Wanderhoney.com

Is it just me, or is 2023 moving way too fast? It feels like we just clinked glasses for New Year’s, and suddenly—we’re a week deep into January. Time is such a weird thing. I blink, and days vanish. And to be honest? That scares me more than I’d like to admit.

Not just the getting older part (though, yeah, that too), but the worry that I won’t have enough time to accomplish everything I dream of. Emotionally and mentally, I feel grounded. I like who I am. But when it comes to life achievements? Let’s just say I’m still climbing that hill.

Learning, Laughing, and Feeling Like a Potato 

This past week with Nat has been surprisingly educational—and, at times, hilariously humbling. He casually mentioned he’s already read three books this year. Me? Still stuck at zero. 😅 But hey, I’ve been learning a new word every day and brushing up on grammar with his help, so that counts, right?

He’s even thrown some Aussie slang into the mix, and I’m loving it. Here are a few that now live rent-free in my head:

• “Crikey!” – classic surprise reaction

• “Ta” – cute and quick for “thank you”

• “Cake hole” – yep, that’s your mouth 

Defo (yes, definitely) slipping these into everyday convos just for the laughs.

I also discovered a few new English words that felt like music to my ears—like “mellifluous” (so pretty, right?), “instigate,” and “petrified.” Small wins, but I’m cherishing them.

What’s been even more inspiring is how smart and generous Nat is with his knowledge. He’s got this effortless brainpower—especially in math and music—that makes me feel like, well… a potato. 😂 I crash at math. Literally. My brain just gives up. And yes, the irony is not lost on me considering I work in finance and accounting. If I could walk away from it tomorrow, I would. But for now… let’s just say I have my reasons to stay.

On Solitude and Why I’m Not Lonely

Something happened recently that I want to talk about.

A few people tried to convince me that being alone would eventually lead to loneliness. That I need someone to fill the space beside me.Here’s what I want them—and maybe you—to understand:

When you’ve experienced what it’s like to feel completely alone while being with someone, solitude becomes a sacred space. You stop seeing it as emptiness and start seeing it as peace. That’s where I am now.

No, I’m not lonely. I’m happy. I’m whole. I’ve spent the past three years rediscovering who I am—and I’ve never felt more free. I love myself more. I laugh more. I rest better. And I don’t feel the need to let just anyone into my world, especially not someone who sees my solitude as something that needs fixing.

I’ll admit it—over the past few years, I’ve probably treated a few men unfairly. But if I’m being honest? It was necessary. I’ve outgrown the idea of forced connections. I no longer entertain people “just to see where it goes.” If I don’t feel it, I won’t fake it. Period.

And when someone tries to push the dating agenda, it just makes me uncomfortable. Maybe I’m not emotionally ready. Or maybe, I just don’t want to be with anyone right now. And that’s okay.

I know myself. I know what I want. I trust my timing. If something real comes along, I’ll know it. If not, I’m still living a life that feels full—on my terms.

What’s Next?

For now, I’m looking forward to curling up in front of the TV with Jack, cheering on my favourite team in the Le Mans Virtual Race. There’s something beautifully simple about those little moments of joy that don’t involve finding someone, but just being present.

So here’s to more learning, more growing, and more loving the quiet spaces in between.

Until then,
Xx Hani ❤