Cheers to 2021. Been a year indeed. Some incredible highs and heartbreaking lows. Each amplified in these crazy covid times. For those interested:
EMIGRATED
Moving to the UK full time was a big commitment for mine and Jade’s wanderlust souls. Even though I left SA in 2016, committing to a country for 5 years was a big boy move. The weather isn’t so bad and the people are lovely. Safety and opportunity both exist here far more than home, and it’s both lovely and sad that so many South Africans are moving here.
COMEDY
Moving to the UK meant basically starting all over again. I’ve heard other comics talk about how tough it can be. And although I can atest to that, it ain’t the easy route, I’ve tried to approach it with positivity and gusto. I’ve racked up just over 20 thousand miles driving to gigs all over, often to do a 10 minute free audition. I’ve been blown away by how welcoming comedians have been and the amount of talent here is inspiring. A special thanks To Adam Hughes , Jordan Ducharme , David Ward and Harry Stachini .
LOSS AND LOVE
The passing of Cameron has largely shattered me, and I’ve spent more hours crying that I dare thought I could. He is and was a wonderful man and I miss him dearly. He played the role of mentor, role-model, friend and father. The last guidance he gave me was over the birth of my child, and I hope to love him/her as compassionately as Cameron did all those in the shade of his love. Flying across the world to watch Kerryn Leigh Cooke marry a bloke called Gareth Cooke , was something we wouldn’t have missed for the world. This time the tears were of pure joy and I am blessed to have someone so amazing to call sister.Jade Hughes has always been so supportive of my comedy and has been there every single step of the way. This year I felt it was my turn to play the supportive role with Jade and her passion of making content. I challenged her to do 50 videos on YouTube and I just cannot be more proud of her for working so hard to achieve that.
I love that we exist in a world where the friction to create is as minimal and diverse as its ever been. I’m so proud of you for creating something I know will only grow from success to success.On the academic front I decided to finish my post-grad/honours in Investment Management and have managed to pass everything and have one more exam in Feb and then it’s all mine. I have no idea how I might use it, but something a great teacher( Jacquey Tarlton ) told me once was that no studying is ever a waste of time.
I laughed at the time but those words resonate ever so much. Although perhaps some could be a waste of money?Rekindling my relationship with my father happened this year. We’ve spent some special moments together this year. Elliott Robert said it best when he said family is about love and acceptance. And I’m blessed to have my father in my life.
Confucius said holding a grudge is like swallowing poison and hoping the other person will die. So I have tried to apply this in my life, to forgive and forgive completely, and accept completely, both yourself and others.In a world where we could all benefit from genuine connection and communication. I realise I am probably more so part of the problem than the solution, especially on the Social media side. This post is in part to rectify that.
Sharing memes is great and certainly has its place but I’d like my world to reflect my life far more.The journey of becoming a father is just starting. I’m blessed to be traveling the road with Jade, Harrison De IonghClaire Vogelpath-de Iongh and Sarah Caitlin Moys , how lucky am I to know such amazing souls.I also proposed to a beaut of a human, our journey together is so exciting and I can’t thank you enough for the support, challenges, love, laughs and growth.
Kate Alex Moore and Thorne are the MVPs for helping set it up so fantastically! Writing this made me realise what a year’s its been and if you’re still reading then my favourite movie was Dune, favourite song was Jax Ring pop, Springboks winning B&I Lions tour and Magnus retaining his world Chess title are the sporting highlights and I hope you have a 2022 that you desire.
Comedian Dustin Moore
Leave a Reply