I think aging is something that scares us more than we’re willing to admit. there are birthdays that I have never been more excited, like when I turned five or thirteen. but there are also birthdays that I avoided celebrating with everything, like sixteen, eighteen, and twenty. sometimes avoidance is bliss, and sometimes avoidance is what puts you in therapy for way longer than you want. I’ve experienced both, and it’s something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. this past year, I’ve focused on staying alive. but this year I choose to remember who I am and whose image I bear. here’s to 21.