50 for 50

Turning 50 feels surreal—a privilege to have lived five decades, experiencing life in all its forms, yet still feeling youthful and curious. I continue to learn daily, holding wonder for the world as if I were just beginning. No birthday has affected me quite like this one—not with sadness, but with awe for all I’ve learned and all that remains ahead.

To honor this milestone, I’ve begun a monthly practice: a list of 50 reflections, moments of gratitude, or inspirations. It’s a meditation, a way to hold space for the sacred in my life—the wabi-sabi beauty of the path I’ve crafted. In essence, it is a love letter, an ever-evolving witness to my life from both within and beyond.

I will share a list of 50 each month, with no particular order of importance—each item sacred and essential in its own way.

I see life as a recipe, with all the ingredients at my fingertips—I decide the flavor profile of the day. Will it be rich and balanced with umami, bold and astringent, or a mix of sweet, salty, and sour? These lists are the recipes I’ve crafted over 50 years, a reflection of the life I’ve lived. By sharing them, I honor their place in my journey. And if, by chance, you feel moved as a witness to this process, may it inspire you to rediscover the recipes you’ve archived in the story of your own life.

February, the month of love, is also the month I was born—just hours after Valentine’s Day in 1975. I like to think I arrived a little late because I had so much love to give, I needed to extend the day just a bit longer. In that spirit, I’m beginning with a list of 50 Reasons I Love Deeply.

50 Reasons I Love Deeply

1. Love creates a sense of belonging.

2. It fosters deep emotional connections.

3. Love brings joy and fulfillment.

4. It offers comfort in times of hardship, or helps us get through a lot of hard shit.

5. Love teaches compassion and empathy.

6. It provides a safe space for vulnerability.

7. Love strengthens trust and security.

8. It inspires personal growth and transformation.

9. Love encourages self-acceptance.

10. It builds resilience through challenges.

11. Love deepens understanding between people.

12. It fuels passion and purpose.

13. Love reminds us of our shared humanity.

14. It nurtures hope in difficult times.

15. Love creates lasting memories.

16. It fosters forgiveness and healing.

17. Love helps us see the beauty in others.

18. It makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary, when we pay attention.

19. Love sparks creativity and inspiration.

20. It gives life deeper meaning.

21. Love allows for emotional expression.

22. It teaches patience and kindness.

23. Love supports dreams and ambitions.

24. It cultivates gratitude for life.

25. Love brings a sense of peace and calm.

26. It encourages generosity and selflessness.

27. Love bridges differences and unites people.

28. It transforms pain into wisdom and medicine.

29. Love provides strength in adversity.

30. It nurtures trust in oneself and others.

31. Love helps us embrace imperfections.

32. It encourages deep listening and presence.

33. Love builds lifelong connections.

34. It teaches us to cherish the present moment.

35. Love inspires acts of kindness.

36. It reminds us that we are not alone.

37. Love allows us to celebrate each other’s victories, and be there for defeats of those we love.

38. It helps us find beauty in the simple things, like the smell of cookies or the colors of a sunset.

39. Love fosters a sense of wonder..

40. It gives us the courage to be ourselves.

41. Love nurtures both giving and receiving.

42. It supports healing from past wounds.

43. Love fuels a sense of adventure.

44. It brings laughter and joy.

45. Love reminds us of what truly matters.

46. It deepens our connection with the world.

47. Love encourages emotional intelligence.

48. It allows us to experience life more fully.

49. Love keeps us open to new possibilities.

50. It is the essence of what makes us human.