September 30

Remember the ways you have grown since last year. And remember: You don't have to think of growth in linear, step-by-step ways. Like rings on a tree and flowing rivers, growth comes in many shapes.

Sometimes growth looks like having grown from one year to the next in age.

Sometimes growth looks like having been alive while flowers, trees, and blades of grass were growing, too.

Sometimes growth looks like realizing... you want to grow. You want to breathe deep and meet a new version of yourself.

Whatever "growth" looks like for you, no matter how big or small, and no matter if it feels like a set of stairs, tree rings, or a winding path, I just hope you know that even the most subtle ways you have grown are worth acknowledging, building upon, and being grateful for.