On closing a chapter.

October 5, 2022

One year ago today marked the start of the hardest six months of my life.

In the span of half a year, I lost all of my closest friends, I lost my stable housing, I lost my job, and I nearly lost my life.

Almost as an antidote to the suffering I experienced, the following six months have been some of the most beautiful and rewarding.

I gained an incredible community of people surrounding me, including some of my best friends and roommate. I landed the job of my dreams and found stability through a stronger commitment to managing my bipolar disorder and addressing my codependence. I played with the @allbluesrugby and went to a National Championship. And I spent an unbelievable summer in Brooklyn, playing 7s with @nyrcwomen and having the unique opportunity to experience an extended trial period in the place that will become my next home.

In less than four weeks, I will close this chapter in my life, ship everything I own, and punch a one way plane ticket across the country.

The Bay Area has been maybe the most impactful and challenging stop on my life’s journey thus far. This is the place where I evolved into my authentic self, with all of the growing pains that came with it. Although it was never really meant to be the Home I’ve been searching for since I left Niagara at 17, it has dutifully served that purpose for half a decade.

Here’s to the real ones, on both coasts, who have stuck with me and played a part in this wild act of my unpredictable yet ultimately beautiful life. Here’s to new adventures and tribulations, and hopefully a whole lot of love. And here’s to you for being along for the ride.