As a chronic online oversharer, you know times are tough when I take time offline.
I don’t tend to live in terms of years. Day-to-day, and still even hour-by-hour, have suited me best these past 14 years. But I can’t help but count down to the end of 2024 and hope for a change in our bad luck here at Team Tree Surgeon Towers.
The silver linings have often felt like tiny slithers and it has been hard to feel grateful for them amongst the onslaught of stress that we’ve had come to our door. For a change it hasn’t been my health that has created so many hurdles to hoops to jump over or through.
I can barely remember Blue Sunday 2024 as navigating chemical menopause, and what has surely/hopefully been the most stressful year we’ve had, hasn’t left much room for anything else.
Acknowledging that things have been tough, having a good cry, and having as many Pity Parties as I see fit have been my best, and often only, way through.
I’m never one for yearly roundup posts usually. But this year can be summed up by one word. Survival. It’s been about getting through. And it’s been like that for nearly all of my online friends too.
Hibernation has suited me best for the most part and that’s okay. I hope you’ve found a way to get through too, whatever that looked like for you. I remain in awe of our ability to mould and remould something/anything out of the ashes of our old selves and lives. We’re gutsy, even though we shouldn’t have to be. And I for one am proud of us for that.
IMAGES: Imelda and Mouse the guinea pigs are looking up at the camera and at Anna, in the hope of treats. Anna’s wearing navy pyjamas with brightly coloured patterns on them and bright pink slippers.
'M.E. myself and I' by Anna Redshaw 