Hello friends,
It has been a while since we last talked.
It has now been over a year since I last posted something. I stopped sharing on Instagram around Fall 2020 and formally closed my account in July 2021. As much as I wanted to let you know and explain a bit of what was going on, not even I knew what was happening. I have used this blog and social media for years and suddenly, I felt I had lost interested – I felt there was nothing else to post. In a mix of emotions, I started cutting off.
Believe me: It broke my heart every time I received messages, DMs, emails from you worried if something have happened to me. I am sorry, I really am that I did not explain my absence but not even I could explain it.
So, I closed my laptop, shut my phone, and deleted all my social media.
I did not go on a introspective journey as I wished. There was/ is COVID. So, I did what I could: I started therapy, I slept more, I read even more, I traveled following the safety norms, and I exercised as much as my body allowed. But let me tell YOU, 2021 did not start as bright as I wanted.
In February 2021, I went to New Orleans to escape the Chicago’s cold and as I landed the Mayor shuttled down all activities in the city. I literally worked from my Airbnb for a full week and barely left room. In a desperate act, I joined Hinge again (dating app wisely used in the US) to try to find my other half but, I ended up meeting so many douchebags that made me questions every piece of me as a woman. – One day, I will share these stories with you.
But as the year move on, some amazing things also happened: I switched to a work visa and jumped as I have never jumped after receiving an email. I went to Puerto Rico and delighted myself with friends for a week. I joined a triathlon group and started racing again.
I also went to San Francisco and Yosemite for the first time. I moved in alone to an amazing apartment and I did my first ever financial investment. I also worked insane hours at work, got a raise, a bonus, and another bonus. Yep – that’s how it works here!
In November, I celebrated my 30th birthday in one of my all-time favorite destinations: Hawaii. Hawaii had been on the top of my list for so many years that when I finally landed, I couldn’t barely believe I was entering in another decade in such a special place. It was completely amazing, and I hope I can go back again in 2022.
And when things were already pretty good, the US opened the boarders to Europe and my mom flew to the US to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve with me and my friends. Only today as I write this post, I realize what an amazing year I had.
When so many people got COVID and lost jobs, the only thing I can say is: Take a moment to look back – I am sure you will also find some amazing moments in your life with friends and family.
I truly hope you had an amazing 2021 and I look forward to connecting with you more often in 2022.
Sharing a little bit of my life with you has been one of the best and the most rewarding adventures of my life.
I am grateful for all of you who have opened to me and have followed me for almost 6 years now.
It has been such a ride and I can’t wait to know how you have been.
P.S. What do you think about my braces? It has now been a year since I put them.
Daniela