Golden Horizons

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 1^st 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.

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.