Go F*** Yourself, 2024!

I'm not kidding when I say this year has been a bit of a bag of shite. It's certainly not been the worst year, but it's been a small bag of shite in some ways. With that being said, there are things I am very grateful for....and this is where I tell you that I am editing this post. 

I'd already published it days ago but I was clearly in a grouchy mood when I did... let's try again, with a more positive outlook! 

Things I'm Proud Of

• Quitting nicotine! While I've not smoked for many, many years - I have been using Snus, a very popular tobacco product here in Sweden. As of today I'm about 2.5 months nicotine free.
• I took on a new role at my job which has been a little stressful, but it's a domain I love and I've been having a lot of fun! 
• Staying consistent with my strength training, I've added 10kg to my deadlift this year and I'm totally hyped about it. Working with Sam has been an absolute privilege. 
• Got my green card in climbing so I'm able to belay folks. I still hate heights though. 
• I actually did ONE race this year, as of Sunday. It was on Zwift, I figured I'd give it a go. It was fun, I came 5th of 13.

Things I'm Grateful For 

• My close friends. While I've been a bit of a hermit this year due to my illness and stress, I am grateful for my besties and the time and care they invest into me. Next year I aim to invest way more in them.
• On that note, I'm grateful for one of my BFFs' having a beautiful baby boy! Some of my longest friends in Sweden have the most amazing little family and I'm so proud of them. 
• Returning to cycling! Wow, I did not realise just how much I missed being on the bike - I am so happy to be back on it, even if it's limited at times. I'm having so much fun. 
• My family, especially my sister and my baby (not so baby now) niece. We have not gotten over to see them this year so that's something I aim to change very soon.
• My health. While I have been struggling a lot with my chronic illness this year, I've still been able to do things like hiking in the mountains. Not everyone is so lucky. 
• My partner and our two chaos agents (cats). We've been pretty mellow as a unit this year but I think we've needed it - next year we're planning to move to a bigger place and I'm hyped for the adventure! 
• My tattoos and tattoo artist! I got like four pretty prominent tattoos this year and I love them so much. Go give @blvckacidkvlt a follow on Instagram if you're into that sort of thing! 

Things that can Get Fucked 

• People dying. It's an inevitable things most of the time but this year I lost a VERY good friend and it's been devastating to come to terms with. 
• Chronic autoimmunity. This is the worst year with my disorder since I first got sick, I really hope my new medication will bring results and I can return to some normality next year! 
• Stress. I realised I'm a lot more sensitive to stress than I'd previously assumed - I'll be entering 2025 with a new therapist and I'm hoping this is something I can unravel in a healthy way. 
• People being absolute cockwombles to each other, especially on the internet. People really need to calm the fuck down to be honest. 
• Investing my social energy into spaces that do not fulfil me. I've not had a lot of energy this year and where I have I do somewhat regret not spending more of it on my besties. 

There's of course more things that fit into these categories, but the main things are here. It's been an equal measure of shit to not shit in 2024 to be honest - which seems fair. 

I have a mullet now so it's business in the front and party in the back for 2025. 

I hope you have a great new year and have time to reflect, tell your loved ones what you need to tell them, and block anyone that tells you to eat sticks of butter or drink raw milk. 

For Charlotte ❤️ rest easy minge twin.