WOW Jayna... I'm not sure how to even begin responding to this powerful piece! I think, THANK YOU is a good start. What a beautiful journey through some of the events that defined who you are! I loved the part about the roommates, your response when you overhear them talking about you really encapsulates the feeling of your time there...

"I'm moving anyway" it was news to me.

This is unspeakably dynamic to me. You had all the gumption from the get-go, that is for sure. Learning how to utilize such a thing is a journey though, and sometimes the tough feelings of early adulthood help us find what is best for us.

And sometimes they help us find what is the absolute worst for us. Although you only briefly touch on your time in an abusive relationship, you say so much more about it between the lines. I felt the 20-some me who had a similar experience reach out to hug the you of that time. Stifling is an understatement, abuse knocks the support system of creativity right from under us. I am so glad you made it through that, and went on to have a joyous love!

Careers, young children, life. Sometimes it is hard to even justify the time spent writing in these times. Although we have our own unique journeys, I found so much wisdom and insight from this piece. At the end I felt myself providing a bit more grace when I consider my ambitions. I am reminded that things come when they are meant to, and the journey of getting there is just as important.

I would bet a million hive (if I had it) that you will be publishing quite a number of remarkable things over the next years! Congratulations on your 5th of many publications Jayna 🥂😁🍰 and thank you again for sharing this incredible recollection of your journey as a writer so far! 💚