ISSUE 9

Umm, hello, dear reader! It’s Maggey typing to you from my favorite couch at home—well, my father’s house, to be exact. Honestly, I’ve rewritten this so many times because every time I start, I feel like I have something completely different to say. Maybe that’s the thing about life—it’s always changing, just like us.

As this year comes to an end, I have to admit: I’m scared and confused. I have big dreams—huge ones that require courage, discipline, and a kind of grit I’m not sure I possess. Believing in myself is hard, especially when I see people around me achieving so much. I look at their lives, their accomplishments, and I wonder: where am I headed? What’s the blueprint?

Sometimes I think about my parents. Did their lives turn out the way they planned? Are they fulfilled? My friend once told me, “Life never goes the way you plan it.” And it’s true. Life is unpredictable—beautifully so, but also terrifying.

This year, I’ve learned that pain is inevitable. People leave. Dreams shift. But I’ve also learned that I’m stronger than I thought. I adapt. I move forward. I don’t stop. Maybe I’m not living the “best life” with the latest gadgets or a packed social calendar, but I’ve come to realize that growth often comes with delayed gratification.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to love myself, even the messy parts. It’s not always easy, but embracing who you are—flaws and all—is powerful. I’m learning to turn my weaknesses into strengths, to be kinder to myself, and to keep moving forward, even when it’s hard.

So, as I step into next year, I’m not making grand resolutions. I’m sticking to what’s already on my table, diving deeper, and trusting that what’s meant for me will find its way to me. Life is a cycle, and I’m learning to embrace the flow.

Compliments of the season, dear reader. Here’s to the lessons we’ve learned and the ones yet to come.