DinkyKt's Blog
Happy New Year!! 2024
My Summary of 2023!
So we are now in 2024, and I think it’s going to take me some time for that to sink in. Happy New Year to you all 🥳
I look back on this past year and it has definitely had its highs and lows. Just like many of you. Whatever happens to me, I always try to use that as a motivation, lesson learned or that some things just happen which is life.
I’ll start with the negatives first so that we can get back to the more positives. The most difficult things for me were dealing with my health. While it may look like I’m doing amazing, however a lot of it isn’t what it looks like.
I have literally gone round in a complete circle with certain issues. As you can probably imagine, this is frustrating when this happens. Although I’ve gone round in circles previously in life with my health, it’s been difficult this time as it makes it harder for me physically. Which as a result leaves me feeling unwell, lonely, and frustrated. This has caused my anxiety levels to rise which were already difficult to deal with on a daily basis.
After a recent telephone appointment with a dept discharging me which in one way, it’s the right decision but it means I have to go back through to the beginning again and see what else can help me that I can tolerate.
When you are not able to do some of the things or not feeling sociable, it can affect your self-esteem especially when you see everyone else around you just getting on with their lives, it can make you feel worse about yourself. My self-esteem has always been something that I’ve struggled with since my teens and it has been affected this year at times.
Anyway on the more positive aspects of this past year now because as always, I like to try and focus on the positives even if it’s just a slither. That helps me with my mental health. Usually it does anyway, sometimes I can be right morbid! Hahaha!
I did things that I had always wanted to do and I’m so glad that I was able to do them. Even if it did take me about a month or more to physically recover from it. It was worth the tiredness, the pain and the hit to my finances haha!
When a member of one of my favourite groups announced he was going to London, and after some discussion, I just knew that I had to go to see him. Even though I was really anxious about several things, I knew I couldn’t not go to London, as it had been one of my dreams to visit the capital city and I had never been! I managed to book myself a hotel, show tickets and decide on train times mostly by myself with a little assistance from family.
There were a few hiccups throughout the weekend trip but they were minor. It ended up being one of my best weekends I’ve ever experienced! I love London. I was able to do some sightseeing in the daytime and enjoy going to different eating places.
The main reason for the trip was to see one of my guys’ Joe at his solo show which was incredible. He was amazing! His voice kinda blew me away, much more than I expected. What made it even more special for me was after being kinda pushed forward from the fans so that he could see me. He had gone into the audience and was on his way back towards the stage. There he saw me, gave me a hug and a smile. To top it off, the lovely fans around me had captured it all on camera which I cherish so much. He even made the effort to show me some love from on the stage afterwards.
I met quite a few lovely fans who were kind, encouraging and lovely during and after the show. For the first time, I actually felt really included during this and that means a lot to me. After the show, we had met my Dad at a local pub where it was an 80’s/90’s music themed place which as you can imagine, was right up my street and I was able to enjoy more music from Joe’s band. Perfect ending for a wonderful evening!
Also throughout the weekend, we had gorgeous weather as it had been one of the hottest weekends this past year. I’ll forever be grateful to my Dad and my cousin; Cath for making this weekend happen and wonderful. I can’t wait for future adventures!
It’s been a great year for my favourite football club, not only have I been a spectator showing my support but I have written another article for them. They asked me to write on their behalf as a disabled fan the Level Playing Field organisation which was great to be involved with. The team have been doing brilliantly and I am truly proud of the managers, players and all those involved.
I have gotten back into my drawing again, doing it whenever I feel able to draw which hasn’t been lately but I enjoy putting pencil to paper. I can stop and start it at any point which is great for my hand/wrist/arm.
I’m closer to getting ready to send my book off to various publishers and this is another lifelong ambition, which I’m hoping to making happen this new year. I can’t thank my cousin; Dean, enough for his guidance and knowledge.
I’ve managed to enjoy a few fun days out with my family going to places such as the Lakeland Motor Museum and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Train and lake cruise to the Lakes District.
As I round up this long blog post, I would like to thank those who have continued to support me with regards to Dinkykts EDS Diaries awareness work, whether that’s following my Facebook page, my YouTube channels or my merchandise store. I hope the new year will be as successful if not more so!
My family is the most important part of my life, and they have helped me get through this year. I’ve loved seeing my niece grow throughout the year and watching her performances at her dance shows definitely made me a proud Auntie. I’m so thankful that she is my niece. I’m truly thankful for my family both immediate and extended. Thank you to my friends who have stood by my side showing kindness and support.
I’m proud of how strong I have been even when I didn’t feel like I was. I will continue to find ways to boost my strength, resilience and self-esteem. I’m planning on working to make more dreams come true for this new year. However, I will pace myself and listen to my body. I know now that I have people who care about me and will champion for me no matter what. I know that I can get through life no matter what is thrown at me even when things do get really tough, because I only have to look at how I’ve coped during 2023 and learn from those times. Thank you to everyone for helping me to get to where I am today.
I wish all of you lots of love, kindness, peace and happiness. Focus on your health and believe in yourself. All the best for the New Year. Thank you for reading this super long post. Take care!
Love DinkyKt 🖤
