Not everyone will understand your journey, and they don’t have to. Those meant to grow along side of you will come. The path to authenticity is not about being liked, it’s about being real and honest with ourselves. Ascension is about becoming who we are truly meant to be. - AK

Our first Christmas in Illinois is filled with brand new traditions and keeping true to some of the old family ones as well. Friday was all about Winter Solstice and The Yule celebrations. We lit candles, remembered our loved ones, had a nice dinner, fixed our winter alter and charged our crystals with the full moon. Saturday was the early Celebration of my daughter's 19th birthday. Sunday we wrapped gifts and put them under the tree. Today, Christmas eve is all about my Italian side. We've been cooking and making crafts all day. I am making a big dinner. Then tomorrow is for our Mexican side of the family and we will be spending it with grandma, grandpa and the rest of the family. I can't wait for tamales.

The thing about #BestNine and their #BestNine2018 look back of my pictures is that they're based on other people's likes. The best of my year is being decided based on what other people enjoyed. What they picked apart from my moments.... my life. That doesn't sit well with me. I have spent far too long letting other's views on my life hold weight on my soul. - -

I would like to share my own perspective on the year. My Best Nine is the things I loved or found important in 2018. It's actually twelve (so much better than Nine) of my favorite pictures