My Independence Day

October 19 - It’s my Independence Day (a self chosen day, not my birthday ). Every year I make sure to have an adventure on this day and do something that feeds my soul. Every year I celebrate, reflect, and eat cake. Each year, a different woman is observing this day, seeing her life through the filter of another year of the wisdom she has gained by choosing her own path.

I’m just back from a few lovely days in the Maine Highlands and today I woke up in Portland, Maine - the city of my birth. I took a walk to the beach, past the hospital where I was born to parents who would choose to abuse and neglect me, leading to my foster care placement at 4 and a few years later adoption by parents who gave me a safe and loving childhood. I felt peace walking past those hospital doors, knowing that those events didn’t break me.

My inner reflections and celebrations today are over such beautiful, unexpected things. Here are a few pictures from my autumnal walks this weekend. I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far, and I hope you find the strength to overcome whatever obstacles are in your path - we all have it in us to survive, and if you feel like you don’t, there are people who can help.

Lilly x