I’m 26 years old, and I recently started noticing a few fine lines around my eyes when I smile. 

The world may tell me that’s a problem to be solved, but I see something different. 

When I catch a glimpse of those wrinkly, crinkly creases around my eyes, I see proof of a life well lived. Moments made with people I love, jokes told, jokes enjoyed, stories unfurled. 

I see wisdom hard earned. 

I see the face of a girl who has not just gotten through life, but lived it. I see the face of a girl who has felt. Loved. Learned. Lost. Grown. Tried. Failed. Risen again. 

I see a girl who has learned true courage is only found after fear shows up, too. I see a girl who has imagined and dreamed of a life so rich, deep, vivid, creative, and expansive. And while she’s not all the way there (this isn’t Heaven, after all), I can recognize that she’s come so far. 

Because now? I write honestly on the internet. Heck, I share videos of myself talking (!) on the internet. These are not easy things to do, but they are things I’ve always dreamed of doing—things I’ve always known deep down were made for me to do. 

I have not arrived (do we ever?), but I’m on my way. 

That, all of that, is what crossed my mind when I caught a glimpse of myself in the Teams call the other day and first noticed a few fine lines. 

I know I’ve always been a girl with big heart and even bigger dreams. A girl with words on my mind to process and put down to share with you, dear reader. I’m so grateful you’re here on this journey of becoming with me. 

If you, too, have words and dreams you want to share, just know you’re not alone. You are not too much. You are not too deep. You are allowed to have these creative dreams. And here, those musings are celebrated. Keep going. Your gifts matter. xo

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Other posts you might like: 

— Here’s to the Makers

— When’s the Last Time You Created Just Because?

— Why I Think You Should Start a Blog

— Seven Minutes Closer _________________________________________________________________________________________