To the Ones Who’ve Stayed—Thank You

I’ve been feeling deeply thankful lately. Thankful for the people in my life who show up for me, not just during the highs, but especially during the messy, uncertain, quiet moments. Over the past year, I’ve had to do a lot of reevaluating. I’ve had to take a hard look at the relationships around me—what feeds me, what drains me, what’s real, and what was only ever circumstantial. That process was not easy. I had to trim, let go, and sit with the emotions that came with that.

But on the other side of that process, something beautiful happened: I was able to fully see the people who stayed. The friends and family who held space for me while I sorted through things. The ones who let me express what I’m feeling without an ounce of judgment. The ones who have seen all the versions of me—the overwhelmed, the joyful, the confused, the ambitious, the exhausted—and never made me feel like I had to be anyone else but myself.

I think I value it more now because I’m older. I’ve been through things. We’ve been through things. And when someone stays by your side through all of that, you don’t take it for granted.

What I love most is that the support flows both ways. I love being that person for my friends too. I love when they come to me to process their emotions, talk through situations, or just share the stuff they don’t feel comfortable sharing with anyone else. It’s a privilege to be trusted like that. To be that kind of safe space.

That kind of connection—where you’re truly seen and accepted—it’s rare. It’s sacred. And I genuinely wish that for everyone. If you’re still searching for your people, I hope you find them. I hope you find the kind of community that lets you breathe easier. The kind that makes you feel like you can show up just as you are.

To my support system: thank you for being that for me. You are one of the greatest gifts in my life, and I don’t say it enough. 

Love yall, 

Alejandra