27 — Gwen

Dear 27 Years Young Me,

Can you believe that you’re almost 28? Goodness, I just have to laugh, shake my head, and smile. Time really does seem to be flying by these days. Although at the time of writing this, you are about to turn 27, and the world is a little crazy and you, in turn, feel like the days are dragging by and it’s really just March 31st on repeat for the 87th day in a row. So, by the time you (re)read this, you’ll be approaching your 28th year around the sun. Since this year is a little different, your 26th year old brain thought it would be a good idea to look back on this past year, 26, and see what 27 may hold.

2020 and the majority of your 26th year was roughly, amazing! Ok, maybe not all around amazing, but it sure has been something! As one of those years that will literally go down in history because of the wildfires, racial injustices, protests, COVID-19, the lockdowns, the economy, the evil oompaloompa, the shutdowns, the conspiracy theories, and the murder hornets; all that aside, the majority of your personal 26th year was incredible!

At the start of your 26th year, you got Artie, were working full time and part time, and truly loving life, who knew that in a few short months so many crazy things would be happening! Here are some of the bigger moments of your 26th year and some of your major prayers for 27, love.
In February 2020, just days before your half birthday, you made a big move and you started working at your dream job! And seriously you are still crushing it! You’ve learned the belly of the beast that is Salesforce, and you’re still alive! Heck, you actually enjoy working in databases now!

Announcement! I now work for Water for Good!

Man, if 2017 gwen could see you now as she struggles with Salesforce for Thirst Project, she would truly stand in awe. You’ve gained an odd satisfaction that comes with data collection, numbers, reports, and Excel spreadsheets. You’ve gotten to dream more about your role and ways to connect with donors and share about the importance of ending the global water crisis and in your 27th year, you’re going to put it all into practice!

Your fields are flourishing, beloved and it is stunning.

In your 26th year you made a big move and a few weeks before 27, you moved a bit more. Who know, maybe before your 28th you’ll have another big move… maybe overseas… or closer to water? No matter where home base is, during your next twelve months, you’ll learn more about what “home” means to you and how to welcome people into your space. Just as during quarantine when you learned just how much you need your precious sanctuary.

In your 26th year, you got to go to the water four times! Even though the whole country shut down, you still got time near the water. I pray that you get to go at least twice during your 27th year if not more. Each time you went, you felt refreshed, rejuvenated, your soul more peaceful. The water really is your happy place. I pray that you also get to use those airline credits you racked up during 2020! Your passport is burning a hole in your pocket, darling, England is calling!

A beach is a beach, Indiana Dunes June 2020

As you approached 27, you walked boldly into who you truly are, and love, you are amazing. You are exactly who Papa made you to be and you are encouraging so many others and most importantly, you are being true to yourself and that beloved, is the most brave, bold, and beautiful step you could ever make.

I pray that during 27, you continue to find your voice. You continue to learn what sparks your fire and that you fight for it. I pray that you continue to use your place of privilege as a place of spreading awareness and sharing what is truly happening around the world, even when it’s uncomfortable, especially when it’s uncomfortable. I pray you continue to be a social justice advocate.

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I pray that you continue to speak truth and life over your life. These past few years you have continued to deconstruct what you thought you believed and relearn the Truth and that is beautiful.

In your 26th year, you lived life fully. You laughed, you created, you painted, you enjoyed it! You made small things like cooking, more exciting and fun. You tried new recipes, you cooked for friends, you baked for neighbors. You found Life at the Table in a whole new way. I pray that in 27, it’s amplified. That you continue to share your love of food with others, that you continue to make it fun and find new recipes to bring to life. I pray that you continue to find joy in the small projects and that you continue to create, beloved, it’s what your soul is made of. And just like in 26 when you focused on your health and wellness and physical fitness journey, that you continue to make it a priority. Just remember how much calmer your mind and body feels after consistently working out, even when it’s hard, you are so much stronger for doing so.

Scrapbooking Europe! It only took me 4 months to finish!

Why have a normal colored waffle when you can make it fun?

Cream colored light switches are vastly overrated.

Redecorating projects during COVID. There’s always more to paint!

Your heart has fallen in love these past few years, beautiful, and you are doing so well. Years before, commitment terrified you, and look at you now! You are so brave in choosing to share your romantic life with those around you and the beautiful soul that you have fallen in love with. I pray during this next year that during this next season of your relationship that you two grow more together, learn more about one another, and continue to challenge each other to pursue what sets your souls on fire.

Beloved, 27 will be amazing. Think of all the amazing things that you have accomplished over these past few years. 27 will be nothing short of amazing. You’ve got family, you’ve got friends, you’ve got Artie & Archie, you’ve got Abby. You excelled during quarantine part one, so Lord knows, you can make the most of the first half of your 27th year, or all of your 27th year if this continues. It’ll be a grand adventure darling!

Kellen & I in Febu — Kellen & I in February 2020.

Cookie decorating fun with bugs! December 2019

Jess, mr Vespo, me and Mila at Kierstin’s baby shower!

Me, Abby, & Rachel at Jared & the Mill Fall 2019

Jes, Kierstin and I having dinner fall of 2019.

You’ve got a Father who’s looking out for you and you’re got a bunch of ideas in that beautiful brain of yours. Keep moving forward, keep an eye on the horizon (and an eye on flights!) and we’ll keep rocking this beautiful thing called life.

Cheers, 26! You’ve been amazing, you’ve rocked my socks off, and I am so thankful for you and all that I’ve learned these past 365 days.

27, I love you already, and cannot wait to make some memories!

PS: if you’d like to celebrate my birthday with me, I’d love to send you a copy of my book, Wandering 20’s! Comment below, message me, or email me for your copy! I’m selling them for $12, including shipping! ($12 since my birthday is the 12th!)

If you’d like to give financially to one of the many orgs that hold my heart, check out the links below!

City Surf Project is an amazing organization that works with innercity youth in San Fran and teaches them the joys of surfing, environmental impacts, and most importantly, confidence! Click here to give.

Water for Good is an amazing organization that works to provide clean water to the Central African Republic. The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world and about 70% of the country does not have access to safe, clean drinking water. Click here to give.

Thirst Project is an epic youth-led water activism organization that is working to educate and encourage young people to help end the global water crisis. Click here to give.

Black Lives Matter is a critical organization, especially right now. Please, click here to give.