i think back to who i was at my last birthday and every birthday before, and smile-because she wouldn’t recognize this version of me and she’d be so so proud. striving to become your best self doesn’t always feel like rising—it often feels like unraveling. growth rarely arrives with grace. it shows up as a quiet discomfort, a pulling away from all that once felt familiar. it’s the slow shedding of who you thought you were, to make room for who you’re meant to become. days you’ll question why and if you should keep going. but that’s the cost of transformation—of stretching beyond comfort and choosing yourself over and over again. it’s not always easy. it’s not always pretty. but it is powerful. to my friends and family, near and far—thank you. for reminding me when i forget how far i’ve come. for standing beside me in times i could have lost you. for cheering me on in the unknown. and showering me with love everyday-especially this birthday. here’s to the becoming. to the beauty in the uncomfortable. to the future that’s already unfolding. 36 you were a powerful and transformative year- 37, i jumped right in and i can’t wait. let’s fucking do this.