A love letter to my friends

Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose

As we end 2022 and enter 2023 I can’t help but reflect on how much things have changed for me and for those around me over the past 12 months

I have experienced a lot and felt a wide range of emotions, but I know I am incredibly fortunate to have such a strong support system that consistently has my back and holds me up when life gets tough, and also to have created beautiful new friendships during that time as well. Building these connections helps me see the magic in the madness, because without the twists and turns life has thrown at me this year, I might not have had the pleasure of knowing these wonderful humans

What better way to bring in the new year than to express my deepest love, gratitude, and adoration for those around me? So, with that - Here’s a love letter to my friends (and loved ones)

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To my friends, family, and partner

Words simply cannot do justice to how deeply I love you, but I will do my best to reflect back to you the bright light you have so kindly shined my way all year

As I navigate the depths of grief, trauma, change, and all the stresses of being an adult, I am constantly in awe of how graciously you hold me up even when you, yourselves are experiencing your own combination of life lessons, stresses, and emotions. It’s honorable how selfless, compassionate, and encouraging you have all been to me. It truly has made the world of difference to my mental health and for that, I am forever grateful

For those I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this year, it genuinely feels like I’ve known you for a lifetime. Our instantaneous family connections and unbreakable adoration for each other are nothing short of magic, I wouldn’t change a single shitty thing that’s happened to me in my life, that played a role in leading me to this incredible group of people at this exact moment in our lives

Connection has always been at the top of my list of values and priorities and getting to know you all, has made me so happy and full of love, even during times when I’ve felt sad, stressed, anxious, exhausted, and every other emotion I’ve experienced this year. Being surrounded by your smiling faces, loving hugs, and incredible dance moves makes everything better

I am in a constant state of appreciation and adoration for the people in my life, I feel insanely lucky to know connection and support in the way that I do and for that, I cannot thank you all enough

Thank you for being so understanding, even when in some cases you might not know exactly how I’m feeling

Thank you for allowing me the time and space to be and feel whatever it is I need to, without hurrying me to move on before I am ready

Thank you for reminding me of my power and who I came here to be because sometimes I forget

Thank you for making me smile and laugh, knowing that even though I might not feel like doing it, it’s healing

Thank you for accepting all of me, and never making me feel silly for how deeply I feel everything

Thank you for being on my team, no matter what

I hope this new year brings you every happiness you could ever dream of, and that you have fun and enjoy whatever it is you choose to do because no matter what that is, I know it will be full of magic, just like you

Your generosity and graciousness have never gone unnoticed or unvalued, and I will spend my entire life doing my best to return it all back to you. You shine such bright, sparkly lights throughout my entire universe, forever illuminating the good in the world and outshining the bad. My light will never go out, because of you

With infinite love and the deepest gratitude,

Skye xo