Hey everyone! Just thought I'd make a journal giving some updates on some recent changes in my life over the last year.

We're now a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately my mental health has taken a massive toll since the first lockdown back in March last year. The lack of fur meets and conventions has left me feeling empty and socially deprived, and being unable to travel and see friends was making me sink to one of the lowest points in my whole life.

The situation at home wasn't helping either. My parents were very strict and wouldn't even let me go to the shop by myself in fear I would bring COVID back to the house. I was only allowed to go for a walk for an hour a day, and any parcels I ordered had to be left outside for 3 days in case they were contaminated. This was affecting me to the point I didn't want to be there anymore. On the 10th of June, I packed a few essentials and moved out from my parent's house as I had to leave for my own wellbeing. My mum freaked out and called the police to report me as missing, despite leaving a note behind telling her where I would be staying. I also felt like I was being guilt tripped into returning home, but I refused to give in. I made my decision that I wouldn't be going back.

I moved to Bristol for a while, where some friends let me stay with them and help me to get my life back on track. In July, I returned to my parent's house to pick up the rest of my stuff like my PC and game consoles.

Things were starting to get a bit better for me once household visits were allowed again, as I could finally start seeing my friends again. I traveled around a bit to see some friends that I hadn't seen since the last BristolFurs meet back in March 2020. In August, I attended a small outdoor socially distanced fur meet hosted by a friend which was a lot of fun, and it was nice to see more people again. I also met another new friend at a camping event, and we eventually became partners.

October came and things were starting to look grim again with the increase of new COVID infections. When the 2nd lockdown was announced, I decided I would move in with my partner before that came into effect. Over the next few days, I sorted my stuff and I moved again in November, just one day before the lockdown. We were both in a house share, which wasn't really ideal, but it would be ok for us short term until we find our own place. The next month was tough being back in lockdown, especially with schools still open at that point, but having my partner by my side made things a lot more bearable.

December came along and our area was placed into tier 2 restrictions. We spent a few days going out and exploring whilst things were still open. Only a little over 2 weeks later, we were placed into tier 4 and everything was closed again. I was planning to visit my family for Christmas, which never happened due to being in tier 4, so I spent it with my partner instead which was nice.

The new year rolled in, and it was announced that England would yet again be going into lockdown. My mental health once again took a hit, but having my partner by my side was literally the only thing still keeping me sane. Unfortunately the situation with the house share was getting worse every day, with the housemates arguing and talking behind our backs, even though we did nothing wrong. We had to get out of there asap. We started looking at places, and found a lovely 2 bedroom flat in the north of England. The last week of living there was absolute hell, and I almost had a total breakdown. We moved in late February, leaving that house behind for good.

It's now the 14th of March, and things are starting to look better for us. We're unfortunately still under lockdown, but we have a roadmap out of this, and I'm hoping it goes to plan so I can actually live my life. I have my own independence away from my family, just COVID is currently restricting what I can do. When this lockdown ends, I will be making the most of life, pushing myself, getting out there more, and not holding back. I'm 30 years old, damn it, I deserve to live my life the way I want, not how others tell me to live it.

That's all for now. Stay safe, everyone. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and this will all be over soon. *hugs you all*