• what did you learn about yourself in 2023? in what ways did you get closer to yourself?

i learned to accept the sentimental and sensitive side of myself, and to hold the side of my self that wants to run away as close as possible. i know why i run away. i got closer to myself by actively tending to my own needs and accepting my weak moments as time still spent with the world. i realized that there is so much that i'm capable of.

• what do you want to leave behind?

i want to leave the part of me that tries to be small, but also the part of me that tries to be someone else for other people. i'm always conscious of the way others think of me, but in that sense i am forgetting who i truly am by being someone i do not fully resonate with. i want to hold on to my thoughts and ideals as closely as possible. i want to understand that there is so much for me to learn, and i don't have to know everything.

• what do you want to cultivate more of?

i want to cultivate my capacity for love and relationships and to not hold back because of my own fears. i want to be there in the important moments, but also to know what's truly important to me. i want to care for others and my self. i want to live loudly.

• what's something in 2023 that your past self would be proud of you for?

my past self would be proud of me for being strong, but gentle. for allowing my self to crumble when it's necessary, knowing i have the wherewithal to pick up the pieces. my past self would be proud of myself for maturing beyond my own standards, and for having ideals that are not molded by other people's perceptions.

• picture yourself one year from now.

i am happier.