There are so many wonderful people in this world. Wonderful, wonderful people and things and I feel so incredibly lucky to have been able to read about/meet/love/know all of them. I want to share a few of my favorite things & favorite people with you today in the hopes that their kindness, and their inspiring words, pictures or thoughts will touch you as they have touched me.

Tara Whitney, a talented photographer and mother of four, Tara has lately become even more of an inspiration to me than she used to be. She not only photographs the beauty of imperfection, she also writes about it. Her sweet words and honesty, and ability to accept truth for both it’s wonderful (and terrifying) qualities make her an incredible role model to me and so many others.

Sheye and Heather, two beautiful women who write about the ugliness of grief and the expansiveness of love. They both, at different times and ages, lost their daughters, Madeline and Ava and share with the world the ups and downs of their life now. I respect them more than words can say for their willingness to open themselves up to the world and their ability to move on, to gather their strength and give thanks for everything they have. Crossing my fingers for brighter and safer days ahead for both of these wonderful families.

Inspiration is everywhere on the web. People like Amanda Hawkins who created this theme (and is the co-owner of the company Little Bird), my good friend (and amazing designer) Juli who runs Belle: Bailee Madison as well as few other sites.

Of course offline there are so many more to thank and to respect, so many more people who have changed my life and made me a better person. I could throw out so many names here, list for hours all of the things that my wonderful friends have done but it would barely begin to cover my gratitude for all of them, or how lucky I am to have had them in my life. I hope I have told them enough, I hope they all know how important they are to me, and that a day never goes by when I forget to remind them.

If I was allowed to give an acceptance speech on adulthood, it would include all of the people mentioned and so many more. For all my teachers (from school and otherwise), my friends (whether aged two or ninety two), my family (related by blood or simply by love), thank you from the very bottom of my heart, for everything you have done for me.

I will never be able to find the words to explain how much you mean to me.