Unattached.

Today, in a slow and soft return to the keyboard we're going to be talking about partnerships. Last weekend I had a palm & tarot reading, a gift from a close friend. It was the usual stuff, that I was creative, highly sensitive, here for the long haul and not to rush anything. It was nothing I didn't know already- but then I asked about relationships. He flipped the cards around 'me' and said, 'I actually don't see a relationship for now.' It was a pretty flat moment, you always want these things to tell you of big sweeping love coming your way. He said 'your life is just beginning this year', a rebirth of sorts. In true Carrie Bradshaw style I had a 'I couldn't help but wonder' moment; how would life look if I wasn't going to be in a partnership anytime soon. I think a lot of people my age are looking for something serious. Biological clocks are ticking a little louder than the dull tones of our early twenties and most of us have jobs that pay the basic bills and allow us to buy face creams & houseplants we absolutely don't need. I've been in a serious relationship, one with the real stuff. Compromise, adventure, dishes and groceries, huge huge highs and challenging lows. It was brilliant and messy and a spectacular learning experience. But being single can be an absolute dream. The way I feel when I'm in a rhythm, morning coffee, walking, working, yoga, cooking, friends, family... it's like a dance of choice, self development, refection. I've been thinking a lot about something that a friend and I were discussing. Something practically no one wants to admit as everyone goes about their life striving for a mysterious air of confidence, a whiff of neutrality, a sprinkle of charisma and a peppering of sex appeal. Now the big, guilty, somewhat anti-feminist thought. Do you ever have the feeling that when you meet someone your 'real' life can start? You'll plan big travel together, work towards a home, start planning a future with children (or child like pets). You'll be challenged by someone to be a better person instead of having to motivate yourself all the time. You'll get to pour your love into someone and feel seen and held emotionally. It will be strengthening, character building, life affirming & imperfect. ......I think it's pretty natural, or maybe I'm just telling myself that. We are raised, if not by our families, but by broader society, to design our adult lives around the concept of partnership. I'm not about to say '2021 is the year I go on national television and proclaim that I'm self partnering' al la Emma Watson; but what I will say is, it's very natural to want to love someone and be loved back. It's very natural to want to share big life events with someone else, as well as the day to day hum of meal prep and cleaning the bathroom. It's also very natural to enjoy your space, need solo time, save your money and spend it just on you, design your home space and not have to consider the other persons guitar collection or ugly mug set their grandmother gave them that you have to keep. So whatever your situation is, single, partnered and everything in between you're the one who has to live your life, no body else. You're the one who has to wake up in your body and mind, with your experiences, memories and knowledge. You're the only one who can truly make choices for yourself and you're the only one who feels the consequences of those choices (from Christmas Lunch food coma to Move over the other side of the world situations). So make choices for you, by you. And if your tarot reader tells you there isn't a relationship on the horizon, tell them to f*ck off because you're already in one- with yo-self. Happy New year, M x

Daily Ceremony acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land we work on, and we pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.