I’m 20, but life made me grow up quick. There was no slow transition, no step-by-step guide. Life just threw everything at me at once and said “deal with it.”

Some days I feel young. Other days I feel old. I’ve seen and felt things that aged me before my time. I learned how to pick myself up without waiting for someone to save me.

It gets heavy. I get tired. I cry. I get back up. Every time.

People don’t talk about how confusing this part is. You miss who you used to be, while trying to become someone better. You want rest, but you keep moving because stopping isn’t an option.

I’m still figuring myself out, but I know one thing for sure: I’ve survived everything I thought would break me.

So yeah. I’m only 20.
But I’m strong.
I’m changing.
I’m still here.
And I’m proud of me for that.

Coming up in December marks one full year of being in my own place 🏡🙏 It still feels unreal sometimes. This past year taught me so much about independence, peace, and what it really means to build a life that feels like mine. There were nights I sat in silence just taking it all in, realizing that after everything I’ve been through, I finally have a space that’s safe, calm, and full of love. It hasn’t been perfect. There were struggles, lessons, and moments I wasn’t sure I’d make it through but I did. Every challenge shaped me into someone stronger and softer at the same time. This home has seen my growth, my healing, my laughter, and even my tears. And through it all, I’ve had Cleo and Paddington right by my side 🐶🐾 my little shadows, my comfort, my constant reminders that love doesn’t have to hurt or be loud to be real. They’ve made this house a home in every way. So as December approaches, I’m just feeling grateful for peace, for progress, for the woman I’m becoming, and for the two fur babies that never left my side. Here’s to one year of standing on my own, and to everything still ahead. 💛✨

Some nights I don’t pray for answers, I just pray for peace.
Because sometimes the weight isn’t in the questions, it’s in the silence that follows them.

I love each and every one of y’all, even if you see me as the black sheep, the one who isn’t ‘successful,’ or the one who doesn’t measure up. The truth is, I’ve made it this far on my own, and that means more to me than anyone’s approval ever could. I’m still standing, I’m still fighting, and I’m still me and that’s something to be proud of.

Our new board and trains 🐶 #workstr #petstr #dogstr

Good Night❤️

do you think I’m cute? #dogstr

Heard you needed a hug 🤗 🥰 #dogstr #pupstr #petstr

Life’s a little brighter when you remember to dance.

Growth looks good on me.

My coworker of the day 🐶✨ #dogstr

Blood Isn’t Always Home

Some people wear your last name
but never earned your love.
They sit at your table
but never fed your soul.

I tried to call it loyalty
when I was really bleeding silence,
brushing off their stares,
their guilt dressed up as guidance.

You grow up thinking family means forever
but sometimes it just means
who taught you how to survive.
And who made you forget your worth
just to keep the peace alive.

I learned the hard way
that distance is protection,
not punishment.
That not everyone who shares your roots
deserves your fruit.

So I love from afar now,
quietly, carefully.
Because peace feels like home,
even if some of your family
never does.