As I sit at my computer desk staring at the screen, reflecting on the whirlwind that was this past year, I can't help but wonder about the delicate balance of life's trials and triumphs. I'm Eddie Solien, navigating a life filled with complex health issues like severe heart failure, left ventricle dysfunction, and a myriad of other conditions that sound more like a medical encyclopaedia entry than facets of my everyday life. And yet, amid the chaos of doctor's appointments and medical jargon, I've managed to carve out a career success story that even I sometimes find hard to believe.

But let's talk about the heart of the matter, and I don't mean just my own medically fascinating one. I'm talking about love, support, and the kind of partnership that novels are written about. Yes, this year has been hard, punctuated by health setbacks that would make anyone's head spin. However, it's also been a year where I've seen my goals at work not just reached but soared past, all thanks to a resilience I've fostered within myself and the unwavering support of my remarkable boyfriend, Ryan.

Ryan, with his strength and heart, has been more than a boyfriend; he's been my lighthouse in the stormiest of seas. We've had our share of disagreements – who doesn't? But through every tempest, Ryan has stood by me, not as a caretaker, but as a partner, a confidant, and my biggest cheerleader. In a world where relationships often crumble under far less pressure, Ryan and I have built something extraordinary. He treats me with the dignity, love, and respect that everyone deserves, never once making me feel like a patient in need of care, but rather a partner in every sense of the word.

Looking forward to 2024, I'm filled with an odd mixture of anticipation and serenity. It's as if the trials of the past year have prepared me for whatever lies ahead. I'm ready to make things happen, to continue setting and achieving goals, both personally and professionally, with Ryan by my side. Our relationship, much like the city around us, is ever-evolving, beautifully complex, and utterly real.

So, as I ponder over my life, much like Carrie Bradshaw contemplating love and life's many conundrums, I realise that the most significant discovery this year hasn't been a new treatment or a professional accolade. It's been the profound realisation of the power of partnership, resilience, and love. Here's to the past year of challenges and achievements, and to 2024, a year I step into with hope, determination, and the best sidekick anyone could ask for. My name is Eddie Solien, and this is just one chapter in my ongoing story.