December 31st 2022
It’s that time of the year again where I reflect on the year that has been and try to make sense of it all. Honestly, I was not really looking forward to writing this because I kind of felt like I’ve just been spinning my wheels this year but as I was going through photos in preparation for what I’m going to write, I realized that I started the year at Pineapple Park in Okinawa which seems like so long ago. It really puts into perspective how much I’ve managed to fit in this year despite being terrified of Covid and money constraints.
I did so many trips this year with great friends and went to places like Okinawa, Fukuoka, Ibusuki, Nara, Osaka, Shikoku (and all the prefectures on the island), among others. I did so many new things like harvesting and cooking bamboo shoots, I went to Universal Studios Japan and Fuji-Q, I climbed Mount Fuji (like the actual mountain), made my own cup noodles, watched a Beatles cover band in a high school gym in Japan (that’s not even the most surreal experience of the year) and so many other things.
It’s actually crazy to think about how much I got to see and do this year. That’s why I enjoy writing this reflection each year. It helps to remind me about the things I tend to overlook. I came back to New Zealand in August and seeing my old friends was great but it was hard not to compare where I am to where they are. It’s easy to get caught up in the “milestones” you are supposed to hit at certain ages and like I don’t own a house (not even close), I don’t have a partner (although if you’re rich then hit me up) but like I’m still proud of what I’ve done and where I’ve been. I climbed Mt Fuji (in a hoodie and shorts which wasn’t smart and almost killed me but I did it which is the main thing) and I got to see so many different things with people I care deeply about. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I haven’t followed the traditional path but I have had a great time wandering the trail I’m on.
This leads me to the next leg of the trail which is to Valencia, Spain. I’ll be heading there in a few days and I’m so keen on it. I’m not sure how long I’ll be there for but I’m looking forward to discovering a new place and meeting some new people. The job and lifestyle should be pretty chill so maybe I’ll pick up my website again ( rexolotlcreates.com ) or just be more active on social media. Or maybe I won’t. I don’t really know what to expect but that’s kind of the fun of it.
Feel free to reach out if ya wanna chat and as always, Happy New Year and look out for one another.
