Recapping 2022
"It's free, mate!" an older male voice said, coming from my right hand side as I scanned my multitrip ticket on the Gawler Central train.
Adelaide Metro had decided to make public transport free for ticket holders of the cricket game at the Adelaide Oval before, during and after the game.
I thanked the general direction of the source of the voice just as the display confirmed what he'd just said.
Train itself is standing room only, but I managed to find an empty seat before the train took off.
I'd managed to get a shift working at the Adelaide Oval. Not only was it New Year's Eve but it was the Big Bash cricket game too.
It was the first time I had ever poured a beer in a work setting and or used a touch screen cash register. After a four hour shift, I soon got the hang of it.
New Year's resolutions are grandiose and destined to fail, simply because of that grandiosity. Are you really going to give up chocolate forever? Or still be going to the gym after March if you join one in January?
This is, of course, delusional.
In reality, every day is somewhat the same and your life long behaviours and habits are incredible difficult to break.
What I have found works better is to avoid goals altogether, largely because life often has other plans.
Instead, I've found it's better compare where you were and how you're living with this time last year.
I am AU$2000 better off financially in my main fiat account since last year (with a few savings accounts with money set aside for emergencies if need be).
Life Lessons
2022 was a year of some interesting life lessons.
Some of which stem from negative experiences but I choose not to go into specific details in this particular post as there are potential legal ramifications if I do.
The first life lesson was that I am fundamentally alone. I don't mean that I am lonely; I have amazing friends. I meant in the sense of not having anyone I can rely on 100% other than myself and even then there's no guarantee that I not engaging in self sabotage.
Last year was one of betrayal, undermining, usurping, and the ending of decades-long friendships when I was at my emotional lowest and needed help the most.
I am completely responsible for my circumstances going forward.
The second life lesson was that I am a quick learner if, and only if, I am given a chance to thrive in a new environment. This includes things like pulling beers, using an electronic cash register, driving a golf buggy, etc. and that embracing new skills is the way forward.
The third life lesson was to not attempt to fix broken people or their problems. By focusing on fixing my own problems, I become less of a problem to other people.
The fourth life lesson was that I am far more intelligent than I give myself credit for (but it depends on my mood). The challenge is in presenting new ideas and even what I want to convey in an understandable form.
The fifth life lesson was that slow and steady wins the race. Trying to force things to happen only slows the process down. A steady stream of income is better than fluctuating ebbs and flows of money.
Consumer confidence stems from knowing I can still pay my bills if I treat myself to a high ticket item.
The sixth life lesson was that perfectionism is a form of fear-based procrastination. "Freeze response".
Keep things simple and "good enough" will get projects done faster.
The seventh life lesson was that laughter is a currency in and of itself and I am wealthy in this regard.
Fiona O'Loughlin, a famous comedian now living in Adelaide, laughingly called me the c-word after I told her a funny story. It wasn't an insult, in context within Australian culture, but an honour and a hilarious highlight of the year.
The eighth life lesson was to be open to instruction. This means from both those in a superior position, learning new skills and by listening to my gut instinct and inner red flags about people.
The ninth life lesson was to no longer accept being devalued by anyone. No one deserves abuse, verbal or otherwise. It's easier said than done to walk away from poor behaviour but it's ultimately worth it.
The tenth life lesson was the realisation that vampires can be photographed, but not very well.
The "bite marks" were actually aggravated acne after using eating half of a large box of Roses chocolates (never again!) and using an electric razor.
And the above was a joke. The person behind me was unseen at the time the photo was taken and was a complete stranger.
That's all for now. Let me know what 2022 taught you
Thank you for reading.
Shaidon.
Shaidon's Seal Of Approval