celebrated my birthday one month ago and its stirred up some food for thought normally i like a short n sweet caption but this year, so far, calls for some notes: i know that change is a constant, but it’s really been in my face the past few months. and though i’ve embraced—and even encouraged—some of these changes, they are pushing me to grow in ways that are often uncomfortable. sometimes i wish they’d disappear, but i’m beginning to see that wisdom comes with embracing these transformations. the growing pains are real when you push yourself from what is familiar and comfortable - there is always a risk in trying new things and going to unfamiliar places, but isn’t it better to take that risk than to never know, even if things don’t fall into place as you envisioned. i’m reminding myself to be gentle and patient, to respect my need for rest, to connect with those who put me at ease and who see me, to let go of expectations, that even pain is temporary, and to feel my emotions fully without letting them define me. and sometimes you can’t have all your balloons at once, but a kind stranger might help you put them back in your hands 🎈