Another Year

As I approach the end of yet another year, I can’t help but to think how profound 2023 was for me. The lessons I’ve learned, the experiences I’ve had, the memories I’ve gained and the friendships I’ve made…they have been life-changing. I have big plans for my 30th birthday next year and will finally be able to fulfil my dream of seeing the world, one that has been postponed too many times to count. I’ve travelled more than I ever have this year, and I can’t even begin to imagine what it will be like to quit my job and do it full-time for 8+ months. I am so proud of what I have been able to achieve and am so grateful for the support of my family, friends and work family. I set a few goals for myself at the start of the year which I have managed to fulfil. For 2024, I want to set a few more so I’ll put them here to keep myself accountable:

1. Become fluent enough in Spanish to communicate with locals
2. Get to 65kg by the time I leave for South America in June
3. Learn to slow down over the next six months so I can save money
4. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day so that I’m fit enough to climb mountains
5. Be more patient and give myself space to feel my feelings
6. Spend a full day in nature at least once a fortnight

I cannot believe how incredible this year has been and I can’t wait for what is yet to come. When I look back at this post in years to come, I want to remember my favourite memories from 2023. I want to remember that I was brave enough to follow my heart and pursue my dreams. I want to know that I really lived life to the fullest, and I truly hope I never lose the drive to continue this way. It’s who I am.

~Took up guitar lessons~
~Narrowly avoided being in a car accident on my birthday due to sheer luck~
~Celebrated the most amazing birthday with my friends from Sydney/Geelong/Melbourne all coming together for the weekend~
~Sunflower picking at sunset with a beautiful mountain backdrop~
~First ever helicopter ride through Kakadu National Park~
~Travelled around the Top End and ticked off the final state in Australia~
~Negotiated a significant pay rise~
~Saw the beautiful Autumn colours in Bright~
~Got my nose pierced after years of hesitation~
~Solo trip to Queenstown/Glenorchy/Wanaka/Arrowtown~
~Stayed at a hostel for the first time~
~Completed Project Management course~
~Got published after performing at a poetry event~
~Met a wonderful man who reminded me it was okay to dream big~
~Swam with whale sharks~
~Trekked through Sapa with the ethnic Black Hmong people~
~Explored Northern Vietnam on the back of a bike~
~Quality time with the kids at Eden~
~Spending time with dad’s air force friends~
~Completed the Wineglass Bay and Marion’s Lookout hike~
~Foam Fest silliness~
~Experiencing the most magical sunsets and sunrises from my apartment~
~Moving out of Southbank~
~Attacked by a disgusting tick while on a camping trip~
~Theatre and live performances: Tchaikovsky concert, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, 2:22, Punk Rock Factory, Greece Lightning, Godz, Matador, Love Lust Lost, Wrestlerock, Moulin Rouge~
~Visited charming Victorian towns: Bright, Beechworth, Marysville, Healesville, Wilson’s Prom, Phillip Island, Bendigo, Ballarat, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Daylesford, Dandenongs, Mornington Peninsula, Lakes Entrance, Port Fairy, Warrnambool~

These are some of the big wins, but interspersed between them are the small, everyday wins that we don’t generally reflect on. It’s important to acknowledge them too. Sometimes finding the courage to face the day when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life, memories or future prospects is enough.