When the fireworks light up the sky and the count down ends. That's when the year changes. People start planing for new things and make promises, wanting to be better or do better. But as I see it, it is also a moment to be thankful. To look back and realize where you started your past year and how it has ended. Or that you really made it to the end.
Being a writer, I like to play with an idea of a book. With 365 blank pages to fill. Writing my own story. And there is nothing more satisfying than closing the back cover. Also nothing as bittersweet.
I consider my self as very lucky to end every year even better than it started. And in the end of every year I can say that I have been happier than last year. This year is no exception. I am luckier than I have ever been in my life. It has been the best year so far. And I can proudly say I really have written my own story this year. Following my heart against others' opinions, making irrational decisions, taking risks and straightening my back. I have grown up. And I have loved it. With all it's ups and downs.
I have traveled through 21 countries on three continents. Been sick with painful dengue fever and recovered. I have booked extempore flight tickets to Albania when everyone told me not to and had the time of my life. I have met so many new people on the road. Traveled to Zimbabwe with boy whom I made a drunken promise about it. Seen my African family again, filmed a commercial, traveled to Bulawayo and Matopos. Had an amazing trip to the world's biggest waterfalls - the Victoria Falls (again). I have gotten a new member to my family - my sweet little angel girl whom I started to sponsor and got to hang out with back in Zimbabwe. I have met the Turkish ambassador. In the Summer I have driven through Europe. Cruised around Lake Garda with a motor boat, gotten lost in the streets of Venice. Explored little cities in Croatia, almost puked on the way to Slovenia and cycled through Budapest. Eaten breakfast on a Alp meadow and spent 49 minutes in Lichtenstein. Fed birds in Switzerland and visited the Neuschwanstein castle in Germany. Enjoyed ice coffee in Prague and spent a few quiet moments in Auschwitz, Poland before hiking the Tatras in Slovakia. I have enjoyed the Summer in Barcelona and climbed on the highest mountain in Andorra. I have danced on the deck on my way to St. Petersburg and made few trips exploring Estonia. I have now later on visited Indonesia and enjoyed New Year fireworks on the beach in Bali.
Back in Finland I have been snowboarding, cooking, playing games, watching movies and just having good time with friends. I have spend a cabin weekend with my German cousins. I've celebrated our birthday's and many other days from 1st of May to Thanksgiving. I've been working on a tour with some amazing athletes, driven around the country and visited Lapland for the first time in my life (after writing two books about it and travelling everywhere else possible - exploring the backyard). I have been doing many shows on different stages and festivals. I have started studying filming in a new school and gotten new friends. I have gotten a dream job in Yle - the national Finnish broadcasting company - and met so many talented and amazing people. I have been responsible over projects, talked in seminars, done a project with the managing director, filmed many live streams and become known for my fist bums in the office.
I have kicked off this blog with my sweetheart. I have gotten to know that there are so many that have read my book, gotten emails, messages, tags and comments. I have met some wonderful readers that have become friends. I have been thrilled to see how much 112 - Vihaan itseäni has touched you. And also how it's been bought and borrowed and how it has raised much money for the new children's hospital.
I've missed people that are not near and spent hours skyping. I have laughed and cried, felt so many emotions. Been scared and trying to be brave. I have started dating. I have fallen in love. I have said the three magical words for the first time to a boy. I have gotten to know a whole new person, whole new view of life and a whole knew part of me. I have traveled around the world with this person and moved in with him. I have shaved his head when he left for military and watched him walk through the gates every week. Driven thousands of kilometers between the navy base and my home just to spend a few hours together. And we have waited for the long 165 days to end and celebrated when the army was finally over. I also have gotten to know a new wonderful family my boyfriend has brought to my life. With them I have celebrated birthdays as well as early Christmas before flying off to Indonesia. There I got to end this year and start a new one by getting my first New Year's kiss on the beach, under the colorful fireworks.
And now. On my page 6. I am sitting on a bed in Borobudur, Indonesia typing this text on my computer, thinking of how far I've come. With my sweetheart laying his head on my shoulder, sleeping. I look at him, run my fingers through his hair and can't stop thinking of just how lucky I am to write a story with this wonderful person that was one of whom made my 2016 so amazing. And who has promised to stand by my side during all the unknown adventures yet to come. And those? Those will be the adventures that will form the story that I/we hopefully will get to tell you when the countdown begins again for the next year.
Happy, awesome, lovely, warm and wonderful (yes almost a week late) New Year 2017!
With dozens of hugs:
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