a small boy

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It’s been a while since I’ve taken a moment to reflect, so here’s a little life update, one that’s been months in the making. Back in July, Robert and I decided to embrace change in the best way possible: by moving across the country to Maine. If getting engaged and graduating weren’t enough milestones for one year, why not throw in a big move to keep things exciting?

Leaving St. Louis, where I’ve built so many memories and friendships, wasn’t easy. That city gave me so much, a community of people who’ve shaped me, challenged me, and stood by my side through every high and low. Saying goodbye to those lifelong friends was one of the hardest parts, and I still miss them every day. But sometimes the hardest changes are the ones we grow from the most, and we knew this move would open up a whole new chapter.

And what a chapter it’s been so far! Maine is everything I never knew I needed. From the rugged coastlines to the endless forests, this place has a quiet magic to it. The salty breeze from the ocean and the stillness of the trees make every day feel like a deep breath I didn’t know I was holding in. We’ve spent our time hiking, exploring, and letting the slower pace of life here remind us to pause and enjoy the little things.

Maine life is different, in all the best ways. Coming from St. Louis, where it always felt like we were racing against the clock, this shift has been both refreshing and grounding. People here seem to know the art of slowing down. They take their time with their mornings, with their conversations, with their lives. It’s a culture of mindfulness and calm that’s really rubbed off on us. We’ve started slowing down, simply appreciating the beauty that’s all around us.

In a way, I think this move has allowed us to grow even closer. It’s been an adventure, yes, but also a period of reflection, grounding us in what really matters. We’re making new memories and creating a homestead that feels like it’s truly ours.

It hasn’t all been easy though. I miss St. Louis more than I can say, especially the people who made it feel like home. But Maine has been a gift, offering us space to breathe and time to explore what this next stage of life looks like. And I think it’s safe to say, I really, really like this little life we’re building here.

So here’s to new beginnings, to slowing down, and to seeing where this journey takes us next.

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This year has been filled with countless amazing moments, each a reminder of how lucky I am to have the people I have in my life and the love they show me. But among all the memories, one stands above the rest… The day I got to call Robert my fiancé!

Being able to spend my life with Robert is a blessing beyond words. Every day with him feels like a gift, a reminder of what it truly means to be loved and cherished. He has shown me a kind of love that I didn’t know was possible, a love that makes me feel safe, valued, and unconditionally supported. I feel like I can be my true, weird, passionate self when I am around him. I look at him and see not just the man I love, but the person I want to grow old with, the one I want to share all of life’s ups and downs with, the one who makes me believe in forever.

Before I met Robert, I thought I knew what home was. A place put together with walls and a roof. I’ve always searched for a place that felt like home, but now I know that home doesn’t have to be a place; it can be a person. It’s the way he looks at me, the way we laugh together until our sides ache, the way we face the world hand in hand, stronger together. With Robert, I’ve found my home, a place where I can be unapologetically myself, and for that, I am endlessly grateful!

I am so deeply thankful to live in a world where our love is recognized. Not long ago, the idea of same-sex marriage being legal across the United States was just a dream, and even now, there are countries where our love is still a crime. I think about those who came before us, who fought for the rights we now enjoy, and I carry their courage with me every day. It’s a privilege I don’t take for granted, and it fills me with hope for the future. For the day when every love is honored and every couple can dream of a future together without fear.

Here’s to the journey ahead, to the life we will build together, and to the love that has already brought us so much joy. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us, my love, and I am so happy to walk this path with you!

Shout out to our amazing photographer, too! He was wonderful to work with, making us both feel so comfortable and capturing the love we share in such a beautiful way. His talent brought out the best in us, and these memories will be ones we treasure forever.

📷: Zachary Steele

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Last month was a monumental moment in my life, one that I've been working towards for years. From as far back as I can remember, there's been a persistent voice inside my head, a voice that constantly belittled my abilities and whispered doubts into my mind. It told me I wasn't good enough, that I would never achieve anything significant, and that I wasn’t smart enough for college.

Despite these doubts, I persevered and I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. It was a culmination of years of hard work, late nights studying, and overcoming countless challenges. More importantly, it was a triumph over that persistent voice of self-doubt.

Standing on the stage, receiving my diploma, I realized I had proven that voice wrong. In that moment, a rush of pride washed over me. A pride not just in my academic achievement, but in my resilience and determination to defy the odds.

Yet, amidst the celebration and congratulations, I realized something important. I don't tell myself how proud I am of myself often enough. It's easy to focus on what lies ahead or the next goal to conquer, but it's equally important to pause and reflect on how far I've come and what I've accomplished.

So today, I take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate this milestone, to embrace the pride and gratitude that fills my heart. To remind myself that I have so many amazing people in my life to celebrate my accomplishments with. It serves as a reminder to myself, and to anyone facing their own doubts and challenges, that with perseverance, dedication, and belief in oneself, anything is possible

so, here I am again, doing the same thing. whoever you are, whatever you’ve been through, you made it to 2025—and that deserves recognition. I know 2024 might have been a tough year. maybe it pushed you, broke you, or dragged you through moments you thought you’d never survive. and maybe some of that is still lingering. but you’re here, reading this, and that means you’ve made it through every hard day so far.

it doesn’t always feel like an accomplishment because “it’s just another day,” but it is an accomplishment. life isn’t easy, and you’ve faced it one day at a time—whether crawling, walking, or sprinting. that’s strength.

so I just wanted to take a moment to tell you that I’m proud of you. genuinely. I can’t wait to see how resilient and courageous you’ll continue to be in 2025.

take a second—right now—to reflect on the past year. the good, the bad, or whatever you carry most. close your eyes, breathe deep, and let that breath carry you forward.

so here I am, a year later, making another congratulations post. whoever you are, you made it to 2019 and that deserves congratulations. I know that 2018 might have been rough, and I’m sure you went through some brutal stuff, and honestly a lot of what you went through might even follow you through into 2019. but you made it to the new year, regardless. it doesn’t seem like an accomplishment because “it’s just another day,” but I promise that it’s an accomplishment.

I just wanted to take a few seconds out of your year to tell you that I am genuinely proud of how strong you’ve been this past year and I cannot wait to see how strong you’re going to become in the new year.

take a moment to reflect on the past year, whether you want to reflect on the good or the bad, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and continue living. 

hi tumblr!

I'd like to introduce you all to Penelope. she's a succulent; an echeveria.

she's super gorgeous and amazing and I love her so much. she’s also really photogenic.

I've had Penelope since July 22nd, 2017; so about a year and a half now. I’ve been through a lot during that time period and she’s been there right by my side the whole way. it’s weird, but I have this strong connection with her, too. when I'm thriving, she's thriving. when I'm going through it, she's there going through it with me. when I moved out of my apartment she broke out of her pot and I had to repot her. (the real story is that I'm clutzy and I tripped and dropped her and her old pot shattered. but I had been planning on repotting her for a while!! I think Penelope just knew it was time for a new pot...)

her favorite things to do are to relax in the sun, soak up fresh water, and to be a soothing sound board for people to release all the day to day stress of living.

this is just a shout out to her, because she deserves it. I know most people would probably just think that she’s just a dumb plant, but I'm genuinely #obsessed with her. when I wake up in the morning before going to work I make sure to say good morning to her, check up on her, and wish her a good rest of the day.

so I just want you all to know, even if you think Penelope is just a dumb plant, she wishes you the best. no matter what you’re going through. if you’re going through some rough emotions right now, if you just went through a rough breakup, if you just lost a family member, if you were just fired from your job, if you feel like you just can’t do anything right, just remember that you’re in Penelope’s thoughts and she’s crossing her leaves in hopes that you’ll catch a break in life. if your family doesn’t accept you for who you are, remember that Penelope accepts and loves you just as you are. I know that doesn’t fix any of those situations or problems, but I know that if there was anything that Penelope could do to help you she would. (unfortunately, she’s a plant, so she’s very limited in the ways that she can help. but you’re all always in her thoughts, regardless)

step 1: put on some of your favorite tunes that give you goosebumps and make you smile wide (on a low volume)

step 2: get into your comfiest clothes (I suggest a onesie)

step 3: get a warm beverage (decaffeinated coffee, tea, hot chocolate, et cetera)

step 4: make yourself a light, healthy, warm snack (I suggest edamame)

step 5: get a note book and pen and write down all the names of everyone that you love/like and will miss (you could include your favorite memory with them)

step 6: next, write down some of your favorite memories (those times that made you forget about the pain, even for a moment)

step 7: write down some things you want to do (can be short term or long term goals)

step 8: write down something you like about yourself (doesn't need to be something physical)

step 9: hold on for one more day (I know you're strong enough to survive just one more day)

you will never speak to anyone more than you speak to yourself in your own head.

remember to be kind to yourself. fill your mind with kind thoughts that encourage growth and happiness. remind yourself that you're human and you make mistakes but that doesn't mean you're not a beautiful person, worthy of affection and gentle words.