I could tell you about my past year in themes. I could say I made unbelievable strides in my relationships, along with my career. And that if my first 27 years were about building a strong home in myself, my 28th was about exploring what the outside world had to offer.
But if this past year was a book, the characters matter way more to me than the plot points. And so, here’s my 2023 acknowledgements section, dedicated to the wonderful people I chose to spend it with. My chapters are reflected through you, and I am endlessly grateful.
Mom: Thank you for always loving me with your whole heart. Thank you for being willing to grow with me and learn how to better love each other. I could never hope to repay what you’ve given to me, but I’ll do all I can to honor you.
Baba: Thank you for always accepting me, no matter what. Thank you for being so reliable and setting an example of peace and lightness. I’ve learned more than you know just by being in your presence.
Nick: Thank you for being a sanctuary when I most needed it. Thank you for bringing out my highest and most joyful self. Thank you for showing up for me in all the times that matter most.
Sena: Thank you for your strength and wisdom. You always inspire me to be better, and I’m overjoyed to call you my brother. I’m continually in awe of who you are and strive to be.
Ben: Thank you for your loyalty and lightness. I’m so grateful for your brotherhood. Your drive and familial strength anchor my own.
Emma: Thank you for your boundless heart and innate sense of beauty. You inspire me to be more playful, expressive, and accepting.
Kat: Thank you for your beautiful soul and faerie essence. Life feels a bit more mystical whenever you’re around. You inspire me to create more magic of my own.
Mel: Thank you for your infinite sense of wonder and adventure. You are an unstoppable force of creative energy. I simply would not be who I am without you.
Brit: Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit with me. I’m endlessly inspired by your courage and creative drive to turn your dreams into reality. Thank you for seeing me and letting me see you.
Michelle: Thank you for sharing your heart with the world. You are an incredible wellspring of love and creativity, and I’m convinced you use Hermione’s Time-Turner to do the impossible.
Melody T: Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wonder for the world with me. I’m so glad we’re on this journey together, halfway across the globe.
Elise: Thank you for guiding me back to my heart without fail, every single time. You are an awe-inspiring source of love and power. I wish you all the love in the world.
Denise, Erin T, Erin L, Nate, Nima, Chris, Lady, Karen: Thank you for inviting my greatest self to emerge simply by being the wonderful humans you are.
Christina: Thank you for directing my gaze to my spirit. Thank you for helping me see the universe more clearly and develop my own capabilities as a healer.
Ian: Thank you for your brotherhood and willingness to take life seriously, but never too seriously.
TZ: Thank you for sharing your life with me for the time you did.
Cissy, Dennis, Kasra, Pranab: Thank you for making the creative journey feel more fun and less lonely.
Aleisha: Thank you for empowering me to access my full potential, and always having my best interests at heart.
Tram & Crys: Thank you for your friendship and laughter. Always wishing you endless love, joy, and ease.
To myself: Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for committing to nothing less than your dream life. Thank you for standing for your family and chosen family in every moment you can. Thank you for choosing love over fear. Thank you for allowing me to love you. I’m with you, always.
WES! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Beautiful. Grateful for you and that our paths have crossed!