If you’ve ever felt hopeless or like you are not enough; I hope you will sit with me in this space long enough to be reminded how deeply worthy of love + good things you are. My story: today, I turned 33 and this year I celebrated 5 years clean. I am alive, breathing and celebrating this day because I chose myself 5 years ago. I chose Stephanie and began the hard work of figuring out who I was and what really mattered to me. On my 32nd birthday, the 2nd in lockdown- I said all I wanted for my 32nd year was more joy. And gosh, did I get it. My first published best selling book, I married my best friend, finally got to visit family after 2 years of not seeing them, danced on stage again and started @stepintourmagic - which has become a serious source of joy. But the truth is that what I have learned is accomplishments and checking things off my list have nothing to do with my own joy, sure - they can brighten it, but leaning into my joy has taught me that no matter what is going on around me and to me, I can reach up at any time and grab it. I don’t have to earn my joy - and neither do you. For my 33rd year around the sun - bravery is my word. This year, I want to lean harder into exploring that in myself. I also received the best 33rd birthday gift this week and FINALLY have permanent residency in Canada. 🇨🇦 Thank you all so much for witnessing me, loving me, and celebrating me. 💖 I hope you feel my love for you all as well.