Feeling accomplished and recharged after that adventure. Who’s up for the next hike? 🥾💪
I haven’t been feeling well since last Monday. My asthma has been flaring up, especially after I eat anything made from chicken or seafood. It’s been a rollercoaster of breathlessness and moments of feeling okay. But in between the wheezes and gasps, I had some time to really think about how I’ve been doing emotionally.
Truth be told, I’ve been battling depression for a while now, and it’s been a quiet storm brewing inside me. At first, it’s easy to dismiss it, chalking it up to stress or just a bad day. But when those bad days start to string together and turn into weeks, months—even years—you realize you’re in deeper than you thought.
For me, a lot of this sadness has been rooted in not fully moving on from my dad’s death. Losing someone close to you isn’t just about the moment they’re gone; it’s about the void they leave behind and the way it changes you. For a long time, I felt like I was living in the shadow of that loss, unable to break free from the grief. I tried to carry on, but it was like dragging a weight that just wouldn’t let go.
But here’s the thing: this weekend, something clicked. I realized that I’ve been stuck in this sadness because, on some level, I’ve allowed myself to be. I wasn’t just mourning my dad; I was allowing that grief to define me, to hold me back from living fully. And I think that’s what depression does—it convinces you that this heavy, dark feeling is all there is. But it’s not.
I thought about my dad a lot over these past few days. He was the kind of person who lived life with purpose and passion, and I know he wouldn’t want me to be stuck like this—lost and struggling. He’d want me to be at my 100%, in mind, body, and soul. He’d want me to find joy, to live with intention, and to keep moving forward, no matter how hard it might be.
So, today marks a new beginning. I’ve made some plans, and now it’s time to put them into action. It won’t be easy—I know that. Moving on isn’t about forgetting; it’s about finding a way to carry the memories with you while still making space for new experiences, new joys, and new growth. It’s about giving yourself permission to be happy again, to dream again, and to believe that you deserve to live fully.
I’m ready to set this world on fire, like I always say. I’m stepping out of the shadows and reclaiming my life, one day at a time. World, get ready for me, because I am back.
You know how life has a way of speeding up as you get older? Careers take off, relationships come and go, and suddenly, you’re staring down your late 30s wondering where the time went. But through all the chaos, one thing has stayed rock solid in my life: my ride-or-die, my true friend.
Back in our 20s, friendship was all about staying up late, making spontaneous plans, and dreaming big about the future. We were glued at the hip, convinced we’d conquer the world together. Then, adulthood hit, and things got real. Jobs, bills, and all the adulting that comes with it tested our bond. But here we are, pushing 40, and still going strong.
We’ve both landed stable careers—no more bouncing between jobs, wondering if we’ll ever “make it.” And yeah, we’re still single, but that’s not something we lose sleep over. If anything, it’s been empowering. We’ve built lives we’re proud of, with the freedom to live on our own terms. Some people might think we’re clinging to our youth, still going out on weekends like we’re 25, but for us, it’s just about living life to the fullest.
There’s something special about a friendship that can weather the storms of life. It’s not just about all the crazy stories we share but the deep understanding that comes from years of knowing each other inside and out. We’ve been through the awkward stages, the heartbreaks, the wins, and the losses. And now, even as we’re nearing 40, we’ve still got each other’s backs like no one else can.
We might not have the traditional markers of “adulthood”—marriage, kids, settling down—but we’ve got something that’s just as important: a friendship that’s seen us through it all. We’re each other’s chosen family, navigating the ups and downs of life with a partner-in-crime by our side.
As we edge closer to 40, there’s a new sense of calm in knowing who we are and what we want. Our friendship, once built on big dreams and endless possibilities, has evolved into something deeper—a constant in a world that never stops changing. We’ve learned that a true friend isn’t just there for the good times but also for the tough ones, the kind of person who’ll laugh with you in the best moments and hold you up during the worst.
Our weekends might still be filled with fun and adventure, but now we also appreciate the quieter moments, the comfortable silences that say more than words ever could. We’re not just trying to relive the past; we’re creating new memories, writing the next chapter of our story.
In a world where everything feels like it’s in constant flux, it’s comforting to know that some things don’t change. A true friend is one of those rare, unshakeable constants. And as we keep moving forward, I’m grateful to have that kind of friendship in my life—a bond that’s stood the test of time and will continue to do so, no matter what life throws our way.
Friendship is built on mutual respect, trust, and a genuine connection, not on assumptions about someone’s personal life. It’s time to debunk the myth that boys and gay men can’t just be friends. 💡 Whether you’re straight, gay, or anywhere in between, everyone deserves to have friends who support them, challenge them, and stand by them.
Platonic friendships are real, valuable, and deserve to be recognized without bias or judgment. 🌟 We need to move beyond the stereotypes and understand that true friendship is about connection and respect—nothing more, nothing less.
By normalizing friendships between boys and gay men, we’re taking a step toward a more inclusive, understanding society. It’s time to break down these barriers and celebrate all kinds of friendships, embracing the diversity that makes our relationships richer and more meaningful. 🌈
Let’s start celebrating the friendships that matter, regardless of who they involve. Platonic friendships are powerful, and it’s time we all acknowledge that.
Days went by so fast. My days of traveling have come to an end, and now it’s time to get back to work. ✈️🌍 It was an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments, but now I’m ready to dive back into the hustle. Let’s get back to it!