Over the past few years, I've been wrestling with personal issues that have been truly challenging for me. Some I've known and have been dealing with for a long time, only changing in form and (thank goodness) getting a bit easier. Others were parts of myself that were there all along, and were things that I had disregarded, attempted to bury, felt some shame or anxiety about, or just didn't know the words for. From familial issues to personal identity, it's been a bit of a crazy ride. I'm not sure I would have managed it, or ever been able to grow and change the way I have alone.

But I didn't have to. I have been so lucky to meet such amazing, caring, beautiful people who have helped me in so many ways I can't even describe. They have motivated, encouraged, supported, accepted, and inspired me, and right now I feel a kind of inner peace I never would have thought possible.

Some of you know who you are; some are undervaluing themselves even as they read this. Others probably have no worldly idea the difference they've made for me, and might not even see this. To all of you, this thank you is for you. <3