It has already been a year since my last birthday post. I am aware that that is how birthdays work, but... well... it's been a CRAZY year. This year I dear to look at last year's post, I remember I was in fucking freezing Amsterdam when I wrote it. But you don't care about that, do you? Let's recap (insert "On previous episodes" here).
Last year I started talking about the concerts I went to, however, this year... well I was supposed to go to two concerts, but we know what happened. So zero concerts for me. Then I talked about my trips, well, I started my 32nd year on earth in Amsterdam, so I got to go there, and then I went to Zagreb for almost two weeks for work and I soaked in the Christmas spirit that overflowed from the city. Then I went home for Christmas to meet and annoy my parents' new kitten, and on a whim, I went to celebrate my mom's birthday in February. And then we all know what happened. I am lucky enough to not be that far from my family, but still, it wasn't easy to go there and I didn't see them again until I went to spend some days with them during their vacations in the south of France. Before that, I also did a short writing retreat to write a paper in Bretagne and discovered how beautiful it is. I managed to go home again at the end of September to spend some time with my friends, my family, and the cats. Right now, I was supposed to be home, to celebrate my birthday with my family, however, although international travel is not banned, we decided that it was better if I didn't go. But again... 2020. I also got two new tattoos, one during a flash day and another that had to be rescheduled and is my first color tattoo ever (probably not the last). And I am writing a paranormal LGBTQIA+ romance novel, so there's that. Oh, and absolutely ALL the movies, confinement is hard, but if you can't go out at least you can bring the outside to you.
Socially, it's been... I don't know how to say it. I feel like this situation has brought everyone together and has led to hours spent in front of the computer screen, avoiding crowded spaces, and just staying indoors altogether. But something that could have been insufferable, has actually been enlightening and has helped me be more conscious of my rhythms and to listen to what my body and my mind need. Which leads to the next part, I guess.
Earlier this year I made the huge step of seeking help for my mental health, and I am happy to say that I feel so much better right now. In fact, if a year ago you had told me that I would be this well, considering the whole situation, I would have laughed on your face. And I have to thank myself for taking that step, but I also have to thank the incredible people who have been there for me, holding my hand in the distance, listening to me, asking me how I was feeling. I don't think I will be ever able to repay them for what they have done for me. It's people I love deeply in one way or the other, and that will always have a piece of my heart.
