It's Jake's bday! He's 37 today. Swipe the pic to see a 17 year old twink version of Jake too!

jakejacob01So this is 37... today I’m not celebrating body improvement, fitness, physique, or image. What’s harder to express is the drastic and continual change that occurred underneath in the mind heart and soul. My own physical journey has been a significant but small part in a lifetime of transformation that has shaped me into who I am today, someone 17 year old Jake never imagined was possible, but hoped there was a possibility.

20 years ago today this 17 year old young man stood. It’s been lifetimes since the second picture but I remember it so well. I remember the angst about the future, the excitement for becoming an adult, the drive to create something for myself, I just wasn’t sure exactly what that was yet.

Fast forward through a Mormon mission, premedical courses, business school, and finally moving to Miami for grad school. Even further to coming out, being isolated, working through conversation therapy, finding my husband and best friend. More moves, more firsts, more adventures. In 20 years I feel like I’ve lived multiple lifetimes, growing never ceases to stop.

I’ve had the chance to reminisce on so much of my past this year. Returning to Utah, and then Miami where I came out and started thriving and loving myself for who I am. Now seeing myself in an entirely new state, new job, new life.

I’m no stranger to starting anew, to diving in head first to new adventures and taking risks that may result in failure, and I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes. But it’s those risks that have allowed me to transform that young man into who I am today.

I’ve learned that relationships are precious, and that nothing is forever. In an instant life could change, people can change, death, distance, decisions can change in an instant. I’ve learned to cherish those I love today, to take every chance I have to acknowledge the impact these family and friends have on my life.

So today as my birthday gift to me, I request you do something you wouldn’t normally do to brighten a complete strangers day. The best birthday gift I could receive is the world being a little kinder, more loving, more welcoming today.

#birthday #growth #love #driven #instagay #scruff