Okay, December. Seriously… what kind of surprise party is this? One second I’m in November, minding my business, and now—you just showed up like a bad ex sliding into DMs. I didn’t even know today existed. And honestly? After 2025, I don’t even know if I trust calendars anymore.
Let’s get real. Grade 12 me had a whole Hollywood script planned: university acceptance letters raining down, a cute job with benefits, social life popping like champagne, and a personal glow-up that would shame Instagram influencers. Fast forward… and we’re still here. No job yet. Still ghosted by colleges. Social life? RIP. Faith? Shaky. And me? Surviving the chaos like a reality TV contestant no one voted for.
But wait, the plot twist gets better. Yesterday, I discovered something life-changing: the SRD grant. Apparently, the government thinks unemployed people deserve R370 a month. R370, people! That’s… something. Toiletries, transport, maybe even a small pizza binge to celebrate not having to beg my mom for money this week. Why didn’t I know this throughout my gap year? WHO KNOWS. Timing is apparently a concept I’ve never mastered.
Here’s the thing, though: December doesn’t care. It’s going to be unpredictable, probably absurd. But I’m still alive. And if you’re alive too, your hope is technically still valid—even if it’s trembling under a pile of disappointment and confusion. So this month, I’m not going to pretend I’m “shining” or “thriving.” Nah. I’m going to survive, maybe laugh at how ridiculous life is, maybe cry a little, maybe apply for more grants. Who knows?
So cheers, December. May your chaos at least come with a hint of mercy. And to anyone reading this, remember: it’s okay if your December looks nothing like Pinterest. Survive, laugh, maybe even enjoy the absurdity. Trust me, that’s more than most can do.
— The girl behind The Dreamer’s Pause, reporting live from the chaos
© 2025 The Dreamer’s Pause. All rights reserved.
