Caught between worlds, I decided to stop existing in both and choose my own, no longer weighing the benefits of having the masks on or choosing, at that moment to be my full self.

Instead, I choose to move more slowly. I allow myself to meander, giving my body a reprieve from the grueling schedule, but remain focused on the things I want to accomplish.

“Thirty-three is gone. I bask in the dawn of thirty-four with anticipation, waiting to know how good it can get. I cannot wait to find out.”

The water always calls. I will always answer.

The first plant I remember trying to grow was a little marigold I’d gotten from Callaway Gardens.

My first trip to the club was at a place called Ricks. I was 17 when I started at Valdosta State, so I lied to the bouncer, said I left my license at home, and used my student ID to get in the door.

“Put some STANK on it!”