Etwas

Can you spell turbulent??
When I look back at 2024, that’s the word that best encapsulates this year. I could write a month-by-month account of this year, and it would take forever and end up as YET another 10,000-word essay. So this time, I’ll keep it brief.
Because soon, the year and its mixed bag of both ups and downs will be over.

I’ve experienced life at its best: love, fantastic new friendships, countless indescribable adventures, and the realization that my hands can perform miracles. And at its worst: heartache, setbacks, and the mind’s relentless storm of overthinking.

Living hurts. But it’s better than the alternative.
Even when it’s wild, intense, and unpredictable, it’s better than absolute stillness.

The Turning Point of the Year

As previously described, a student collapsed from cardiac arrest. Fortunately, they pulled through and ended up doing really well.
I was lucky to be there and lucky to be able to make a difference. I still think about it. But less and less, thankfully.

In the aftermath, I often asked myself, “Why?”
There was no better answer than, “Because you were there, and because you knew CPR.”
Fair enough, I thought, so I asked the next question: “Why does it stir up so much else?”
“Uhhhh… Because brain chemistry?” came the reply.

It was bad before it got better. I’m getting comfortable driving again, I sleep well, and I haven’t had sleep paralysis since September.

Do I take it all without complaint?
No, I reserve the right to grumble about it.

So What About 2025??

I’m doing good work at the efterskole, and it has had—and continues to have—an important impact on me and those around me. Working with young people is as meaningful as it’s always been.

I’m happy to be me.
But I’m not satisfied or full yet.
There are adventures to embark on,
battles to fight, and lives to impact positively.

There’s no grand plan for 2025 yet.
I’ve got an NLP course and 4-5 roleplaying events with wonderful people lined up for the rest of the year.
2025 will be a year filled with reunions. I’m looking forward to it.

Oh, and as a final note for 2024, I truly rediscovered my love for writing.
Both through starting a blog and by sitting down in mid-November to write a 10,000-word story.
I shared it and received great feedback. So, if nothing else, I’ll write a dark (and sexy!!) vampire novel before 2025 is over. Maybe I’ll even find time to write “Sonnenburg – the book.”

How hard can it be?
(Probably ridiculously hard, but as I’ve witnessed this year, anything is possible. Donald Duck manages everything.)

You’re all wonderful, and we should definitely see each other more.
With love and Happy New Year,

Esben