42: My Love Year

As I look out over the water that separates NJ and NY on my birthday, I can’t help but feel full of joy. I hosted one hell of a bash this past weekend with my loved ones: kindred spirits I’ve met along the way that have long since become an extension of my family. Friends are the family you choose and I have chosen them well over the years. I ran myself ragged leading up to the shindig, which just so happened to fall on the 420 holiday, and on the first day of my favorite season, Taurus season. Weeks of preparation and with the aid of my day ones/sous chefs, the event came together seamlessly. I got to see folks I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic and those who I’d only seen in passing briefly. Those who were supposed to be there were there and they brought the good vibes and positivity I hoped for.

It’s no coincidence that the sign of Taurus is ruled by Venus, which signifies love, affection and sensuality. The event was practically a love fest, one filled with laughter and strangers showing genuine interest in each other. One of my guests asked how I am always able to bring equal parts men and women to my events. I answered jokingly and cockily that you have to be someone that people enjoy being around. In all seriousness though, it’s not just for me that they show up. I’m not someone who does well with surfacey relationships. I am all in and come with and bring out the depth in all of my interactions, intentionally. I could look at each of the attendees and remember a story, a moment that we shared that left a lasting impression on me. When I get my people together, it’s not just for me, it’s for them to also connect. When I find good people, I like to share them, introduce them to other people I think they’ll also gel with. After all, isn’t that the point? Why are we all here if not to share and connect with other like-minded individuals?

In this 42nd year of my life, I declare it to be my love year. The year that I continue to love up on my people, continue to find more love, share and cultivate the love I already have in my life. Earlier in the year, I couldn’t shake the feeling that big love was on the way. I don’t want to jinx myself so I’ll leave it there. I’ve been MIA for a while on here because I’ve been busy living as if and really focusing on the present, on loving in every sense of the word. I’m on the brink of it and feel it coursing through me at atomic levels. Filling me up and leaving me satiated in ways I’ve never felt before. Don’t get it twisted, life has still been life’ing and testing me in ways I’ve never thought possible. What makes those times bearable are the people I get to share those moments with. This time last year, I was at a deficit and yet there were folks still making withdrawals. As I continue to usher in more love and genuine connections, I’m ushering out those that have left me feeling depleted and used. Reciprocity is where it’s at. I want to continue to show up and show out the way my people do for me. I want love to be what we all strive for, work towards and show wholeheartedly to one another.