Time to Scope out.

It’s been another year since I’ve been on Earth. Today, I am 25. I have lived my life thus far zooming in with a microscope instead of viewing it through a telescope to see all that’s around me. And this year, I learned how to scope out.

This year, I learned what true love is when I held my nephew for the first time and saw my sister blossom into the wonderful woman and mother she is today. Her eyes glitter with the fragility and strength of womanhood, and the courage and maturity of motherhood, which inspires me daily.

I learned another level of warmth, compassion, and gratitude from watching my mother give to anyone she can. She wants to see people happy and uses any resource she has to help others. Her ability to step in when needed taught me that love and support go hand-in-hand.

I learned that I could do things I had labeled “too difficult” from my father, who never wavers from a challenge. What I used to see as a stoic demeanor transformed into seeing him as a sensitive and capable individual who taught himself the skills he uses today.

I learned a deeper appreciation for music and the past from watching my grandfather sing songs from his childhood. His softness in chords kisses the pains of the past and teaches me that even the hardest times are beautiful.

I learned from my aunt that a person does not need to be the loudest in the room; instead, to be the listener with ears and heart open. She taught me the importance of authenticity and being a safe space for others, even if it seems quirky to others.

This year, I learned how to scope out.

This year, I learned more about how the stars circle the sky and the insignificance we have on Earth in the grand scheme of everything. I learned that the trees whisper tales to each other when the wind waves hello. I learned that grass on a microscopic level is smiley faces, teaching us that it’s okay to be happy with just being a part of the world. I learned the moon’s craters may be scars, but also a testament to her own resilience, a resilience that gives beauty.

I learned how important connection is. From the laughter of children on the squeaky swings in the neighborhood park to a bird’s song to its lover, to the moon’s and the ocean’s dance every night, we all crave connection. We all cherish the feeling of being while being next to one another.

After all the scoping out, all I feel is gratitude for the honor of being present at the same time as these people, experiences, and feelings. Scoping out to feel the gratitude makes looking at 25 so much sweeter. I wonder what I’ll learn next.