𝑼𝒏𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔: 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑼𝒔

Chapter X: Still Breaking

KRYSTAL

Moving to Melbourne, Australia, has been a life-changing experience for me. From the moment Harper and I landed in this beautiful city, I knew that I was in for a treat - a change of scenery, a different culture, and a new chapter in my life.

On the one hand, settling in Melbourne has been challenging. As an expat, we had to figure out a lot of things, from finding a place to live and making new friends to navigating a new healthcare system and learning about local customs and traditions. But on the other hand, this year has also given me a lot of opportunities to grow and thrive, both personally and professionally.

One of the most important outcomes of my settling in Melbourne is my focus on my mental and financial wellness. In the past, I have sometimes neglected my mental health and have not always been mindful of my finances, but this year has taught me the value of taking care of myself in all areas of my life.

To boost my mental wellness, I have taken up various activities, such as joining a yoga class, trying out meditation, and going on hikes in the beautiful Australian wilderness. I have also invested time in catching up on my hobbies, such as painting and reading.

On the financial front, I have become more disciplined in my spending habits, making sure that I stick to a budget and keep track of my expenses. This has enabled me to save money for future projects, such as traveling, starting my own business, and investing in myself and my passions.

Speaking of investments, I have also looked at ways to expand my professional skills and experiences. This has included taking courses in my field, volunteering for local organizations, and forming new networks and connections in my industry. I believe that these investments in myself will pay off in the future by opening up new opportunities and helping me achieve my long-term goals.

Another significant outcome of my settling in Melbourne is my newfound appreciation for the diversity and richness of Australian culture. I have met people from all over the world and have learned about their experiences and perspectives. This has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of different ways of living and thinking.

Working hard is something that has always come naturally to me. As a project manager within a well-known corporation, an artist finishing up a new art gallery soon to be exhibited, and a business owner establishing my first sustainable art cafe in Melbourne, Australia, I understand the importance of determination, dedication, and persistence.

In my project management role, I have been responsible for leading teams on some of the biggest, most complex projects undertaken by our corporation. I have a strong track record of ensuring the successful delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. My success is down to my ability to maintain a focus on achieving the project objectives while keeping an eye on the strategic goals of the business.

As an artist, I have always had a passion for expressing myself through the medium of art. Over time, this has led me to develop my own unique style, which I believe is both thought-provoking and inspiring. My new art gallery is the culmination of lots of hard work, passion, and commitment. Many of the pieces on display have taken months to create, and there have been times when I have had to sacrifice sleep, relaxation, and even socializing to keep up with the pace.

At the same time, I am excited about my plans to open a new sustainable art cafe here in Melbourne, Australia. This represents a new challenge for me as both a project manager and a business owner. My goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive space that celebrates art and creativity while also serving delicious, locally sourced food and drinks.

As a business owner, I understand the importance of attention to detail, strategic planning, and effective communication. I have had to work hard to find the right location, secure funding, and source the best suppliers and collaborators to bring my vision to life. I am also proud of my commitment to sustainability, and I have invested time and resources to ensure that my cafe is as eco-friendly as possible.

Juggling my three roles has not always been easy, but I have learned to manage my time effectively to ensure that I am meeting all my obligations and living a well-rounded life. My day often starts early, and I try to tackle my more demanding tasks at the beginning of the day when my energy levels are high. I also prioritize my tasks, focusing my energies on those that are most urgent or important.

At the same time, I believe it is important to take time to relax, reflect, and recharge. Whether that means spending quality time with family and friends, going for a run, or simply sitting down with a good book, I understand the importance of taking care of myself to be able to take care of my professional and personal responsibilities.

In the previous year, I underwent a tiring yet satisfying experience. Despite having a hectic schedule, I could prevent myself from feeling sad about Kye's absence. Although I think about him every day, keeping myself busy has enabled me to redirect my emotions to other aspects of my life. However, Kye has always been on my mind for the last four years and my desire to have him with me continues to break my heart.

I placed my hand on my chest, almost as though I were holding onto my heart, while I gazed at my final piece of art. The artwork depicted Kye and I embracing each other in a tight hug, which was the last time I felt his warm body against mine. As I looked at the painting, tears began to flow down my face.

It was surreal to think that Kye was really gone. He was the love of my life, my confidante, and my inspiration. He always encouraged me to pursue my passion for art and would often be my model. We would spend hours together, trying to capture the perfect pose or expression.

But now, he was no longer there. He was gone, leaving me with a sense of emptiness and sadness. I closed my eyes and tried to remember his voice, his laughter, and the warmth of his embrace.

As I opened my eyes, I felt a sudden surge of inspiration. I picked up my paintbrush and resumed working on the canvas. I knew that even though Kye was no longer here physically, he would always be a part of me and my art.

With each stroke of the brush, I could feel his presence, his energy, and his love. I poured all my emotions into the painting, creating something that would forever be a tribute to our relationship and his memory.

When I finished, I stepped back and looked at the painting. It was as if Kye was looking back at me, smiling, and telling me to keep going. And I knew that is what I would do. I would keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep being inspired by the people and moments that make life worth living.

With a satisfying smile and an aching heart, I decided to hang the painting of him in my own art room. This is where I keep a lot of my paintings of him. You can say it's like my own gallery. It's mine to keep.