Manifesting Our Dreams
Reality is a peculiar and unusual place, and if one fails to pay attention, they may miss out on some pretty incredible things.
During my upbringing, I was raised in an extremely conservative religious household and taught to believe that "God" played a part in everyone's life. The belief was that if one behaved and followed God's commandments, they would be blessed, and if they did not, they would be cursed. I was taught about prayer and the concept of asking a higher being for assistance. If the prayer was granted, it was believed to be because of one's righteousness, but if not, it was assumed that the request was withheld for a greater purpose.
Fast forward to the present, where I am on the brink of my 42nd birthday, no longer a member of that religion nor do I subscribe to their beliefs. However, that religion served as a stepping stone for my personal belief in spirituality. Whether one calls it God, the universe, or anything else, I do believe that there is some sort of order to the universe, and we can manipulate the world around us with our thoughts, feelings, and willpower. Many books I've read, such as The Secret, The Compound Effect, The Alchemist, and Siddhartha, have touched on this subject. They all speak of how individuals have the power to shape their reality.
I discovered this power at an early age. Something I have kept to myself is that when I was still a member of that religion, anything I prayed for came true. At first, I believed it to be coincidence, and even experimented with prayers, but every time, the things I earnestly prayed for with genuine desire were granted. Sometimes, the request took years to come to fruition, but it always happened.
However, the results of my prayers were not always beneficial. More often than not, the very thing I prayed for turned out to be detrimental to my mental and physical wellbeing. This is where the age-old adage of "Be careful what you wish for" comes to mind.
After leaving my upbringing and seeking my spirituality, I stopped praying altogether. I refused to bow down to any deity or God that required subservience from its followers. I discovered that most spiritual practices do not require kneeling as an integral part of their faith or practice. So, with that worry out of the way, I continued to learn and study different ideas, spiritual principles, and the very idea of magic itself.
One of the things I have come to believe is that reality as we know it has an overall energy to it. An energy that moves and sways in its own wonderful and magical ways. And if we can tap into that flow, incredible things can happen.
At the beginning of this year, my wife and I shared a plan with the universe. It was not a well-crafted plan, and the details were hazy, but the end goal was clear. We had been discussing this plan for several years and decided, at the start of 2023, to commit ourselves to make it happen. Obstacles, hardships, and difficult times came our way, but we remained resolute in our choice. We were determined that our will would not be ignored, and our choice was firm.
Now, five months after we made that choice and stayed true to our desires, I am amazed as I watch the universe conspire to make our dreams a reality. It is happening, and nothing can stop it. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the universe for assisting us in reaching this point, and we eagerly anticipate what the future holds.
How AI-Generated Images Can Enhance Photography and Art
Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated images are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the fields of advertising and design. They offer a cost-effective, efficient way to create high-quality visuals without the need for traditional photography. However, some photographers and artists view AI-generated images as a threat to their profession, with concerns around originality and the possibility of stealing artwork from human artists.
So, where do AI-generated images come from? Essentially, AI algorithms are fed with a massive amount of data to learn patterns and create new images. This data can come from a variety of sources, including stock photo websites and even social media platforms. By analyzing these images, the AI algorithms can generate new ones that match the style and composition of the original images. This allows for a wide range of possibilities for creating new and unique images.
However, some people have raised concerns that AI-generated images can be used to steal artwork from other human artists. This idea is based on the premise that the AI algorithms learn from existing images, so there is a risk that they could replicate someone else's work without their consent. This raises questions about copyright infringement and intellectual property rights.
The truth is that AI-generated images do not necessarily steal artwork from other artists. While it is true that AI algorithms learn from existing images, they are not capable of replicating them exactly. AI-generated images are still unique in their own way and are created by a machine rather than a human artist. Additionally, most AI-generated images are created for commercial purposes, so there is little incentive for companies to try and pass them off as original artwork.
The use of AI-generated images as a starting point for human-created artwork is a growing trend in the art and design industry. With the ability to generate thousands of images quickly and efficiently, AI algorithms can provide a wealth of inspiration for photographers and designers looking to create something new and unique.
One way that photographers can use AI-generated images is by incorporating them into their own work. For example, a photographer may use an AI-generated landscape image as the backdrop for a portrait shoot, adding depth and interest to the final product. This approach can also help photographers to experiment with new styles and techniques, allowing them to push the boundaries of their own work and explore new avenues of creativity.
Another way that AI-generated images can be used to enhance human creativity is by providing a source of inspiration for artists and designers. By analyzing thousands of images and identifying patterns and styles, AI algorithms can provide a wealth of creative inspiration for human artists. This can be especially useful for artists who may be experiencing a creative block, as the AI-generated images can help to spark new ideas and perspectives.
In addition, AI-generated images can also be used to create entirely new forms of art. For example, artists can use AI algorithms to generate abstract patterns and designs that they can then incorporate into their own work. This approach can result in new and unique artwork that would not have been possible without the use of AI-generated images.
Overall, the use of AI-generated images in conjunction with human-created artwork has the potential to enhance human creativity rather than detract from it. By providing a source of inspiration and new possibilities for experimentation, AI-generated images can help photographers and artists to push the boundaries of their own work and create something truly unique. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more and more examples of AI and human collaboration in the art and design industry.
AI-generated images are a valuable tool for photographers and designers to create high-quality visuals quickly and cost-effectively. While concerns around originality and theft of artwork exist, it is important to remember that AI-generated images are not a direct replication of human artwork. Instead, they offer new possibilities for creativity and can be used in conjunction with human art to create something entirely unique. By embracing this new technology, photographers and artists can continue to push the boundaries of their work and explore new avenues of creativity.
If you would like to learn more about AI-generated artwork and how some photographers are thinking and acting upon it may I suggest reading...
Down the AI rabbit hole & It's not photography by Andy Adams
Breaking Free: Why Asking 'Why?' is Essential for Personal Growth and Change
As a photographer, I often reflect on how we are conditioned to suppress our curiosity and accept the status quo. This conditioning starts from a young age, where we are discouraged from asking "why" and labeled as a burden or nag if we persist. Truth be told, most adults don't have the patience for children, and they make it clear to them, most of the time their own children, that they are in the way, and talking too much. This lesson is learned young and is never easy to shake off.
As we grow older, we are told that certain things are just the way they are, and questioning them can lead to unpleasant consequences. As a teenager, we might question why things are the way they are. For example, why do teenagers have to wake up so early to go to school? Why is our life filled with activities but not rest? Why don't adults have as many activities as teenagers? Why are we being forced to figure out our career, school, marriage, relationships, and religion, all at a young age, with little experience and without even knowing who we are yet? When we ask, we're told that's just how it's always been done.
It's disheartening to see people give up on asking "why" as they become adults. We might learn not to ask "why" because the other person could become dangerous or erratic. When we ask our partner why they expect us to remind them to do the dishes, they might accuse us of being things we never were. When we question our boss why we have to work from an office for a job we can do better from home, we might be accused of playing lazy. And when we question why priests and religious leaders are still allowed to be alone around children, we're told to just have faith.
But deep down, we want to ask "why." We wonder why we can't do more for a better environment or cut interest from student debt. We question why we have to settle down, have kids, and own a house. And we wonder why we have to balance-beam walk across our lives, careful and patient.
As a photographer, I believe in using my art to challenge these societal norms and inspire people to ask "why" more often. Through my lens, I hope to capture moments that challenge the status quo and inspire others to take action. Whether it's through capturing the beauty of a person who has never received positive support or affirmation in their life or challenging the norm of women being told to cover up by insecure men, I believe that photography can be a powerful tool for sparking change.
I hope that by capturing these moments and sharing them with others, I can inspire more people to ask "why" and challenge the status quo. Because only through questioning and challenging the status quo can we create a better world for ourselves and future generations. It's time to break free from the conditioning that tells us to accept things as they are and start asking "why" more often.
From Photography to Videography: My Journey and Experience Shooting a Commercial
As a content creator, I often find myself asked to shoot video for various products or photoshoots. While photography can be challenging in its own right, shooting video presents a unique set of challenges that require a different set of skills and tools. The process of shooting video is more complicated, and the editing process can be much more time-consuming and complex than editing photos. However, with practice and learning, the process can be just as enjoyable and rewarding as photography.
Recently, I was asked to shoot a short commercial for one of my clients' hair curlers. The project presented some unique challenges, including capturing the movement of the curler and showcasing its unique features in a compelling way. My client had specific needs and wants, but I was able to work with them to come up with a vision that fit their needs and my creative vision.
The shooting process required careful planning and coordination. We had to carefully plan out the shots, ensure proper lighting and sound, and direct the talent to capture the right moments. Shooting video requires more equipment and preparation than photography, including tripods, lighting, microphones, and a host of other tools. It takes a lot of work to make everything come together in a smooth and seamless way.
The editing process was equally challenging. We had to carefully select the best takes, cut out any unnecessary footage, and add in any necessary sound effects or music. The process of editing video is much more time-consuming than editing photos, but the end result is worth it. We were able to create a short video that perfectly showcased the features of the hair curler and captured the essence of the brand.
Overall, I'm really happy with the results of the project. Shooting video requires a different set of skills and tools than photography, but it can be just as rewarding and enjoyable. With practice and patience, it's possible to create compelling videos that capture the essence of a brand or product. I'm excited to continue learning and growing in this area and can't wait to see what the future holds.
Embracing Brokenness: Finding Strength in Kintsugi and the Wisdom of Rocky
Life can be tough. It can knock you down and keep you there if you let it. But it's not about how hard you get hit, it's about how you get back up and keep moving forward. This is a lesson I learned firsthand during my divorce.
It was a dark time in my life, and I struggled to find hope and meaning in the midst of the pain and chaos. But then I discovered Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold, emphasizing the beauty of the broken and imperfect.
The idea of embracing my brokenness and seeing it as a source of beauty and strength gave me hope and a sense of purpose. I began to see my scars as something to be proud of, as they were a testament to my resilience and ability to keep going even when things were tough.
I never really talked about this small glimmer of hope I found during that dark time, so you can imagine my surprise and delight when I received an invitation to do a photoshoot that emphasized Kintsugi. It was as if the universe was reminding me to keep going and to not be ashamed of my damaged and broken parts.
During the photoshoot, I thought about the quote from Rocky that says, "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that!"
Those words resonated with me deeply. Life may be tough, but I am tougher. I am not defined by my scars or my brokenness, but by my ability to keep going and to keep moving forward. And so are you.
Remember that the next time life knocks you down. Embrace your brokenness and see it as a source of strength and beauty. Keep moving forward and don't be afraid to take the hits, because that's how winning is done.
Living Life on Your Own Terms: The Challenges and Rewards of Pursuing Your Passion
The world we live in is constantly changing, and not necessarily in ways that benefit the human race. Survival has become a challenge, and the odds seem to be stacked against the vast majority of us. We work hard to make a living and support ourselves, but the compensation we receive often doesn't reflect the effort we put in. Companies demand year-over-year growth to their profits, yet the employees who help them achieve those increases are often not compensated accordingly. We're stuck in a cycle where the cost of living continues to rise, but our salaries remain stagnant.
It's a harsh reality, but one that many of us face. And yet, there are still those who choose to take control of their lives and pursue their passions. They're the ones who switch careers multiple times throughout their lives, who take risks and try to live life on their own terms. I'm one of those people.
I started my career as an EMT, then moved into Occupational Health and Safety. After that, I transitioned into Sales and Account Management before finally settling on freelance photography as my full-time profession. It's a decision I don't regret, but it hasn't been an easy path.
There are many benefits to being a full-time freelance photographer. I make my own schedule, choose who I want to work with, and don't have to ask anyone permission to take time off or go on vacation. But there are also downsides. Finding clients can be difficult, cash flow isn't always guaranteed, and there's a constant feeling that I should always be working.
One of the biggest challenges of being self-employed is the pressure to constantly make ends meet. Bills don't stop just because you have a slow month, and the companies you owe money to have to make those year-over-year profits, right? It's a reality that many entrepreneurs face, but it's not often talked about.
Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and anxiety-filled hours. But for those who choose this path, the reward is the ability to live life on their own terms. They're able to pursue their passions and make a living doing something they love.
Is it worth it? That's a question only each individual can answer for themselves. For me, I want to say yes, but I am still new at all this and my final answer isn't in yet. I'm willing to take the risks and face the challenges that come with being self-employed because the alternative is to live a life that feels unfulfilling. I want to make a difference in the world, to leave a positive impact, and pursuing my passion as a freelance photographer allows me to do that.
The world may not be made for the human race to live, but that doesn't mean we can't make the most of it. We may face challenges, but with hard work and perseverance, we can create the life we want to live. We can pursue our passions and make a difference in the world. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
Why You Can't Please Everyone: Lessons from a Photoshoot
Hey there, fellow creatives! Adam Scott here, and today I wanted to share with you a recent experience I had during a photoshoot for a t-shirt company. I was hired to photograph their t-shirts and we went over all the details, talked about models, and reviewed all the requirements. Everything was set, and I was ready to go.
The day of the photoshoot was fabulous. The models were great, the lighting was perfect, and honestly, the photos came out amazing. I was confident that the client would be thrilled with the results.
But, as they say, sometimes things don't go as planned. The client didn't like the photos and gave me a 1-star review on my delivery. At first, I have to admit, it really bugged me. I put so much effort into the shoot and felt like I had done everything right. So why didn't they like the photos?
But after some thought, I realized that you can't please everyone. Just because someone doesn't like your work doesn't mean your work is bad. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and as creatives, we have to accept that not everyone will love our work.
What's important is that we do our best and at the end of the day, we are proud of our own work. We shouldn't let negative feedback bring us down or make us doubt ourselves. Instead, we should use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Of course, that doesn't mean we should ignore feedback altogether. It's important to listen to constructive criticism and use it to improve our skills and work. But at the same time, we shouldn't let it affect our confidence or stop us from creating.
So, my fellow creatives, let's remember to always do our best and be proud of our own work. Let's embrace feedback, both positive and negative, and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. And let's keep creating, because at the end of the day, that's what we love to do.
Cordelia
Yesterday, without warning or any signs, my beautiful dog Cordelia suffered a seizure. It happened sometime after 10am, and I noticed it when I got up to let her outside for the second time that morning. She had lost all balance, couldn't really walk, and when I did get her outside she started having convulsions and threw up. I didn't know what to do, which is weird because I have been trained in emergency management in past jobs and positions. Usually, I am the one calm during a crisis, but not on this day.
Cordelia came into my life almost 10 years ago. By every fact I had no right owning a dog at the time. I was an absolute wreck of a human being. I was going through a terrible divorce, I had almost no money to my name, and I was emotionally all over the place. But I was living in a house that was 1800 square feet all by myself and I was very lonely.
One morning I saw a Craigslist ad with a few pictures of Cordelia. The ad read that she was free to the 1st male she liked. Given that, at the time I couldn't afford adoption fees a free dog sounded great. So I got in my car and started to drive, but with each passing mile this little voice in my head started telling me what a terrible idea this was. At one point I even pulled over to the side of the road, and debated turning around, but I didn't.
When I got there her current owners opened the door of their home and out trotted Cordelia. She ran down the steps and I still remember her running down the dirt driveway to meet me. Her current owners told me how two other males had come before myself, and Cordelia wanted nothing to do with them, but she clearly liked me so she was mine. They never really explained why they were getting rid of her, other then to say that they didn't have the time to care for her because of their children.
So I coaxed Cordelia into my car and we drove home. That was the day she became mine.
I didn't know it at the time, but I had no idea the impact Cordelia would have on my life. Before Cordelia I was in a pretty dark place. I wasn't eating, and pretty much slept all day. Over the course of a few weeks I had lost 20lbs just due to not eating anything. But now I had this little fur ball to take care of. In the mornings she would jump on me to wake me up and tell me it was time to go outside. She accompanied me to Geek and Gamer Fitness, my gym, and would lay comfortably in one corner or another while I taught group classes. She was mine and she was rarely far away from me.
Eventually my time in WA came to a close and Cordelia and I packed up all our things and moved to sunny southern CA, but when we got there things did not feel right, so when the opportunity to go on a month long road trip popped up she and I packed a bag, jumped into the car and headed out to explore. We hit up Mammoth, Bear Mountain, The Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Moab, and even Vegas. We hiked up mountains, splashed through rivers, and slept out under the stars with a fire going. It was absolutely perfect.
Eventually, however, we had to return back to the real world. I was out of money, again, and so I needed to get back and earn some money so the two of us could eat. I took some weird jobs here and there, but no matter what I did, every night when I came home from work she would be there to greet me with her big tail wagging.
After awhile one of those jobs asked me to move to FL, and I took the opportunity. Cordelia and I packed up what I had, which wasn't much at the time. 9 boxes of books, 2 trash bags of clothes, a mattress, and a couple nick knacks and assorted keep sakes. It wasn't anything anyone would be impressed with, but we hit the road and drove cross country till we reached Jacksonville FL.
The job I had taken in Jacksonville turned out to be kind of a scam, and the apartment we were living in was not in the greatest neighborhood, but some of my favorite memories are in that tiny little bedroom, with Cordelia on the bed laying next to me while I read one of my many books. It was just me and her...until it wasn't.
I don't think either one of us expected what happened next, but suddenly there was Leslie. She didn't care that I was a messed up, emotionally fragile, broke, man. She saw a cute guy that she liked, and a beautiful puppy that she immediately loved. She didn't ask anything of either one of us. She loved us as we were, even when we were homeless, penniless, and damaged she loved us. Leslie brought us into her life, and introduced us to her parents, Edna & Ruban, and they too didn't care about any of our flaws. They saw two souls who had each other, and just wanted to be a part of their lives.
One Christmas we were visiting Edna & Ruban and Edna had decorated for the holidays. This meant that she had several nativity sets spread out all over the house, including the living room table. Now Cordelia loved Edna and Ruban and this meant that her tail was wagging. He big giant fluffy tail that had a mind of it's own, and before anyone could stop it her tail hit one of Ednas nativity sets and it crashed to the floor and broke. I was mortified, as was Leslie, Cordelia had no idea what happened, and was just confused why no one was petting her. Edna being the woman she is told us not to worry. She swept up the broken pieces, hugged both myself and Cordelia and told us that we were more important then any decoration.
We had found our family. People who loved us and cared for us regardless of our past, our mistakes, and our flaws.
Over the years Edna and Ruban have taken in and cared for Cordelia when Leslie and I were out of town. They loved her as her own, and were always willing and excited to take care of her and see her. They will never know how much their love has meant over the years.
In 2019 Leslie and I decided to get married in a small ceremony here in Orlando. We invited only our immediate family and a few close personal friends. As was right and fitting Cordelia was our Flower Girl, and we had even made a small flower ring for her to wear. During the ceremony we asked our friends Chad and Carrie to hold Cordelia while we got married, but Cordelia was not happy about this. She made it very clear that she was going to stand up there, together with her people, and no one was going to stop her. So there we were...What started out as just me, and then Cordelia, suddenly became three. We were a family. We were whole.
Leslie and I have so many memories of Cordelia. Most of the photos on our phones are of her, and we have enjoyed every single moment we got to spend with her. She was loved by so many people and she happily accepted pets from anyone who was willing to offer them to her. She has been one of the best things that has ever come into my life, and I can honestly say that she saved me. She loved me when I was absolutely unlovable, and she didn't care. I was hers, and she protected me.
When the time came it was swift, sudden, and unexpected. Leslie and I held her close and told her how much we loved her as the drugs took effect and she crossed over.
Now me, personally, I am not sure if I believe in any kind of afterlife, but I remember a story of a man who lost his dog to death. After his dogs death there was a hole left in his heart that was never really ever filled, and he carried that hole with him for the rest of his life. When the man finally died and crossed over to the other side he was greeted by an angel who smiled and said that he was glad the man was finally there, because someone had been waiting for him, and with that the man looked up and saw his dog running towards him. After so long apart they were finally together again and the hole in his heart was filled.
If there is an afterlife, I really hope that Cordelia will be there waiting for me on the other side. She has left a hole in the hearts of me and Leslie that I don't think will ever be able to be filled, but maybe, just maybe someday, Leslie and I can see her running towards us after a long time waiting.
I miss you girl, and I hope you know how much I loved you. Thank you for saving me.
3 Book Series EVERY Man Should Read
Growing up, we are often bombarded with societal expectations of what it means to be a "real" man. We are told to be strong, stoic, and always have it together. I myself grew up being told over and over again "When I was a child I thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things." The first time I can remember my Father telling me that was shortly after I turned 8 years old. But let's face it, life is messy, and sometimes we need to let loose and have some fun.
When I was younger, I had this idea that being a man meant I had to be serious all the time. I thought I had to let go of my childhood hobbies and interests and focus on "mature" activities. But the truth is, being a man is not about conforming to outdated stereotypes or what society thinks we should be. It's about being true to ourselves and embracing the things that make us happy.
For me, that meant embracing my inner geek and diving back into my love for Dungeons and Dragons. It also meant allowing myself to indulge in my favorite movies and books, no matter how silly or childish they may seem to others. And you know what? It felt good. It reminded me that being an adult doesn't mean we have to give up the things we love.
So, to all the men out there who feel like they have to conform to society's expectations, I urge you to let go of those notions and embrace the things that make you happy. Whether it's playing video games, reading comic books, or watching cheesy rom-coms, do what makes you happy. Life is too short to live it according to someone else's standards.
And on that note, here are a few book recommendations that I believe every man (or anyone, really) should read:
- Old Man's War by John Scalzi - This science fiction novel explores a future where humanity has colonized the stars and follows protagonist John Perry as he joins the military at the age of 75 to fight for the future of the human race.
- The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher - As you mentioned, this urban fantasy series follows Harry Dresden, a professional wizard and private investigator in Chicago. The series is action-packed, full of humor, and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne - This fantasy series follows the adventures of Atticus O'Sullivan, the last of the Druids, as he navigates through supernatural dangers and encounters gods, goddesses, and other mythical beings.
Remember, reading is a personal and subjective experience. Don't let anyone tell you what books you should or should not read. Instead, focus on finding books that you enjoy and that make you happy.
Ultimately, I learned that being a man is not about adhering to rigid stereotypes or societal expectations. It's about being true to yourself and embracing the things that make you happy, even if they involve wizards, dragons, or spaceships. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to ride a dragon into battle or blast off into the galaxy with a motley crew of misfits? So go ahead, embrace your inner geek, and revel in the wonder of fiction and fantasy. After all, life is too short to take ourselves too seriously!
From Hot Mess Express to Happily Ever After
Valentine's Day is upon us, and I'm not the biggest fan of the corporate nature it has become. But, that doesn't mean I can't take a moment to appreciate the woman who has made my heart skip a beat.
After my divorce, I vowed to never get married again. I was in a vulnerable and lonely state of mind and the last thing I wanted was to open myself up to that level of vulnerability again. I did dabble in the dating world, but I made some rookie mistakes.
Firstly, I started dating too soon. I wasn't over my divorce, and instead of finding meaningful relationships, I ended up just bleeding all over the people I tried to date. Not cool, Adam, not cool. Secondly, I had this idea in my head that I was unworthy of love, so I dated people who were not a good fit for me. Let's just say it wasn't a successful strategy.
But, then came "her." I wasn't expecting her at all. I was ready to swear off not only marriage, but dating altogether. Then, out of nowhere, she caught my attention. We had known each other for years, but during a late-night chat session, I found myself saying words before my filter could kick in and stop it. Thankfully, my filter failed because having her in my life is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
When we first started dating, I had nothing to my name but a cute puppy dog, nine boxes of books, two garbage bags of clothes, and a mattress on the floor. I was literally a hot mess. But, she chose me, and that's all that mattered. She saw something in me, and despite having no money, no home, and no place that was mine, she chose me.
She has been by my side through everything. We have gone on adventures to many places, and she has stood by me through unemployment, family hardships, and the death of a friend. She's even supported me through my bizarre career changes and strange ideas. And, when I didn't deserve it, she forgave me and reminded me of my self-worth time and time again.
She is my person, my safe place, and the one who makes me believe that love is worth fighting for. Together or not at all, it's us vs. the world from this day and forever.
So, on this Valentine's Day, I want to give a shout-out to my lovely lady. Thank you for being mine and for choosing me even when I was a hot mess express. I promise to keep being the weird, quirky, and slightly chaotic partner you fell in love with. Here's to many more adventures, laughs, and bad jokes together.
