A lot can change in ten years. Hell, a lot can change in a year. And believe me, it has.
This is me. Ten years ago to the day. Eighteen years old. At my friend’s girlfriend’s house. My best friend and I were rather proud of sorting out the drink and food, hence the picture. Honestly, I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember the pub, the trip to the supermarket. I remember the boys buying cigars. I could even tell you the brand. I remember my then girlfriend and those cocktails that went in the freezer and I remember the music we listened to. It was a good time. I was happy.
And here we are. Here I am. Ten years on. A whole decade’s slipped by and I didn’t really notice. But at the same time, so much has happened. I’ve made friends and lost friends. I’ve done stuff I regret and I’ve been treated horribly at times. I’ve become a writer and an author. I’ve grown. I’ve learned. I know better what I think about things now and I know to listen to my gut more. I’ve fallen in love with the wrong person. I’ve had my heart broken. I’ve been lonely, but I’ve been elated at times too and I’ve achieved things I quite simply didn’t think were in my league.
Such a lot can happen in a decade. Such a lot can change. I know I have, hugely, and I like to think I’m less annoying now.
So I’m feeling a mixture of things as we’re on the cusp of a new decade. I’m excited about what’s in store for me and my friends and I’m also kind of sad about all that’s been lost.
But tomorrow is another day. Another opportunity. The start of the next ten years.
That’s exciting, no?
Friends, Happy New Year.
What a great picture, you look so delighted! And so… beard-less! It's interesting to think of a new decade beginning, I hadn't noticed that until this week. I'm a bit slow. But although time is an artifical construct (!) I find this all immensely useful as a milestone for reflection and resolution. Here's to an excellent next decade of creativity, positivity, never standing still!
It's very exciting. You have so much ahead of you.
Happy New Decade, Nik.
Happy New Year, Nik! Ten years without heartbreak would be boring and a life not worth living. Ten years ago I was in a Master's program under the misguided belief I wanted to be a writer/psychologist. Glad I gave up that nutty idea!! (I mean the psychology part–never the writing.) I have enjoyed your blog and your fiction, and am looking forward to your next creative year. Wishing you the very best.
Happy new year Nik… wow, great pic!
Great picture Nik! You've achieved a lot. All the best for 2010 and the decade.
Happy New Year Nik – may it be wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sitting here a bit shocked that you are 28. So young and you've done so much. Hope your first steps into your new decade were happy, happy as that guy in the photo.
Congratulations on your numerous achievements so far. I hope you continue to progress.I've been reading about other people's decades and thinking that not much has happened to me. But actually it has. Might even be worth a post. My blog is one of the many things I didn't have ten years ago.
Happy New Year Nik, wish you all the best for the next decade x
Happy New Year Nik! 2010 and the next decade is going to be great!Hope you don't mind but I nominated you as a Kreativ Blogger as I think you are ace! See my latest post details.Love Jo x
Thanks so much everyone. Your comments (not just here, but over the course of these past few years) mean an awful lot. Here's to a fab one!Nik XPS Jo – course I don't mind. Thrilled to have been nominated
Happy New Year! Oh what a great photo. Boddingtons? Archer's? I don't know about you but when I look back at what I used to drink 10 years ago I feel almost grown up now. I'll certainly never have another Malibu and Coke.Have a happy and productive 2010!Jen
I know that feeling, Jen! Happy new year!