Today I’m 30 years old! . In many ways, I never thought this day would come. Depression has ravaged my life and ruled much of my 20s. And it has come back swinging the last two months. . But I made it. To today. The day I start a new decade of life. The decade I get to start by saying, with deep truth that comes from the chest - . I have met the Great Love of My Life - and they have chosen my name: Jasper. And damn, I’m so proud of the grit I’ve shown to get here. It’s not been pretty the whole time and far from easy, but one thing I’ve learned in 30 years is that if I give it some time, some self-compassion, and some community care, everything comes back to a place of groundedness and love. . I am starting my 30s knowing I am a terrible predictor of what is to come - And that inability to know is so beautiful and human and I hope I never stop trying to know what’s next. Never stop making plans. Never stop loving like I’ll love forever. . I feel deep gratitude for the life I have, for those who let me in close and love me and let me love them. For being an art teacher. For those who love me like family. For my cat who loves me deeply. For a place to call home in this city - a place where I feel seen and loved for who I am, even and especially as I change and grow. . 30 is a gift I have given myself, but it’s also the best gift from every person who has come into my life and given me a piece of their heart. So thank you. Love you. & Cheers to the next 10 - may they be built upon this foundation of self-love & community love that my 20s have given me. 🤍 . 📸 by the amazing @kmpphoto