It’s the end of 2025, and I just turned 40. I’m nowhere I figured I’d be in life, and everywhere I want to be.

I’m happy and calm in my home. I’ve hit my stride in my career and know where I’m strong and I’m weak. I’ve worked through things holding myself back at being a good partner, and moved past a relationship that forced me to grow while simultaneously being unhealthy. I lost my father and have watched my mother grow into herself.

I’m married to the most fantastic woman who lifts me up and compliments me perfectly. It’s the love I’ve wished for since I can remember.

My life is as peaceful in the heart as it has become more hectic in the outside world.

I wish my dad were here to see this, but I’m glad to be living the life he worked to try to set me up with, and I’m glad to have learned to better carry the baggage I inherited.

I’m done with the first half of my life and first third of my adulting. I’ve never been more excited for anything.