Under great pressure, I have decided to write my first post! I thought about it—a lot—and here it is. This is how I’ve chosen to begin. I think every beginning carries a bit of that tension: a hesitation between fear and the desire to just start. I really just want to write…everything about anything. And to begin on the right foot, between you and me, dear reader, I will simply write. This is our start, and it will be a mess.
I don’t remember all my 2024 resolutions, but I do remember this tweet I wrote last December:
2024
- BE KINDER THAN YOU EVER WERE
- EAT
- MAKE A MAP FOR EVERY MANGO TREE YOU SEE
- FEEL SOMEONE'S HAND ON YOUR CHEEK (YOU KNOW WHO)
- SANCTIFY IT
- KEEP MORE ROOM IN YOUR HEART
- NOTICE THE FRESH MORNING
- BE AMAZED
- DRINK THE SUN
- FORGIVE IT ALL
I’m not sure how much of this I managed to achieve. Am I kinder? Did I forgive it all? (I didn’t.) But I was so full of love this year that I could burst. I experienced so many new things, discovered so much room in my heart, and was amazed at so much.
This was my first year as a teacher, and just writing about it makes my eyes fill up with tears. I discovered a world that fed my soul and reignited my desire to learn and grow. I love those kids and will carry them in my heart forever. (I hope I get to teach again in 2025.)
We also spent the last six months of 2024 in our home—the first we’ve ever had! And I love it. My idea of happiness is coming home. (And now, here come the tears again.) Our apartment feels like an extension of our hearts, it's warm.
Looking back, I do feel kindness and forgiveness in me, even if imperfectly. I feel healthier in my mind, more patient with my body. I stayed consistent with my work and never stopped.
So, dear reader, I’ll finish this letter here. My heart is overflowing, and what better way to introduce myself than with this torrent of feeling? Let’s keep exploring, growing, and being amazed—together.