Today, I am 27.
This is not the birthday I had planned, but then again — few things about life these days feels like what I had planned. (I know I’m not alone on this!) If this year has taught me anything, it’s that life goes on regardless of my plans; so instead of wallowing, let’s celebrate the beauty right in front of me.
After all, growing older is an immense privilege. As I sit here today, I am struck with an enormous amount of gratitude for another trip around the sun.
A year ago, this project was a series of word documents — and a big dream. I laid on my back in my childhood bedroom, looking at the blue walls and out the window to the backyard, and thought about all the adventures I would have and the people I would meet. I couldn’t wait to get started.
Today, I’ve visited more than half of the states and talked to more people than I can count. I’ve driven thousands of miles along back highways and two-lane roads in search of the heartbeat of this country. I’m struck by how far I’ve come and what I’ve learned.
A year ago, I was eager about the work to be done but unsure if I was truly capable of delivering it. When I thought about the immense scope of the project, I felt unsteady in my own abilities and determination. What would make this dream different than other plans I’d had before?
Today, I am steadfast in my determination, confident in my abilities, and most importantly — immensely proud of my progress. The road has challenged me time and time again with big waves and small ripples, ones that made me look at the work, the world, and my inner self differently. I sit here today with a resounding conviction in my ability to get the work done.
A year ago, I knew that I needed to do this project but felt uncertain where it would lead. There were more questions than answers: was it naive to set out on my own so early? How would I complete all the work in an aggressive content and travel schedule? Could I stand on my own two feet without a team? Questions nagged at the back of my mind, but I felt drawn to the road regardless. In my gut, I felt those miles had the answers I craved.
Today, I know that while the road presents the opportunity to find the answers, they were most often within me all along. And even better — the rhythm of travel has set a soundtrack for seemingly limitless discovery. I trust myself more now than I ever have before. I do not need to know every answer or see months into the future; I just need to do the next right thing.
Looking forward, my mind races with the possibilities of my own personal new year. So much has changed during 26 — more than I could’ve imagined, possibly more than years before — that I feel fully enlivened by the challenge of another 365 days.
What will it bring? When I think back to laying in my childhood bedroom at this time last year, I feel an overwhelming wave of care for my previous self: everything that I thought I knew that got upended this year. Everything I held close that powered me forward. I felt so sure that was who I was, but now I look back and know I was still so incomplete.
This time next year, I’m sure I’ll feel the same when thinking back on the woman I am today. The beauty of time comes with one true consistency: change. Much like I couldn’t have planned for how I’m spending my birthday this year, I likely won’t be true in my vision of it next year. This year holds limitless opportunities for challenge, growth, and transformation.
And oh, what a beautiful thing that is.
