Ode to 28
“So, To Anyone Who Isn't Here To See How Far I've Gone Or How Far I've Yet To Go. To Family Members That Didn't Make It Or Friends I Lost Along The Way. Or Maybe Someone I Gave My Heart To That Didn't Know What To Do With It. You Should Be Here…” ~ Kehlani
It’s Official...Friday, April 23rd, 2021, Marks My 2nd Birthday In The Time Of Covid. My 28th Year Has Been One For The Books! I’ve Been Blessed Enough To Navigate Life Through Covid, Experience Tremendous Personal & Creative Growth, Maintain My Physical & Mental Health And Wealth, And I’ve Moved Towards A Clearer Vision Of My Life’s Path & Purpose.
Although Covid Has Taken So Much From So Many This Past Year And A Half, I’ve Gained So Much And Found Major Solace In The Little Things And Mental Milestones That We Usually Take For Granted In Our “Normal” Lives. I’ve Learned How Important It Is To Protect Your Peace & Energy. I’ve Learned To Adapt & Compromise. I’ve Learned To Tend To My Garden Of Passion & Happiness. I’ve Learned That Self Care Is Never Selfish Or Indulgent, But A Necessity. I’ve Learned The Value Of True, Genuine Friendships. I’ve Learned That Time Is Merely A Construct And Nothing Is Guaranteed In This Lifetime. Live In The Present, Always. Learn & Move On From The Past, Don’t Obsess Over The Future.
Being 28 During A Time Of Worldwide Uncertainty Has Been A Rollercoaster Of Emotions. Life Had Literally Changed In An Instant And Was Suddenly Filled With So Much Fear And Anxiety. There Were Some Unimaginable Highs But Also Extremely Devastating Lows. But To Be Totally Honest...I’m So Unexplainably Grateful For Each And Every Moment. Especially The Lows. Every Low I Experienced Lead To A High I Never Before Have Been Able To Fathom.
I’ve Realized The Importance Of Simply Being...Enjoying The Moment And Breathing. It’s Okay To Be Overwhelmed And In Those Moments It’s Also Okay To #Pause And Take A Step Back. I Am Not A Machine Nor Is My Worth Based Upon My Strength And Ability To Crash Headfirst Into A Concrete Wall. It’s Okay To Simply Stop And Go For A Walk In The Evenings And Admire The Sky Paintings. It’s Okay To Sit By The Water And Watch The Reflections Of Light And Daydream To The Sounds Of My Playlist. I’ve Learned To Simply Trust My Instincts And Go With Whatever Feels Right In The Moment.
Every Year, I Feel, Brings Me One Step Closer To The Version Of Myself That Will Be Ready To Execute My True Purpose This Time Around. Even The Years Filled With Hurt, Growing Pains, & Confusion. 28 Feels Like I Truly Love Myself And Have Reached A Stage Of Character Development Where I Am Absolutely Self Aware. So, I Am Super Psyched To See What 29 Will Bring.
I’m Thankful For The Days I’ve Been Able To Care For My Family. I’m Thankful For The Days I Was Able To Escape And Find Peace In Simply Sitting In Nature...Surrounded By Nothing But Water, Silence, And Soaking Up Rays Of Sunlight. I’m Thankful For All The Nights I Spent Crying On The Floor Of My Living Room. I’m Thankful For The Moments I Spent Walking Through The Darkness. I’m Thankful For The Health Of Myself And Those That I Hold Dear. I’m Thankful For Every Day & Night I Spent With My Best Friends. I’m Thankful To My New Friend Because He Came Into My Life Setting New Precedents. I’m Thankful For Every Moment Of Uncomfortability. I’m Thankful Because The One Thing That 28 Drove Home Is That Intrinsically, Life Is Really Just About Vibes And Surrounding Yourself With Peace, Positivity, And Love.
