Today I Turn 32
I’m closing out one rotation around the sun and 12 moon cycles around me. According to Neil deGrasse Tyson, this year I completed being alive for a billion seconds.
This past year was one of so much change and transition, that I decided to do a completion ritual on my last day of being 31. I journal wrote and made lists of the following:
My highlights of the year
My hard moments I made it through
My trips
New things I tried
My moments of putting myself out there and being seen (this was my 2019 New Year Intention)
Things I let go of
The 31 people and things that inspired me and supported my growth this year.
So much happens in a year, and we often don’t often pause to reflect on what happened. In doing this ritual, I got a sense of how much I accomplished, survived, and grew. What surprised me was how many new things I did like learning to oil paint, getting my first coaching clients, and meeting Misty Copeland.
Acknowledging people is one of my favorite things to do, so below is my gratitude list.
31 people and things that inspired me and supported my growth at 31
Tiago - The number 1 supporter of making my dreams come true. Thank you for supporting my crazy idea of moving to Mexico, giving me the courage to start my own business, and trusting me with leading your business.
To the almost 300 people who made it to one of our 4 wedding celebrations, thank you for making me see how loved I am. I didn’t really get it until this year.
Daniella - Thank you for being the powerful force and protector of our family. You inspire me every day with your dedication to your kids and work transforming the education system. Actually surprising you on your bday was one of the highlights of my year.
Mom - For inspiring me seeing your incredible happiness this year living your best life, while also continuing to be there for all five of your kids, including throwing me a special brujeria bridal shower.
Dad - For being my number 1 teacher and growth generator. I still can’t believe you organized a reception for my courthouse wedding in under 48 hours, complete with a band and a dance floor. Thank you for being there.
Mexico City - My creative inspiration. Thank you for being so open, accepting, and exciting. The honeymoon phase is wearing off, but the more I get to know you, the more I love you.
Adriana - My partner on this journey creating Win A Fulbright. Thank you for being the best grammar editor I’ve ever met and being one of the most fun people I know.
Chloe - Whenever I am in a rough space, I channel you. You inspire me to be more like you… more carefree, more self-expressed, more loving, more fun. Thank you for creating Own Your Magic and being there for me in my hardest moments.
Max and Dani - I can’t believe I had to travel to Mexico to meet two guys from Guate who are mine and Tiago’s friend soulmates. I’m so grateful we crossed paths on Twitter into real life.
Nicole, Sanya, and Mayra - My besties. Although we are far apart, it’s always like no time has passed between us. You have each hosted me on an air mattress, fed me, and traveled to spend time with me this past year. I love you like my sisters.
Karina & Selina - You both inspire me to be more woke and more bold. Thank you for relying on me for help. It makes me feel special. I’m so proud that you are my sisters.
Anthony - Watching you grow into adulthood has taught me so much this year. Thank you for being your own person and coming out of your shell.
Valeria and Wayne - You are the best in-laws in the world and give me insight into the future travel, kids, art life we are trying to create. Thank you for feeding me so much incredible food and upgrading my accessories and style with all your fashionable gifts.
Paloma, Grant, Marco, Kaitlyn and Lucas - The best sibling-in-laws. I have so much fun with you all, love all our deep talks, love going dancing, and love that I can just pick up the phone and call you about anything.
Rolando - My ride or die. Nobody makes me laugh harder than you. Thanks for always being down.
Raphael - Thank you for officiating our wedding. You created a space that completely embodied us, and I wouldn’t have trusted anybody else to do this.
Nick - I feel more myself with you than I do by myself. Thank you for always being a huge source of encouragement.
Win A Fulbright Students - Thank you for trusting me with your dreams. It pushes me so hard to do the best work I can do.
Mariia and Catherine - I couldn’t think of two better people to be in the trenches with while putting together the anti-displacement event. I learned so much working with you.
Cesar and Luz - For teaching me your art while being patient with my Spanish. You have renewed my love for dance and art and pushed me past what I think I am capable of.
Chuyita and Alfredo - I couldn’t have had a wedding in Mexico without your help. All of your recommendations outdid anything I could have imagined.
Palm Beach County Library - Working with you this year inspired me to become a librarian in my next career. I can’t think of any job that is more committed to serving all people, of all backgrounds, and all abilities.
adrienne maree brown - Your words on a page transcend to my core and continually inspire me. Thank you for helping me reimagine my work and place in this universe.
Octavia Butler - Lilith’s Brood opened up a whole new paradigm for me to imagine a world with equality at the center. It gave me hope for our human evolution.
Marie Forleo - For being a model of what is possible when you align all your passions into something without knowing what will happen. I’m following in your footsteps.
Ting Kelly - Thank you for creating and guiding us through your Nightingale Year End Review class. It set the tone for 2019. I can’t believe how aligned I’m living up to my intention and goals for the year.
Tide Turners VIEW workshop - Thank you for making my mental space so much lighter and giving me ease with things that have been weighing on me. Thank you for transforming my trying to “fix everyone and everything” compulsion into a mode of love and acceptance.
Dave Perell - Thank you for creating Write of Passage. I am so inspired by how big of a life you have created at such a young age. Your passion and drive is contagious.
@fortelabs Twitter Followers - Seriously you have been the most helpful people to us in Mexico from helping us get an apartment to making friends here. I can’t believe you know so much and are so willing to help us on this journey.
To all the new moms in my life Kaitlyn, Elisa, Angelica, Michelle, Tara, Chiara, and Milosi - Watching you all juggle motherhood and your womanhood is a huge inspiration.
Medical Medium - I don’t really care how you arrived at your health advice, but somehow drinking celery juice every day has made health problems I’ve had for years be under control.