31 - Another celebration of growing older. All the blessings keep piling up, yes, with the lessons, the scars, the memories. All priceless.

Life is a more imaginative author than I, a better one. 30 was, surprisingly, one of the best years and the credit goes to leaping into a new city and pages filled by loved ones at every flip - Jocelyn, my roommates, old friends, many great new ones, a new track team, family in the same country. I got so lucky.

One of the biggest things I learned was the value of presence, slowing down, existing and finding happiness in the margins between. Love. Letting go. I learned to observe and appreciate these human birthrights.

Now, many of my greatest obstacles are inside rather than outside. It demands everything but what a lucky opportunity this is!

We will do the work. You inspire me. I’ve been thinking about and falling in love with this short saying from my Greek roots:

“For the body is the soul’s tool born with it.” - Eudemian Ethics 1241b 17

Why are we here? Why this shell? During 31, may body and mind work for the soul, as one. The root of so many problems in the world are spirit problems. We need more love, more empathy, more compassion, more unyielding purpose. Be patient and kind with yourself as you get there. This journey is all you’ll ever get.

Continue.

📸 by me, Feb. 2023