From the Inbox: These are select letters I’ve sent to my email list — shared here as a slow-growing archive of thoughts, seasons, and transitions. If you would like to receive all future letters, join here.

Hi friend,

I can't believe I'm even writing these words, but on December 31st at 2:22pm we said goodbye to my dearest co-pilot. Little miss Nila fought so hard to stay here but she just continued to decline rapidly. It's only been a few days and I already miss her strolling down the hallway eager for snuggles and treats.

It's strange how much of a routine I didn't realize was ingrained in me until her physical presence was gone. It's going to take a bit to adjust and longer to stop missing her cuddly little face. She was my best girl, forever and always.

I'm so indebted to everyone who has loved this girl and our adventures as much as I have and who supported our silly little dreams. I know adventuring without her is going to feel really weird now – that first long roadtrip won't feel complete, but I know I will carry her with me forever and ever. She wasn't just a cat, she was my world.

That leaves a lot of questions of what next? I don't know.

I think I'm going to give myself some space to see what wants to flow into my life. Nila was my constant shadow that kept me grounded – I see a lot more travel in my future. Just gotta figure out the details.

Tomorrow is my birthday and it always makes me feel a way. This time of year I find myself being naturally more introspective and when you add sadness and a birthday on top of it, I just don't even have a word for the way I'm feeling. I'm sad, yes, but I know my next chapter will hold it's own joys, love, and adventure.

So I'm filling the days catching up on essential tasks and pushing the rest til next week. I've got some lists going but I know I never truly feel ready to press play until spring. So giving myself some space for that too.

I hope you're having a gentle start to this new year.

Ps - the wicked cute Nila photo is from a dear sweet photographer friend who came over one day a few years back to capture some pics for us, I highly recommend having a photoshoot with your furbaby.

This email was sent to subscribers on January 2, 2025.

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Saying goodbye to my best girl