Wordsley, Stourbridge, England: 4 degrees, rainy, grey and shitty.
It is New Year’s Eve, and I am reflecting inwardly after my disastrous visit to my brothers in the north of England.
I’m grateful to Stephen for hosting me and showing me around, but the rest of the experience was disastrous.
Perhaps I was naive or foolish, or during all these years, I hadn’t read between the lines, but now I have, and I won’t be going back. I don’t believe I will see my brother again, but if that happens, it won’t be under the same circumstances as before.
It is cold and rainy in Wordsley. I went for a morning walk, not too far, to get out of the house and breathe in some fresh air.
As the year comes to a close, like many people, I find myself reflecting on the past twelve months. This time last year, I was still living in Copacabana; I only moved in with Nalva and Yasmin in May. Over the past year, I left Copacabana, lived with my ex-wife and daughter for seven months, and then arrived in England at the end of November.
In just one year, I have lived in three different places, and now, at this moment, I find myself in England after more than twenty years:
- By living with Nalva and Yasmin, I was able to save money and organise my life.
- Open two new bank accounts in total.
- Pay off some debts.
- Obtain a new credit card and a debit card for travelling.
- Cover the cost of dental treatment; three implants in total.
- Get new glasses for everyone.
- Open a savings account.
- Purchase cryptocurrency, which I now do on a daily basis.
- And generally, not worrying about money, as I’m only paying for one rent. In the past, when I had the school, I paid three rents a month. Having cash flow to manage everyday financial matters that ordinary people handle makes a significant difference.
- Living with Nalva again has allowed me to see her from a different perspective. I feel that we are closer as friends, and I believe we both want what is best for each other, and, of course, for Yasmin.
- Living with Yasmin has had its highs and lows, but simply being with her has been enjoyable.
- The limited contact I have had with Jessica has been positive; I believe she is happy, despite the current instability at her company, but everything else seems to be going well.
- One aspect that has also been beneficial this year is the continuation of my journal, which has helped me enormously, both personally and professionally.
- Additionally, the continuation of exercise and walking has made me more dedicated than I was a year ago, so I have made progress, and I feel it.
- The launching of my first daily blog ’ The long gringo’. I’m very proud to have launched it, and it’s going well, but I’m sure there’s still a lot to be improved.
- The learning and adoption of various AI tools for my work, which I had not previously used or been aware of.
- Arriving in England, unwinding in England, and escaping the political turmoil of Brazil is a significant achievement for me and would be for many others as well.
- The organisation and problem-solving of various family matters, both economic and personal, that require attention while I’m in England.
So, has this year been a good one?
Compared to January 1st, it has been an exceptional year that I hadn’t expected. I am paving the way for the future. The year before was good, and what I had planted then I have reaped this year; consequently, next year should be for harvesting what has been grown and cultivated this year.
There are several other points I could have made to justify this year, but I think these are the most relevant ones. I’m grateful for what has happened this year, and I hope the next will be just as good, if not better. I have a clearer understanding of what I need to do and what is expected of me, so it is simply a matter of pressing on, looking ahead, and not necessarily looking back.
New Year’s Eve was spent with my mother in the back living room, drinking red wine—no champagne or Prosecco, just red wine, accompanied by some compliments and hugs between us.
My mother’s next-door neighbours, the Romanians, were setting off some fireworks in their back garden. I opened our patio door and stepped out into the bitter cold and rain to wish them a very happy New Year. Simple yet nice and sincere wishes.
On this occasion, we don’t need big parties or celebrations to welcome in the new year. Given that the last couple of New Year’s have been quiet for me, but the year that followed was very good, I prefer this way.
Wishing everybody a very happy and prosperous new year!!!
In bed by 1 a.m.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
