What 2021 Taught Me
Photo by CELGFX
13 days until the year ends. When reflecting back, this is what I have learnt this year:
1. My story of surviving Bipolar is actually really powerful
I did more than 3 public speaking gigs this year, and some of these gigs were paid. At the beginning of the year, it was one of my main goals to get paid for public speaking, and wow, I actually ticked that off of my list. My story is every so powerful, and for one particular gig, I share my story of hope and overcoming Bipolar to almost an audience of about 100 people. My story is impactful in a positive way, and I share it authentically, and vulnerably.
2. I can maintain a full-time job
I got employed in a ‘dream job’ of mine last year in June or so. At the end of this year, I have worked in mental health (mainly teaching art to adults with severe and mental health issues) for 1.5 years. I love my job. Although it takes me 40 mins or so each way to get to work each day (Monday to Friday), I don’t mind. I don’t care about the long travels. I love my job so much that I don’t mind at all. Work hasn’t been always easy, I was a victim of being bullied earlier this year too, but I managed to work it all out with a great team and higher management at work. I am always learning new things at work, learning and understanding my clients a bit better each day, and learn to have work-life-play balance. The importance of self-care and self-love is crucial too.
3. True love didn’t happen this year, but that’s OK
I really embraced being single this year and enjoying and finding out what I like/love about myself and in other men. I deeply explored my asexuality, and what I want from a romantic relationship. Part of this is learning to say “No” when I especially don’t want something from a guy. I feel empowered, powerful and strong for standing up for myself and what is right. For example, I went on a date the other week and the guy asked me if he could kiss me. Normally I would say yes, but I was strong for saying no - cause deep down I don’t want a sexual relationship. I told myself no sex before marriage, and because I am asexual.