Blog #13: Cheers to 22

Well, another year, and what have you got to show for it?

Is what my Grandpa Ruben asked me this past 11/24. I thought that was a very *him* way to greet me happy birthday. :)

I chuckled to myself and answered him honestly. I told him that I must be pretty damn blessed because I got to live another year. 

But now that I’ve had more time to ponder his question, I know there’s a lot more I could’ve said…

I think my greatest accomplishment up until this point is my ability to take the worst life has to offer and turn it into something beautiful.

I have an open, forgiving and overflowing heart. I see the best in people. I see the best outcomes for the future. I see the best version of myself that I am constantly growing into.

I am deeply empathetic at my core. It’s one of my greatest strengths… and weaknesses (ugh I know, that sounds like a bad interview answer). But it’s true. When I feel the burdens of my environment or the people around me, I take responsibility for pain that isn’t mine. I am in a constant state of “wanting to make it better.” I am only comfortable when the people around me are comfortable. It’s exhausting at times, but it gives me purpose. I still love this part of me because it’s what makes me, me.

I am not afraid to be vulnerable. When I’m open about my trauma, I open the door for other people to share parts of themselves that are also guarded with pain. Losing my mom at the age of 17 is something that fundamentally shifted the way I perceived the world. I will never be complete without my mom walking this Earth with me, so I speak her into existence every chance I get. I honor this part of me because there is no me without Mama Rosa.

I am the best parts of my mother and father. No parent is perfect, and neither am I, but I believe in my core that we are all born pure and good. Just like my parents, I have a good heart. Despite my parents’ personal challenges, they gave me unconditional love. As it turns out, that was enough for me to feel grounded as a human being on this Earth. Their love heals me and inspires me to be the best version of myself every single day.

This 22nd year of life, I am giving myself the greatest gift I can think of. The gift of pure, unconditional love. The kind that is patient and kind. The kind that holds no judgement or fear. The kind of love that I deserve so that I can heal myself and this planet.

My birthday wish is for all my precious loved ones to show themselves the unconditional love they also deserve (and for them to feel my unconditional love). For love to hold us tight so we can continue to be protected, healthy, and happy at all times. <3

Cheers to 22.