An open letter to 2023:
Dear December 2023 me.
You got to do a lot this year. You got to become friends with Cee and Ava who encouraged you to participate in not one, but three costume contests. You got to be a disney princess knight with them and then you got to dress up as Aisha as well! You met so many people (who you forgot to respond to often), and got to get closer to others (who you also often forgot to respond to). You gained 700+ subscribers on Youtube. You got to meet Mira, Glow, Naomi, MJ, Bella, and Moira and become friends with them and their friends. Your wattpad username got recognized. You got freed from your previous hellhole of a job and while you're not sure, you think you wanna pursue being an investigative journalist. You haven't figured out Youtube yet, but you have started to understand your limits and how to work around them. You've grown as a person. You got to feel like yourself again, and dress up and make so many different cosplays and you're prepped to make so many more in 2025. You became obsessed with another greek mythology adaptation and memorized every note. You cried a lot about everything that happened in the world, frustrated you couldn't do anything about it. Despite witnessing so much tragedy, you haven't become numb to it. You're closer to your dad, despite what's going on with mom. You don't feel like things are perfect, but you are grateful for what you do have and have gotten to experience. You're glad that you didn't give up at 8, or 13, or 15, or 18. You're glad that even if you haven't caught it on camera, and your memory seems to be slipping from your grasp, you still got to have good memories with the people you care about.
As we welcome the end of 2023, it's a perfect time to reflect on our journeys. This past year may have been filled with challenges, but it also opened doors to unforgettable experiences. From making new connections and pursuing creative passions, to finding solace in hobbies like cosplay—each moment shapes who we are. Many have found community online, gathering friends and support through platforms like YouTube and Wattpad. Embracing our individuality and the things we love is crucial. It’s essential to share these journeys, whether they involve personal struggles, professional aspirations, or artistic endeavors, as they can inspire others who resonate with our truths. Moreover, engaging in creative expressions such as cosplay fosters a sense of belonging, especially for those deeply passionate about cultural references. It’s a unique medium through which we can explore identities and foster connections. Moving forward into 2024, setting intentions and goals can help us navigate life's uncertainties. Let's cherish the lessons from 2023 and carry forward the spirit of resilience and gratitude. Each experience counts, and together, we can continue growing, learning, and cherishing the moments shared with those that matter most.
