21 When I consider how far I’ve come since this time last year I am blown away. Time is a curious thing...I was on a completely different path when I was 20 turning 21. This year has been everything but expected but, just as I set out to do, it was a year of extreme evolution—my Butterfly Year. I am currently living and loving in my very own apartment, teaching art lessons, and devoting my time to introspection in action—self-growth. My year is book ended by experiences and achievements. I celebrated my 21st birthday adventuring around Kauai with my mom, and I am ending this year grounded in California celebrating with my friends and family. I am beginning this new year by seeking beauty in nature and enjoying the company of the people I love most. Each day I have worked on connecting with my core, advocating for change, learning how to communicate, living life with lightheartedness, and of course, following truth. As I reflect on this past revolution around the sun, I normally say: I cannot believe how quickly the last 12 months sped by. This year is more than a little different. Last October feels like a lifetime ago, so it feels good to pause and recognize the passing of time. It feels good to accept the world I’m in rather than live in denial of it. Despite the state of things, I am full of appreciation for the challenges that motivated me towards empowerment. Today I am sharing a few lessons I have learned at 21 along with 21 photos from this year ((although, I will add that these lessons are things that need to be constantly re-learned and put into practice)). Enjoy.  October 2019: Double rainbow landing in Kauai #1: Control is a myth.
 October 2019: Turtle in Kauai #5: I think the meaning of life is in seashell hunting which demands presence of heart, mind, and spirit. I walk the beach ((and more largely, this planet)) believing that there are treasures waiting for me if I simply look.
#6: Allow yourself time and space to be completely unattainable and unavailable to anyone but yourself. And not out of lack or when there’s no other option. Choose this. Plan time for and with yourself. #7: Be someone who you can depend on and enjoy without any doubt or hesitation.
 December 2019: Me and Katie watching the last sunset of 2019 at the beach with Mom #8: Give a full 100% to all you do, but not 150%. Allow others to do their 100% too, not just 50%. Other people are capable.  April 2020: Painting thank you cards for my professors at The New School #9: Don’t wait on the world to give you permission to fully live your life. I am my own permission slip. Signed and dated.  May 2020: Photo of me, by Katie
#10: Love takes on many forms and I consistently find that when I love a lot, everything is better. It seems so obvious, but emitting that frequency...it returns to me at random and that feels like magic. #11: Advocacy is often met with animosity.
#12: There’s a certain universality to sitting in a café to write and observe people. So why is it so common to crave this simple act in a foreign country? Strangers are strangers.
#13: Travel reinstills a sense of gratitude. When you can’t find it within, you can search without. 
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