2021 In review
2021 was as wild of a ride as its predecessor year. In some ways, it was even more chaotic. Amidst the madness, however, answers were yielded and truths finally unveiled. More than ever, I am certain of the future... although the details remain appropriately muddled.
And where was I as the Earth experienced its earthliness this year? Comfortably observing the calamity from the position of my brand new life. 2021 was a year of incredible change for the Pencil Charpentier (that's me).
Prone to harsher critical thoughts and self-questioning than some, I am quick to dismiss positivity in my life as "just stepping stones" to the next major milestone. Indeed, an area of improvement for me moving forward is acknowledging and appreciating optimistic moments when they present themselves, rather than, in my usual fashion, proceeding with a rain cloud over my head.
There are enough storms rampaging across the planet, yes?
In order to do this, I will begin by chronicling this year's blessings and achievements in this blog post for me to revisit whenever the urge strikes. Without further ado, these are the highlights of my 2021!
Highlights:
Graduating “A” and “C” school - After graduating Navy boot camp in 2020, I was sent to receive specialized occupational training for my rate. Both schools challenged my self-perception and mental fortitude, revealing important life truths that I was in need of. The Lord is at work in all things!
Moving to Japan - Perhaps the biggest thing that has ever happened to me! Japan was the light at the end of the tunnel for me in “C” school. I will never forget the feeling when I opened my orders to see Yokosuka, Kanagawa! Living in Japan meant (and currently means) enjoying life in the foreign country I adore, immersing myself in the homeland of Godzilla, potentially major creative opportunities, and fulfilling a childhood dream. Thanks, Navy!
My first book - I knew a few months before leaving for boot camp that my debut novel, Daughter Darkness, had to be published by any means necessary. This year, I became an independent author and the proud mother of The Myrk Maiden Trilogy! This book is one of the most meaningful milestones in my life.
Baptism - Thanks to Yokosuka Baptist Church here in Japan, I am symbolically rededicated to the Lord and am invigorated to continue living out God’s will for me!
Selling 50 copies of Daughter Darkness - I’m extremely pleased about this as a nobody indie author. Much appreciation for my buyers!
Reaching 2K subscribers - My YouTube channel, Alyssa GojiGeek101, hit 2,000 subscribers! I’m currently at 2.5k and slowly growing.
Meeting awesome people - Ed Holland, Andres Perez, and Norman England - I’m talking about you! Thanks to these lovely individuals, I can officially say I have friends here in Japan. We’ve done some epic things out here so far, and this is only the beginning!
Getting 13 favorable book reviews - Daughter Darkness currently has 10 shiny five star ratings on Amazon, to include two five stars and one four star from Readers’ Favorite! The positive reception of my first novel is deeply exciting. To my reviewers; you’ve fueled the fire!
Publishing my DD poetry - Children of Darkness Poems officially made me a poet. Like many things, it’s only the beginning!
Spending a month and a half with family - Once I’d graduated “C” school, I high-tailed it back home to Washington/Idaho to spend quality time with basically all my relatives. The last few weeks with my uncle were especially cool.
Seeing my hometown again - Five years is too long! I got to return to my roots as everything I ever wanted to be as a child: an author, military member, and musician.
Visiting Japan - I made it a mission to visit several iconic locations from/relevant to the Godzilla series: Hakone, Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi, Yokohama, the Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel, the Godzilla Hotel, the Godzilla Slide in Kurihama, Yurakucho, and the crown jewel, Toho Studios.
Finishing my sequel novel - Daughter Dusk has been successfully written. Although she requires some work and has yet to be reviewed by my editor, she’s established at the very least. Just gotta polish her now.
Ultimately, I’m blessed to be alive. We all are. Despite the incredible experiences I’ve had this year, I have internalized a looming sense of dread that is hanging over this planet. However, I know that I am in the right place at the right time and am prayerfully living the right kind of life, as it was intended for me.
I know not what the future holds. What I do know is that there is a future for me, both here and now and later and beyond. The same is true for you.
Enjoy the breath in your nostrils. Savor the steady pounding of your heart. Appreciate that there is warmth in your flesh and thoughts being born in your mind, and remember that these things mean something. You will not live forever… but the part of you that strives, hopes, and dreams can. ;) Reflect on your personal highlights this year. 2021 was particularly eventful for me, and this may not be the case for you, but I promise… there is something to be grateful for as we kiss this year’s ugly face and bid it sayonara.
