be with you.

I hope I can find more peace in the new year, and I hope the same for you too.

Tonight is going to be a lot of fun. My family’s coming over, my Mum’s making my favourite food and there’s a literal State of Origin marathon on TV. I’ve got new tea and new perspectives.

Place your bets how many words I’ll write in the forum. I’ve got the over and under at 5,000 words in 2024. Gamble responsibly, meaning not at all.