Life is one long practice of creating and shedding skins. Like snakes, we wear our skin until we discover that it is too tight, that it leaves no room for continual growth and that its nature is rather restrictive. We sense that our skin, however pretty, is too small and know life is calling us to something greater—something more fitting. So, we let go and we grow.

The process of becoming is an enduring one; the process of endurance is a meaningful one.

Looking back at this past year, I see many skins shed. Old friends and relationships have changed; some relationships ended and many began. I realized that life calls each person to their own mission, and relationships may last only for a season. This doesn't lessen value. Each exchange was meaningful and I learned something from everybody. Above all, I learned to enjoy unconditionally.

It is always easy to gripe and grumble, if you leave room for it. Life is sweeter, though, with moments of thanks and hearty laughter.

I remember the moment my wheel fell off my car in front of Dutch Bros. Coffee and so I sat in the middle of the road for an hour, laughing at the misfortune. This was a true first-world problem that would not have been so easily dealt with had I not had friends with me who looked on the bright side and who knew how to laugh. I send a big "thank you" to those who chose to laugh with me when we had every reason to brood. These are the moments I remember!

We seek to embody visions of who we want to be as if we will then be finished, complete, and happy. But we are never finished; the chrysalis is constant. It is easy enough to forget that we are still becoming. Dreams are pursued and goals are met, but they are constantly evolving, just as you are!

There will never be a moment in life when becoming is absent. Realizing this strengthens the hand of grace. We are still becoming friends, lovers, students, mothers. In the midst of challenge and in the midst of glory, we are still becoming. We learn and expand. In these moments, we can choose to shed our old skin and grow into something stronger, wiser, and bolder. This is the process of becoming.

Forgot the finish the line! Life is not a race; you have no competitors who can win over you. We are all mapping out our own trails and you will meet friends who have chosen to run the same path whether it be for a moment or for a lifetime. Have grace with others. Trust in yourself. Respect the paths others have chosen and cherish your own. Enjoy the process of letting go, regenerating, and becoming. To live is a sweet gift!