I’ve always loved the quote, “To be loved is to be seen,” and this birthday I felt that in every possible way. I got to experience my first omakase (still can’t believe it took me this long), and when they brought out a birthday treat and started singing, I cried. Yes, over ice cream and a candle. But honestly, everything makes me cry these days. Maybe it’s because I’ve become softer. More open. More willing to let people in. There was a time in my life when I wore being independent like armor. A time when I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel this safe, this settled, or this loved. And yet here I am. A little over a year ago, I moved to New York knowing very few people. Now I’m surrounded by old friends I’ve reconnected with, new friendships I’ve built, and a life that feels more like home than I ever imagined. One of my best friends texted me yesterday and said, “The version of you from a few years ago would be so proud of where you are now.” I think she’s right. To everyone who celebrated wit...