A new adult’s 2018

On the first day of 2018, the heavens gave me the gift of life. I skidded across three highway lanes and nothing happened to me.

And then for the remaining days of 2018, the heavens gave me the space to learn how to love myself.

Thank you Windsor for the most beautiful sunsets.

I didn’t keep track, but I don’t think it would be a stretch to say I’ve never spent so much time alone until this year. I did almost everything alone — eating at restaurants, finding an apartment, moving, exploring new cities, watching broadway and cleaning up a mouse I killed by foot.

Sarnia, Ont. This one probably took 10 takes.

I learned to take my own pictures by self-timer when I was out exploring. And then I learned to laugh at how embarrassing it can feel after the fifth take and the picture is still no good. I learned to entertain myself in a new city without access to the internet. And I learned I’m still much too attached to my phone to be really good at it.

In case you don’t know… I love Chicago.

I learned just how dangerous binge-watching Korean dramas are because they wreck the routines I have for self-care. And then I learned that some dramas like My Mister are just worth that wreckage. The characters taught me how to open up my heart so I can live a warmer life.

Checked off “write a novel” on my bucket list.

In 2018, I made grocery shopping exciting, driving with the windows down a habit and found romance in doing things alone.

As I was busy doing that, somewhere in there I realized how much more I love myself today compared to the years past. I don’t know how it happened but I guess being alone so much has left me with no choice.

24.

So I’ll give you my thanks, 2018. You let me live another year and I saw so many beautiful sights, sang my heart out, cried a lot but laughed much more.

I’ll keep working to make each day fun, so 2019, please work with me on this one.

2 comments / Add your comment below

  1. What an insightful, witty and fun read.

    Glad Windsor could be a big part of this past year’s journey for you.

    What a wonderful addition you’ve been to our team— happy to have gotten to know you better too.

    Here’s to great things for 2019!

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