I was a mess of insecurities, trying to hide thinning hair, worried I was ageing too quickly. Then a scene in the TV show Kidding changed everything

Growing up, I was obsessed with Jim Carrey. I was just entering my teens when The Mask came out, and I can still picture myself watching Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls on TV one weekend afternoon, absolutely howling at the silliness of it. His elastic facial expressions, the energy, the stunts – it was the perfect tenor of humour for a young boy.

By the time I was in college, I had moved on to his more thoughtful films. The Truman Show was a favourite: still funny, but with a philosophical edge that spoke to me at the time. I loved seeing Carrey stretch into more serious roles, and as the internet made it easier to watch interviews, I came to admire him as a person, too.

A menacing portrait of Donald Trump at the US consulate in Sydney is the final push. I know I am making the right choice

America, it’s been 60 years but I’m breaking up with you. I still love you but I’m not in love with you and I’m calling it quits. I’m going willingly although I’m sad because there is a lot that’s wonderful about you.

From your magnificent national parks, soaring redwoods and unique wildlife to the magic of fireflies amid the corn fields on summer nights and the vibrant colours of autumn leaves, your natural beauty is stunning. Your capacity to inspire creativity and innovation is boundless, as reflected in the inspirational people I have met who live within your borders. So many of my fondest memories of our time together revolve around the flavours that will always remind me of you – cinnamon, pumpkin pie, grape jelly. But, America, I just don’t understand you any more.