It's currently New Years Eve (day), and what a crazy year 2025 has been for me. I'd like to reflect a bit on that, this is therefore quite personal. It started by being told I'd lose my job come August, which meant I had to find new employment. That prompted me to switch to freelance in Teaching and I had to find my way around there, set up my own business, get to grips with what that all entails, learn a lot about tax systems and all the administration that comes with that. I did well I reckon and enjoy the jobs I currently do.
But by March I had a lump on my neck/throat lymph gland, which only kept growing and growing. It started to become painful at some point, which prompted me to go to the doctor. After months of tests and the possibility of having lymph gland cancer at my 25th year of living I got a few new perspectives and started living every day like it could be my last. I started training for one of my biggest undertakings at that time, which was walking from Birmingham to Kilmarnock in 3 and a half weeks.
I did! That "vacation" was one of my best. Going strong and meeting so many people and beautiful places. It was a truly special time which I will look back on with very fond memories. From the days where you're soaked and canny be bothered with rain anymore, to the stunning hills with the sun on it. It made me appreciate things a lot. Gave me space in my head, and the pint at the Killie ground was the icing on the cake. Best one I've ever had and luckily I saw the team win vs Dundee United in the Viaplay Cup!
I then had my surgery, which set in motion the reason I can write this post for so many of you, 20,500 people in fact! FM's release coincided with my recovery and I wanted to change the game, so I did what I could. Started learning a lot of new things, arguably more in 2.5 month than 5 years of Uni😅 and now somehow this Dutch ADHD bouncing ball who has too many ideas and bullshits his way through does make a difference to at least a few people! I got the result that I do not have cancer a few weeks ago, and genuinely that lifted such a weight off my shoulders.
There were times this past year where I felt alone, like I couldn't do it or that I wasn't good enough. But I want to give you all a quote that I picked up during my travel:
"If you ever feel or think like you cannot change things, or no one cares for you, there is always something you can change and there is always someone who does care, even if you don't know it. Stop thinking about what it is you cannot, and start thinking about what you can do. Life will be a lot brighter that way."
Thanks everyone for making 2025 an unforgettable year, and let's do what we can to make 2026 even better!
Much love and a safe and happy New Year! Bassy