26 years.

I feel like turning 26 has been surreal. I don’t feel that much different (do we ever?) yet something’s changed. Last year, when I turned 25 I thought I had a quarter century crisis. I panicked about my life and questioned everything. It could’ve also been because I had my mother staying with me and nagging about everyone getting masters degrees and making 6 digit figures…

The truth is, after my 21st birthday, each new year greeted me with a new set of requirements and a list of achievements to check off. How did birthdays went from being fun and celebratory to a state of denial and dread? Why are some people so secretive about their age? What is there to be ashamed of? It seems like we’re always looking for the next ‘big thing’. This year, I’m learning to take things easy instead of feeding into my anxiety. “I am exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I’m meant to do” So instead of thinking what I have yet to accomplish, I’m celebrating the little victories and the goals I have reached. I’m grateful for the amazing people in my life; my friends from school, from OCAD, my mentors, my family and coworkers (old and new). All these people continue to fill my life with meaning each day. I am grateful for my health, for being able to have the tools to help myself and help others and being able to push myself while getting physically stronger each day through boxing and yoga. I am grateful for photography; helping me satisfy my creative thirst while allowing me to capture the beauty of the little things everyday. Grateful for INN, helping me connect to my calling. And the list goes on, I can’t even describe how incredibly grateful I feel. It’s been an amazing 26 years! And more to come!