Dear California,
As we near a month until we move back east, I find myself reflecting in gratitude on the last 5 years here.
Thank you to my manager who took a chance on that sparkly eyed new grad. Who believed in and supported me even when I was waaaaayyyyy out of my depths. To the colleagues turned friends that encouraged me to grow professionally and personally, always with kindness.
Thank you to my partner for taking the leap to join me on a California adventure. You’ve kept me grounded and loved and chuckling in the best and worst of times. To our precious baby boy, Kuma. You’ve brought so much joy and lightness into our life with your shenanigans and insatiable curiosity about life. I can’t think of a better family I’d rather adventure with.
Thank you to the friends for all the delicious meals we’ve shared together, the roadtrips, the celebrations. For the pep talks and the vent talks and the real talks. For pushing and pulling me when I needed it. In the words of Wicked, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”.
Thank you to the rugged California coastlines, the towering redwood forests, and our community rose garden. To our lovely apartment for being a refuge and shelter for creativity and contemplation. To our neighborhood, for feeding us an endless supply of fresh sushi and boba.
Thank you California for giving me the space and time to discover who I am and who I want to be. For introducing me to meditation, yoga, and therapy. For teaching me that self-compassion is not the antithesis of ambition but the fuel. For all the friendly friendly faces that say hi on the streets. For the consistently reliable sunshine and good vibes. You’ve been good to us.
With gratitude, Kaye