26

Tonight, I’m turning 26. 

Fireworks celebrating France’s national day will pierce Paris’ sky an hour before midnight, and then I’ll grew a year older.

I spent the day reading and recovering from my surprise birthday party the evening before. 

I feel blessed. I have a job I love, a roof above my head, clothes to keep me warm, and food in the fridge. I have a family that cares about me and is doing well. I enjoy great freedom. I can live anywhere, be anyone, and no clock to tie me down. I still have my health. I have two good legs to walk, two hands to mold reality, and a heart to taste joys and sorrows. I have good friends. I’ve been longing for them for so long—close to six months: my wish to see them has finally been granted.

I already have everything to be happy. And yet, the journey is far from over. I still know so little. There is so much to do, so many wonderful things to see, and so many people I have yet to meet. 

The following years promise to be just as exciting. I set out two years ago to dedicate my 20’s to mastery and self-discovery, which leaves me four years to find the answers I seek.