Earlier this month marked my 24th birthday. The last year of my life has been one wild ride, full of ups and downs—characterized by birthday rainstorms, summertime power outages, and publishing my first book. One year later, and I couldn’t be more grateful for a less eventful, low-key birthday simply surrounded by all the people I love. 

Typically every year for my birthday I write a blog, whether it be a reflective piece or a poem. I’ve accomplished so many of my creative goals already, from writing profiles on other individuals to publishing a collection of my own poetry, so this year I’ve pondered heavily about the question, what’s next for me?

I think many us can relate to the feeling of wanting to have all the answers in life. If this past year has taught me anything, it’s that this is merely impossible. We may never know why certain things happen, we may not know what comes next, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty. While the unknown can be scary, we have to accept that each waking day is a new opportunity for growth and learning, and allow ourselves this freedom. 

So when I ask myself, what’s in store for 24 year old me? The answer is simply: I don’t know quite yet—and that’s okay. What I do know, is that I will continue to soak up inspiration like a sponge. I will continue to seek creative opportunities, and create art when I feel inspired. I will continue to learn from other artists, and from the world around me. I will continue to grow my craft a little at a time, to stay in love with the art of written expression. I don’t know what’s next for me in my creative journey, I don’t know where I go from here, but I know that the only way to go is up, and in this feeling I am at peace.