2016 was a big year for me. I traveled solo for the first time to Thailand in January and then to Japan in October. Thailand was amazing and gave me some animal care experience with the sanctuary over there that I volunteered at, which then landed me a volunteer zoo keeping position at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. I tried dating during this time but it was a shitshow, and I realised that I wasn't ready to be completely vulnerable with anyone just yet. This was around the time that I decided to stop being friends with my ex and cut contact. I realised that he actually didn't want the best for me and any actual friend of mine wouldn't do/say the things he was doing/saying. He was upset that I went to Thailand instead of visiting him. LOL. Anyway, late July 2016, I messaged a man on OKCupid. We started talking and two weeks later had our first date. He lived an hour away and at first I didn't want to be involved with someone who lived more than 20m from me (hah!), but I got over it. One hour on a bus + train is nothing compared to a 15 hour plane ride.
We dated for six weeks before becoming official. We took things slow as we were both previously in abusive relationships. We tried not to rush anything and just enjoyed each day for what it was, and now its been nine months! There was a bit of a rocky start, but we've really learned to be open and honest with each other about where we are at and how we are feeling, which is wonderful and has solidified our relationship. He's such a goofball but I love it. I also didn't realise how much I enjoy having a partner who is motivated and always trying to do better- for himself and for me. He's an excercise specialist but is working towards a qualification that will allow him to educate and impart that knowledge in a teaching environment. Once he finds a better job and has some savings, we'll consider finding a place to live together.
Thanks to him I've also been learning how to lift weights properly and now I'm a machine. Jk, not a machine just yet, but getting there. I've been doing it for about 6 months now, going about 2-3 times a week. Weight lifting has actually been so therapeutic for me, after each session I feel like I can take on the world. I feel strong... and I am looking better, so I know that this is a lifestyle change that I will continue with.
So yeah that's my life update. I'm sending all my good thoughts and love to everyone and hope you all are well
