Five months before heading off on my year-long journey abroad I played a silly April fool's joke on a stranger. A joke turned into an instant undeniable connection. We were in Austin, he lived in Houston, I lived in Boston, and I was only moving even further away. Nonetheless, our only option was to give it a shot.

Being in a long-distance relationship is no one's ideal situation, and it is a commitment. We acknowledged it was going to be hard, but rough storms would only prove the strength of our anchor. Like any relationship we have struggled, grown, learned, and loved in ways that continue to take our connection to new levels. It's been challenging in a way that is exhilarating. It makes you feel, and appreciate every single thing for what it really is. After 365 days of long distance, ~42,000 miles of travel across 3 continents, visits in 9 cities together, and hundreds of hours of FaceTime, I wouldn't trade it in for anything different, and here is why.

Staying committed to my goals of understanding my purpose, practicing self-love, and passionately owning the unknown was of the utmost importance to my personal growth. I knew I found my person when his first instinct was to be nothing short of supportive to helping me reach those goals...even if that meant I needed the time, and space to do it oceans away. Being in a long distance relationship has helped me focus on my independence, and prioritize my own needs. Getting clear on those things with myself has allowed me to be the most authentic version of myself, and come from a place of sharing. As a result, I've been able to invest in a relationship that is based on soul desires, and pure connection. Our relationship has helped me understand the definitions of acceptance, understanding, freedom, empowerment, patience, respect, and unity. I couldn't be more grateful to truly experience happiness, joy, and fulfillment with someone so uniquely special.

Thank you for being a part of my life Daniel Xavier Lane, I love love you.

embrace everyday moments

barriga llena, corazón contento

con gusto

get lost in the right direction

no dar papaya

never cheat on your intuition