Well! It’s your birthday again! One more year gone by. One more year older. One more year full of memories, opportunities. One more year of laughter, and of tears, now in the past. And a whole new future ahead.
I’m sure you’re going through a lot now. I don’t know – Perhaps you’re sad, feeling like life is moving on without you. Perhaps you’re worried, that you won’t be able to keep up. Perhaps you’re angry, at things you never said, or did. Perhaps you’re happy, that this year grants freedom. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed. Because of all the things rushing up, so fast.
That’s okay. It is completely okay.
This new year will hold plenty for you. You will have highs, and you will have lows. Times where you couldn’t be happier, and times where you just want to give up. You’ll feel like the world is running too fast, and no matter how hard you beat your wings, you just can’t keep up.
That’s okay. You’re going to be okay.
A time will come where you’ll need space. To get away from everything. To figure out what happened, and what you’re going to do.
Other times, you’re going to need a hug, or someone to sit by you. Some symbol that someone else cares, and is there for you, no matter what you’re going through right then.
That’s okay.
You’re going to make mistakes, in this next year. Maybe you’re going to fall into a cloud, and have to get yourself out. Maybe you’re going to mess up a pattern, and think you ruined a chance. Maybe you’re going to promise something, and not do it.
You’re going to achieve a lot, in this next year. Maybe others will recognize you, on the show circuit. Maybe you’ll complete a trick you’ve been working on for months. Maybe you’ll teach a clinic for the first time, and teach others to fly just like you. I’m crossing my fingers for you to have all that come.
Friends will be by your side, the whole time. We’ll cheer for you when you did something good. And stand by when you just need to talk.
I know we aren’t as close as we were, once upon a time. You’re busier, I’m busier. We went different ways; train at different places. We each found a path to follow. In short, life has gotten in the way. But still, I need you to know something.
I’m proud of you.
You have really made something out of yourself. You’ve turned into a mentor, a teacher, and… an adult. That isn’t what happens to everybody. No, this was your doing. You got yourself this far, and for that you should be proud.
You are you. Don’t let anyone take that away. You are enough, you are shining, and you are the best you there is.
Life and Fate will try to bring you down. They’ll try to get you to look down in submission, back away, and retreat into a corner. They’ll try to get you to fear everyone and trust no one. That’s just how it is. But… you’re strong. Keep your head high, walk forward. Don’t listen to the voices telling you you’re not good enough. Because you are, and if you remember that, you can fly.
I know you can.
Do everything with a passion, because you’re only going to get one shot. Make the most of every day, every hour. Fly through the clouds, not around them. Give it your all – because no one else can do it for you.
Hang in there, when times get tough. There will obstacles that seem too high. Just remember: If you try, you can jump over anything.
I know you can.
You are amazing at what you do. It’s incredible to watch you going through patterns that you worked so hard on. It makes me want to try harder to get those patterns done myself.
You are a friend. There have been times where I wasn’t sure what I needed, and you showed me. One time, it was a hug, after the lockdown. I was scared then, more scared than I had ever been, and you found a way to make it better. Another time, it was laughter after a tough moment.
You are one of the strongest people I know. Whenever life throws something at you, you dodge. When someone’s about to fall, you catch them. If anyone needs a firm word, you give it to them. And you do it all with a positive attitude.
You work so hard; at everything you attempt. Anybody who watches you work can see that. It’s so great to see that all the late nights and long hours are paying off in the form of beautifully visible results.
Keep that up. It’ll get you far.
I have learned a lot from you, these past years. At the beginning, you just taught me a skill. Then later, you helped teach me confidence, and what it means to be nobody but yourself. I know your students are learning from you, too. You make a bigger impact than you realize.
Remember the past; the good times had, and honor them, but never look back. The past is in the past, but the future has never been written. There’s so much ahead of you, and I can’t wait to watch you soar through it once more.
One of the things I admire most about you is how you seem to take everything in stride. But… everyone has worries, and fears. Maybe this won’t help at all. But… you’re going to be okay. You’ve got time. Everything will be alright.
I hope this year will be one of the best you’ve ever lived through. I wish you well, for the year and onward.
I hope you have a wonderful next chapter of your life. Write it well, and ride on strong. I believe in you.
Lastly, I can promise you something.
You got this.
Author's Note
Written for a friend. I know you're worried... but YOU GOT THIS!!!!!! 
Happy birthday!
