Tomorrow I turn 22. Birthdays are milestones for me, especially since my teenage mental health led me to believe I wouldn’t make it this far. Despite that exceedingly morbid outlook, I continue to make it year by year and prove my younger self wrong. Weirdly enough I thoroughly enjoy proving snotty teenagers wrong. As my health issues evolved from my mental state into my physical state, I have a more positive outlook on birthdays. I experience pain and exhaustion daily, but a birthday is a reason to gather with family and experience togetherness despite the roadblocks. Every year on my birthday I get really reflective, I look to the positives of my past year and re-enjoy my experiences. I hash out what I am thankful for, and I share that joy and appreciation with loved ones. I also start looking towards my next year, thinking of goals and wishes I’d like to fulfill.

For my 22nd year I’d like to be more active, in many senses of the word. I would like to be active in movement and exercise. I would like to be more active in my communities; my neighborhood, my school, and the many groups I associate with. I would also like to be more active in my political actions; I think it is important to participate in political action; be it protests, calling representatives, or participating in collective action. A goal of mine has always been to keep doing my hobbies as long as they make me happy, for now thats knitting, biking, writing, and my environmental classes at school. Those interests evolve over time, and It’s important to reassess what makes me happy as I progress. Something I would like to get into is dog training, I don’t think I’m in a place to get a dog of my own, but I would like to take classes and help train my parent’s dogs.

As for this past year, I have so much to be thankful for. I am eternally grateful to my parents. I couldn’t do much without them. My mom is always there for me, even when she doesn’t have time to be. She takes me to my many doctor appointments, hangs out with me, answers most of my incessant phone calls, and encourages me when my health has me down. I couldn’t be nearly as organized and responsible without her guidance. She has honestly become one of my best friends as I progress into adulthood. My dad is also here for me, I appreciate his constant questioning, he pushes my knowledge seeking brain and challenges my ideas. They are always supportive of my academics, pushing me when necessary, and applauding my achievements, no matter how small. My best friend is a genuinely good listening ear, I appreciate every moment with them, even the moments that piss me off. We have healthy boundaries and we know when to avoid each other. I love that I am the person they call when they have a stressful or a happy moment, and I love that they are that person for me. I think my favorite de-stressor is listening to a passionate explanation of whatever medias he happens to be consuming day-to-day. I will never not appreciate a bitching session with him either. My partner is similar for me, I enjoy his company in many forms, whether it be cleaning up together, playing separate video games, or watching tv. His interests have worn off on me, as well as his anti-social tendencies, and hopefully some of his work ethic. I find myself wanting to be around him constantly, even when he wants alone time (his me-time is our-time in my opinion). I find we have a mutual respect and obligation to encourage each-other.

As I continue to age, as many humans get to do, I find my lists change. I don’t find the same things fulfilling as I did at 18 or 16 or 14. I like being a fluid and changing person, because that’s what makes me feel like I’m improving.

Thats all for now, keep growing

❤

a ripe 21 year old Aloe

p.s. I’m supposed to mention my Crested Gecko Hurl in here. And my hamster Barbara. And my leopard Geckos Wife and Spouse. And my snake Agave. And my fish Big Man. And my foster lizard Frozone. Shout out my momma’s dogs Harper and Opie while we are at it.