Dismantling racism and learning how to be an ally to the black community has always been critical, but never more critical than right now. Non-black people have to commit to unlearning and using our privilege to speak out against injustice.

Yes, Valentine’s Day is an over-commercialized attempt to sell over-priced red and pink shit to people who feel obligated to purchase these things in February, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it does make some people feel anxious, needy, pessimistic, sad, and even worthless. That’s why I gift and here are some of my favorite things to give.

Do I think it's a coincidence that I put my all into a two-day despojo to release clutter and negativity from my home and then my body decided to seemingly do the same, putting me in the hospital? I don't believe in coincidences. But all in all, I think the meaning of all of this chaos is layered. A lesson in hustle and flow.

How do I start a letter to a year that has both taken my breath and the steadiness of my hands? I’m still shaking like a small flower in the blustering winds of change, but okay. Let’s start at the end...

To the unshaming of stretch marks, cellulite, discoloration, body hair, acne, and any other "side effect" of the beautiful right of passage that is pregnancy and birth...Love to every mother in the world.