Looking back
2023 wasn’t an easy year, and 2024 turned out to be a complete rollercoaster. I started the year burned out – rock bottom. Getting diagnosed with ADHD and autism was both a relief and utterly exhausting. My first big step toward healing was quitting my job at IKEA.
After that, I spent six weeks doing almost nothing but sleeping. I guess I needed it. Eventually, I was ready to face new challenges. Change has always been a big part of my life, and I firmly believe that life’s too short to waste on things that make you sick or unhappy. Of course, change is always scary – especially when you’re already at your lowest.
Learning to reshape my life after the diagnosis has been essential. Continuing the way I used to isn’t an option – it would only lead to another burnout. But I’m discovering more about myself and my neurodivergence every day, and honestly, that feels incredibly freeing.
Change Is Everything
Finally, I can focus on painting. But that only happened after I completely reorganized my space. No more “living room with a workspace” – it’s now a “studio with a cozy corner for reading.” Priorities!
Getting back into acrylics was tricky – I’d been painting digitally for years. But what can I say? It’s been so much fun, and I’ve painted more this year than ever.
In 2024, I started two new projects – Journey, which explores my life as an undiagnosed autistic person as AuDHDer. The second project is still in its early stages – more on that later.
Here’s a line I’ve worked out this year: “Through my art, I explore change.” Each project has its unique focus, but the core theme is always transformation.
I’ve also realized I can’t stick to just one subject – ADHD, I guess. I love painting psychological portraits, but I need variety. Nature, animals, and whatever else catches my interest.
My favorites this year:
My Art Online
This year, I started posting regularly on social media for the first time. To improve, I took a workshop on content creation, with a focus on writing. Writing has never been my strength (or so I was always told), but the workshop was fun and really helpful. This blog is one of the results.
I also (neccessarily) started vlogging. And surprise: I love it! I never thought it would be so much fun. I’m curious to see where this journey takes me.
On top of that, I revamped my website. It’s not finished yet – some text still needs to be written – but it’s getting there. There are more plans in the works, but I’ll share those once they’re underway. Stay tuned!
Loss & Grief
In 2024 I had to say goodbye to two beloved animal companions – my soulmates.
In July, my tomcat Murphy passed away suddenly from an embolism. It was a shock, and I was heartbroken for weeks. During that time, I painted countless seascapes. Luckily, I recognized the signs of burnout creeping in and pulled the brake just in time.
In December, I lost Anton, my foster horse. His passing was sudden too and hit me hard. Since he wasn’t at home with me, the grieving process feels different – it’s stretching out longer.
Amid all this, I also began mourning my past – the years I spent not knowing I was autistic and ADHD. I didn’t expect that to be so emotional, but I was wrong.
Welcome 2025
There’s so much room for growth and new beginnings in every area of my life. I’m excited and curious about what’s to come. I’m finally starting to recognise & live life in a way that works for me – and it feels great. So I can say, 2025 has a better start than 2024.
Comments