this year

 i have lost family and i have lost friends 

people i thought would be around forever 

and they have led me to people i hope i never have to say goodbye to

i’m grateful for the ones who left to make space for those 

who see the value in who i am

who i don’t have to prove anything to 

who want the best for me and celebrate my wins without a hint of jealousy 

i am grateful that every rejection led me to where i am now

safe, secure, stable 

for the first time in my life i can see how the years ahead of me will unfold 

no, it isn’t what i dreamed of 

but it is absolutely worth the effort it took to get here