Today is my birthday.

This past year has been one of my toughest. I've been to my lowest points and searched my darkest depths. And through that searching I found pure gold – the kind of substance I always felt was there but hadn't been strong enough to face. The chipping away of dark matter that had accumulated through the years opened up raw, unyielding, and unquestionable strength. It's a part of me I've missed and unknowingly kept buried and I'm so happy to give myself back this gift.

With this strength is blossoming creativity, boldness, kindness, and curiosity. I feel that I've only just hit the surface of who I am and who I want to become and I'm more impassioned than ever to do everything in my power to let myself be.

I have undug myself from the depths that were riddled with insecurity and doubt and I am so excited to continue my journey of growth and discovery every day.

Today I am 25

I can't wait to see what this year has to bring and, moreover, what I will bring to this year. The challenges, the growths, the unexpected the phenomenal. The tides.

I will always come back to me.

With thanks to those I love:

Mum

Max

Bhav

Winnie

Jeraline

Paul

Will