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Thank you for subscribing and supporting this newsletter. I am proud of the work I published this year — from breaking news to frivolous facelift content — and I have been able to work on the things that are important to me thanks to your support.

I have learned a lot this year! I’m writing it down so I can reflect on this point in my life in the future — something fun to look back on, but perhaps it will speak to some of you reading, too.

The last learning reminded me of my last birthday, where my friends surprised me with a cake I had saved on Instagram. I didn’t ask for it explicitly. When they brought it out at dinner, I almost burst into tears. A small gesture that made me feel seen.

If you were a part of “seeing” me this year, in any form, I am deeply touched. ❤️

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• You are young — despite all the media, social systems, your line of work and online weirdos making you feel otherwise. Stop aging yourself and enjoy the fruits of your youth while you still can!

• Being young, however, isn’t a badge of honor. It’s simply a state of being. You’ll be tormented by this term for the rest of your life, and somehow “old” will become a four-letter word. It isn’t. Keep trying to change that.

• At the risk of sounding like the most annoying person on the planet: you are right — you typically are. This will be a blessing and a curse. Perhaps wish for some moments where you’re wrong? And chalk it up to having a bitchin’ intuition.

• It will be tempting given the state of the world, but you must stick to your long held belief that talking about someone else’s looks, body, clothes, etc — especially people you don’t know —is disgusting. Don’t fall into the trap.

• You can say you’re an “extroverted introvert” all you want, but the truth is you love people and thrive in group settings — as long as it’s with the right people. Any time an outing, event, trip etc doesn’t fill your cup, you’re not with the right people.

• Your need to be alone sometimes is simply because you’re running on empty. If you’re secluding yourself, look inward.

• Just because it’s hard to get doesn’t make it worth it.

• Dance has changed your lease on life! Continue to take classes and use this as proof you should try more things you’ve been putting off.

• Work smarter, not harder. There’s plenty of things to be precious about, and a lot more that don’t need a second thought.

• Stop letting your fear of imposition and rejection keep you from achieving your goals. Ask the favor! People want to help you. And have some audacity for god’s sake. Everyone else does!

• You’re your most fun, carefree and whimsical self when you feel safe and seen. Take stock in those people.

• Your love language is conversation. This is why work is important to you. Instead of trying to “find balance,” which you have found to be unhelpful in the past, embrace the fact that your work and personal life blur lines. The people who see you know this and will cultivate that passion by taking interest in it.

• Visit your family more often! Everything else is secondary.

• Everyone is busy, those who care about you will make time to see you. (And after two missed hangs, take the hint and move on!)

• Kindly telling people they fucked up actually makes a difference for everyone involved.

• There is nothing you can’t tell your parents.

• Whatever is being said behind your back is only helping manifest success for your future. Consider voices speaking your name an act of support regardless of the motive.

• Stay passionate about your preferences and the things you love — these may be cheesy (Quinn obsessed. Halloween. Miss Piggy. Four Seasons Orlando. Britney. Prada Paradoxe. Disney. Hollywood et al.) but they make you you.

• Despite your cheesy passions, you can produce serious work as well. Stop pigeonholing yourself.

• You can develop friendships still! This is important. You’ll develop them with those older and younger and both will be fulfilling and eye opening.

• People who are intimidated by you clearly don’t know you. Or have something to hide.

• Being responsible is overrated. Let someone else take the reins every once in awhile. It’s time for you to let loose this year!

• You’ll truly understand the adage “to be loved is to be seen.” Focus on other people and give this gift to them.