In January, my feed is filled celebratory reflections, ambitious goals, highlight reels, and smiley photo dumps. And, as much as I want to smile back, I can’t help but feel an uncomfortable animosity towards this time of year, and the modern traditions that accompany it …

5 months ago I tripped on the first step of a flight of stairs and fell all the way down to the bottom. Now, 5 months later, I have completed my inpatient rehabilitation program and have stabilised at a point which is very different to how I was before my fall.

It should be a surprise to no one that Instagram looks completely different from a year ago. The rise of Reels, vertical content, trending sounds and awkward dance moves has completely transformed our feeds.

Dear 2021,

I have wished for your appearance for most of this year. I have longed for you to replace the wounded and battered spot 2020 once held inside of me, and have imagined the future you and I will have together, many times.