09 October 2014

It's been a while since my last post so it's about time I give you an update! The summer has passed like a storm, and meanwhile I'm back at college finishing my master's degree this semester, while continuing with my liberal arts degree at Sint Lucas in the 2nd semester.

So I'm a bit late with my Master's but I hope I can get it done now. I have to redo a couple of courses and finish writing that thesis... That wasn't the plan, mind you; I was hoping to be finished by September. But the summer proved to be quite much.

Perhaps it was to be expected: moving to my new house, renovating it, working on a lecture on my thesis and all the little and big things that come with moving into a new place didn't give me much of a break (although I had help on many levels from some truly awesome people! :-) ). And hardly had I moved in or we heard about my dad's accident and hospital stay, so mom and I dropped everything and took care of things in Antwerp. He's fine now although some things have changed (I'll talk about that some other time).

And so I've been catapulted into a new school year, a little exhausted but equally positive that everything will work out this year. If I stay mindful of the traps of burnout, things will be alright. I was in worse shape last year, after three years of intense studying and having combined two studies the year before. I've been doing pretty well in my studies, but I'm an idiot for not seeing that it would become too much. Or at least I knew I was playing with fire, having had energy issues before, but this was such a wonderful chance and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world. So I took that chance, and I'm not looking back.

Still I tumbled into an episode of burnout a year ago. Exhaustion, inertia and big emotions: it's a mess. Literally and figuratively! But it helped me realise I had to change the way I handled things (thanks to a wonderful therapist) and have been working on them since, one of which was the place I lived in. As much as I had loved living in the cute little house in Ghent, I had grown too big for it over the years (a bit like Alice!). So the hunt for a new place was on, and with mom's help we found it the day before my birthday! I wasn't planning at all to move to a small town like Ronse (my mom lives here), but when we visited it we knew it was "the one".  I'll gush about it next time, with all the proper pictures and renovation stories! No worries. So I scheduled to move after the exams in June and that's how that roller coaster of a summer started...

And now you know what I've been up to.

I long to get back on the blogging horse properly, sharing some hopefully inspiring things, books and people, and keeping you updated on my projects and adventures... But I'm learning to take it a day at a time, so I won't make any promises I can't keep. I'll do what I can and thank you for understanding!

3 comments:

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  2. Dear Kristien, I was so happy to hear from you! This post is like a real long letter, telling the most important things that have happened and are happening in your life! Don't apologize for being absent and don't promise to come again soon!... We (at least me, for sure!) are here waiting patiently...:) Do it when you can!
    I was surprised to find out that I've missed all your posts from this year!! I don't know why, but BLOGGER hasn't informed me about your new posts?! Never mind, now I have what to read.;)
    You've had a really busy summer - congratulations on your new home! Hope you've got used to it!
    What concerns your studies -you must be proud with yourself for following your heart and interests! It must be difficult at times, but I'm sure it will worth the efforts!
    I hope your dad is better now!

    Looking forward to seeing some of your new ewellery, with best wishes: Rossichka

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    1. Dear Rossichka, you are so kind! I wish I could give you a big hug. :-) How odd that blogger didn't show my posts, I'll look into it!
      Love to you,
      Kristien

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