Year at a glance.

Posted on Author NataliePosted in Life13 Replies
A collage of 12 drawings I did this year.

Last year sucked for a lot of reasons.

Anxiety and depression threatened to take everything I knew away from me. I was admitted to a psych ward. Diagnosed with Graves Disease and PTSD. Lost friends. Moved cities. Lost autonomy. Spent a lot of money trying to get better. Had to give up my art practice for long stretches of time. Endured physical and mental pain.

A collage of an outfit from every month in 2011.

I did figure out a few things though.

Friends who piss off at the first instance of anything that looks like it’s going to be something other than a fun time are not friends. People who criticise me without actually giving a shit about me are just trolls. My mental health is infinitely more important than basically everything else. People who think me selfish for looking after myself, my mind, my body and my life as a priority can disappear. Releasing secrets is sometimes the best thing. I am valid. It wasn’t my fault.

A collage of 16 Instagram photos of various things from this year.

I don’t know what this next selection of 12 months will hold, and I dare not try to predict the future or set ridiculously high expectations of myself. I will do what is best for me and my kin. I will keep breathing. It might be awkward and uncomfortable but I hope there’ll be some peace and laughter too.

13 comments

  2. Look at all those fabulous outfits! I love them all. And all of your art, too. I just love your style (art & fashion) so much. I also admire the honesty in this (and all of your posts, actually).
    -Andi x

  3. Your year sounds a lot like mine was. Here’s a stronger, stabler and more enjoyable 2012 for us both! <3

  4. I never comment but I always read your blog.  I admire your honesty and your willingness to embrace yourself.  I hope you have a better year in 2012.

  5. I’ve never commented here, but I must say after this post, it’s about time. I admire you so much, and you make me think about things in new ways every week on my RSS feed, and change the way I perceive myself, culture, and people around me. 

  6. I am a new follower of your blog. I don’t even remember how I came to find your blog, but I check it everyday! I’m not one to usually comment…but I just had to let you know that you are inspiring! I hope 2012 brings great things your way. Now I am off to try and find some fabulous new outfits…thanks for the inspration!

  8. Best, best wishes to you. I love you blog and always find your posts thoughtful and thought-provoking. Bless you for being a woman who is not afraid to speak out! 

  9. i am freshly enamored/excited/amazed every time i see the beautiful art you did of me! it never stops being thrilling. you’re one of my favorite bloggers and artists and i admire you SO MUCH. i hope you’re able to find peace and joy this year and make lots of art that brings you happiness and pride. <3

  10. I love all the drawings and outfits. super badass. :D
    dailydirtydiaper.blogspot.com

  11. Hi Natalie!!I (like the others) haven’t really said ‘Hi!’ on here before but wanted to let you know you’ve been really inspiring to me this year in so many different ways; in the hope that you’ll feel strengthened and confident in knowing the positive effect you have on the world :)

  12. I just found your blog. Sorry to hear you had such a shitty life. You seem like a good person, I hope 2012 has better stuff in store for you!

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