Sky Full of Stars

One week to go - time for the final reflection of this month.

This year has been incredible for health milestones. My midlife dental maintenance, which started five years ago, finally came to an end. Now, when I look in the mirror, I’m genuinely satisfied. It’s been a long journey and a worthwhile investment in confident, smooth, open-smile communication. Additionally, I can now look at the world without glasses. This year, I found the courage to undergo eye surgery to fine-tune my vision. It’s been life-changing! I highly encourage everyone to consider similar investments in their health in the coming year.

One of the most fascinating experiences this year has been my psychotherapy journey. Through these sessions, I’ve uncovered new facets of my personality - for instance, I’ve become much more assertive in maintaining my boundaries. Overall, I feel more fulfilled and genuinely happy. However, this happiness didn’t come without challenges.

Pros: I’ve let go of old resentment toward my parents and now feel immense gratitude for the happy childhood they gave me, even during a very difficult historical period. On a personal level, I feel ready to have a second child. My wife and son aren’t there yet, but I’m working on that!

Cons: Not everyone has embraced my growth. Some close relatives have reacted poorly to my efforts to defend my boundaries, even saying it’s easier for them to stop talking to me altogether than to respect what I ask. It’s been hurtful but also an opportunity to reassess our shared experiences. This reflection has led me to consider what “family” truly means to me - and who is part of it.

As the year came to a close, my wife and I watched the entire Friends series again. It reminded me of our own story and how it’s been just as heartwarming as any sitcom.

Julia and I first met in primary school - I sat right behind her and immediately noticed her lovely hair. Our paths diverged after that, but we reconnected in high school and became friends. That friendship became the foundation of our happy life together, which officially started 15 years ago during the New Year season.

Looking back, I know that deciding to kiss Julia and begin our journey together was the best decision I’ve ever made - it defined my entire life. Over the years, we’ve built a beautiful family, including our wonderful son. I hope that soon we’ll find the courage to welcome a second child into our lives. For the past 15 years, every romantic song has been about Julia, but today I want to end this post with one of my favorite Coldplay lyrics:

Cause you're a sky, cause you're a sky full of stars

I'm gonna give you my heart

Cause you're a sky, cause you're a sky full of stars

Cause you light up the path

I don't care, go on and tear me apart

I don't care if you do, ooh-ooh, ooh

Cause in a sky, cause in a sky full of stars

I think I saw you