A Bittersweet Symphony

Counting down from December (right now, as at the time of writing) to the beginning of 2024. The beginning of the year that is about to end (2024) is way different and significant than the ending. This may be true to form for some people, where the next holiday season leaves off from the last one somehow. In other words, you are revisiting any unfinished business from the previous holiday season in the current one, whatever shape or form that comes across for yourself.

"Because it's a bittersweet symphony that's life. Trying to make ends meet, you're the slave to the money then you die."

On that...

December: The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

Yours truly remembers the original version of Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve being released back in 1997, in her second last year of school. This song is much loved, and ever more relevant today. It reminds us of life's ups and downs. The 2016 remastered version was chosen for the instrumental beats, in addition to the timeless classic shine. Memories of buying this single on a CD at a music store at the time was ever so nostalgic and memorable.

December was (and still is) a naturally social month, and for an introvert; the high volumes of people suddenly manifesting (family, friends, and strangers) is incredibly overwhelming; yet it is great to connect to others simultaneously, despite the triggers. Bittersweet.

November: Marc Scibilia - Bittersweet Symphony

Kind of a replica of The Verve. This version of Bittersweet Symphony was serendipitous. The YouTube algorithm was onto something back in June, and you never get sick of playing this one either.

"Have you ever been down?"

Good question. I promise that the "bittersweet symphonies" will leave us come October.

November was an incredibly bittersweet month for yours truly. The first three weeks (post iron infusion to cure anaemia) of November 2024 were utterly amazing. Endless energy and motivation, even to the point where I designed and published not one, but four kids colouring books on KDP in print; in addition to working on and in my business as normal, and in engaging in plenty of exercise, until...

Unexpectedly testing Positive to Covid, as well as having pneumonia once more. Ten days of isolation, which rung in the final month of 2024, while having to cancel an anticipated interstate trip due to this.

October: Tom Odell - Heal

No matter what, part of being human is going through some pain and suffering, even if it is unfair. We all have our own karmic journeys. When one couple breaks up, somewhere in the world another couple shares their first kiss, and hence falls in love.

This song is a glimmer of hope, knowing that the month will end up with yours truly having a necessary iron infusion in hospital; despite all other avenues of healing and recovering from anaemia being tried and tested to the absolute. This song was the glimmer of hope. Any cancer patient in remission will tell you that the true healing starts not when chemotherapy begins; but when chemotherapy ends.

Coming into the "new normal" for you from surviving a chronic illness, or some other health crisis; some well meaning but insensitive people will give their "advice" and insights into your illness, saying that it is "nothing these days" or that "it is only a cold." To me in 2o24, being diagnosed with anaemia, and experiencing Covid again, as well as pneumonia twice is definitely not "nothing." I was knocked for six, and then some.

September: REM - Everybody Hurts

It was (and still is) a miracle to have been able to work extra hours while being anaemic, and also having to deal with pneumonia for the bulk of this month. This was the month where I was also moral support for my boyfriend in helping him hunt for a new rental home, only to vomit later that day once he kissed me to thank me, 13 open homes later.

This was the month where yours truly was passed over for a promotion in a temporary role. Either way, with my health condition in this month, I was unable to fulfil the "athletic" requirements of that role anyway.

If things hurt, and are a bit tough right now - this 90's masterpiece is comforting.

"Because everybody cries. Everybody hurts sometimes."

"Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along."

"Hold on."

We've all been there. You are your own best friend, and especially in a crisis.

August: Inspired ft. Dr John Demartini - John's Song (Butterfly Version)

Really appropriate, being a Birthday month for yours truly. It was a wonderful time, until I found out that I was anaemic. Just navigating the ups and downs of life. Manifesting a wonderful part-time temporary role at a local school on top of my own business was just brilliant in August.

Whether you are at rock bottom, or standing tall and resilient; this song is a timely reminder that although you are human; you are way more powerful than you think.

July: Mike Oldfield - Flowers Of The Forest

While dog sitting this month, yours truly took advantage of Netflix, and decided to watch Tony Robbins' I am not your guru documentary; and this was the stand out song from such. And this was the month where yours truly entered into a romantic relationship. Such a beautiful song. Just needed to share this one.

June: Harry Styles - As It Was

We are living in ever changing times, and although June was a busy month when it came to my career; the work was still less than anticipated due to the current economic times we live in. Harry Styles was a success during his time in boy band One Direction (RIP Liam Payne); yet was more of a success in his solo career. An appropriate song to add to the soundtrack.

"You know it's not the same as it was."

May: Katy Perry - Roar

May was a good month upon reflection. Time to be empowered, and none better than a song that focuses on building mental fortitude, resilience, and strength.

"And you're going to hear me roar."

April: Simple Minds - Let There Be Love

A month where love was in the air, but not romantically. A productive interstate trip. An unexpected temporary gig, despite it only lasting for a day, it was welcoming. Love heals and hurts, and April was that type of month collectively. Love can conquer as well, from great service at shops, to friends treating you well.

"Let there be love oh yeah."

March: Simple Minds - Don't You Forget About Me

March was a smooth month, yet there were a few bittersweet moments, just turning a month that was destined to be great, to being ordinary. Life is not rainbows and sunshine every single day, and 2024 was that. Things being built, as well as being destroyed. From the highs of not being home for six weeks in the first two months; life became a routine again perhaps.

"Tell me your troubles and doubts."

"Rain keeps falling down."

A love song for sure; yet this song in the soundtrack of 2024 is still a reminder that you are valuable, and are not to be forgotten, from friendships to the job search process.

February: Rozalla - Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)

It was a joy to live in the bush (four hours from Melbourne, Australia, and eight hours from Sydney, Australia) for a couple of weeks with my foster mother and her partner. There was time for laughter, work, outings, as well as helping my family with maintaining the home garden (despite the heat), and being a little handy where possible. It is so nice to give, and to help others. I also got to be there when her partner had to undergo a cancer infusion. Freedom smells good, and I was (and still am to this day) ever so grateful for being self employed, and hence being able to be a digital nomad from such. Dance it out.

January - LMC vs U2 - Take Me To The Clouds Above

Fun. Was away from home. Dog sitting in Sydney's iconic Manly for the first two-weeks, as well as heading on a road trip with a mate (now my romantic partner) to a foodie oriented place three hours away from home. Then to the Blue Mountains for a retreat, with some unexpected healing. Then some more dog sitting in another beautiful house away from home to see out the end of this incredible month followed. Was able to be a digital nomad some more. Made some cool friends of the four legged variety as well. Have looked after one of these two dogs five times now.

Take me to the clouds above (interpreted as being on Cloud 9) for 2025 and beyond as much as possible? Yes please. Happy New Year. May the new year be filled with awesome tunes, and fun, nostalgic times.