Preface: I meant to write and publish this on September 21, but in typical Micaela fashion, I’m posting it a month late. With that in mind, let’s get into it!
One year ago, on September 21, 2025, I published my second book, Reflection: An Autistic Teen’s Journey on Amazon. So much has happened in the year since I’ve published my second book. I’ve met so many people who have wanted to listen to my story, whether it be supporting me directly by purchasing a book from me, or speaking to me at the farmer’s market, a holiday craft fair, or one of my presentations.
That day is also my twenty-first birthday. In twenty one years, I’ve learned so much and grown as a person. Now that I’m officially twenty one, I’m reflecting on how much has changed in my life, in regards to my expectations for myself as an adult, and the friends I’ve made since moving to Canada three years ago.
At some point, once I’ve done enough reflecting on my own time, I’d like to share what I’ve learned with more people. In the last year I’ve learned how to make friends in a new country, how to be more financially responsible, and so much more. I’ve also had to re-visit the important lesson of having to let go of a friendship. I’ll write another blog on making friends soon enough!
On the nineteenth of last month, I went on a hike in Blomidon Provincial Park with one of the friends I made this year. The views were absolutely stunning, and it truly made me realize how I was on track to building a life in Nova Scotia. I feel so lucky to be able to call this beautiful land my home. Hiking with someone I can call my friend also made me realize that Nova Scotia is my home, and that I can build a community here, even when it seems hard.
On September 21, when the clock hit midnight, I celebrated my birthday with a homemade lemon cake and a glass of wine; Benjamin Bridge’s Nova 7, to be exact. I celebrated with my mom and younger sibling, and I got to open some gifts from both of them.
On the afternoon that day, I decided that it would be a good idea to write a blog commemorating one year of having my second book published, and my twenty-first birthday. I got to work on my blog at the library, and later that evening, I went to a community supper not too far from where I live. I saw many familiar faces, as well as many new ones! I got to try ratatouille soup, which is something I haven’t heard of until recently!
It’s been so long since I’ve updated my blog. Originally, it started out as a concept for a travel journal of sorts from when I was thirteen, going on fourteen. At that time, I had published my first book a year before, and I was going to travel around the United States and Canada for three months. While I’m not travelling like I used to, I still want to occasionally post blogs.
Thank you to all who have been following my blog, and happy one year anniversary of publishing Reflection: An Autistic Teen’s Journey!