Golden Horizons
2017
was a challenging year for me. I cried; experienced anger; my Crohn’s disease
flared-up; and I was often overwhelmed with anxiety; felt extremely low on the
darkest of days; and witnessed the further decline of my dad’s health due to
his primary-progressive multiple sclerosis.
However,
there were also many positives. Some of the highlights include:
›
Travelling
around Canada with my cousin. Visiting Yellowknife in January and witnessing
the Northern Lights twice was incredible.
›
Going
on an Arvon residential creative writing course in Shropshire, which specialised
in young adult fiction under the supervision of writers, Julia Green and Marcus
Sedgwick.
›
Winning
‘Radio Presenter of the Year’ at the Trident Media Awards at University of
Hertfordshire.
›
Attending
the Dyspraxia Foundation’s Annual General Meeting and Conference in London,
where I met so many likeminded people and won the ‘Matthew Hunt Award 2017’. I
did not expect to win.
›
Appearing
on Radio Verulam across the year and on BBC Three Counties Radio three times.
›
Contributing
to a Poetry Open Mic Night at The Poetry’s Society Poetry Café in Convent
Garden, London. I read ‘Oh Butterfly’ and ‘Bubbles’, which were both received
extremely well.
›
Most
recently, passing my driving theory test with 49/50 in the multiple choice and
66/75 in the hazard perception.
›
Spending
time with loved ones, friends and yourselves.
I
also learnt to be more confident and determined in myself; and to accept that
small things such as butterflies, bubbles, golden horizons and having a good
day are so important.
Resolutions for
2018
It
is currently Monday 1st January 2018 as I write this article and it
is uncertain how the next 364 days will go. I know there will be tough days but
also unforgettable moments. Like every year though I set some possible goals to
aim for.
Here
are some of mine for 2018:
›
To
get my young adult fiction novel published with the help of a literary
agent/agency.
›
Pass
my driving practical test as I have recently passed my driving theory test.
›
As
I enjoyed Canada so much, to go travelling again with my cousin.
›
To
do more exercise and to enjoy doing it.
›
Finally
complete a tandem skydive in aid of ‘Crohn’s and Colitis UK’ and ‘Dyspraxia
Foundation’ after saying I would since 2012 and even perhaps before then.
›
Raise
lots of awareness of hidden disabilities and mental health.
I
should really also add, to be kind to myself as well.
-----
I
want to end this article by thanking you. You are the reason I keep writing;
keep speaking keep fighting; keep breathing. I will never stop raising
awareness of hidden disabilities and mental health. It means so much more that
I know you will be there with me in each dark day but also in each golden
horizon too.
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| Jake Borrett and Rufus Lakin at Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, Canada in 2016-2017 Copyright © 2016/2017- Jake Borrett and Rufus Lakin. All rights reserved. |
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