On a bit of a different note, I wanted to take the end of the year to be grateful and provide an example of some things that I feel we often overlook. Take expression and the various forms it takes. Expression is one of those generally umbrella terms, but I like to think of it as the unloading of something from the brain or body towards an outlet. There exist a few common forms – as an example, journaling or playing guitar. But the beautiful thing about expression is that it can take on wildly different and unique forms.

For instance, my expression is writing in a journal and playing the guitar. When I write in my journal, I write whatever comes to mind. It started off as a day to day review of what I did, what I learned, and what else I was thinking about. It morphed into figuring out how to manage uncertain situations: writing them down and crossing out what wasn’t in my control. It’s most recently become a place where I can plan out my future and cross out goals I have.

Another way I express myself is by playing the guitar. I often play covers of songs – from Bob Dylan (‘Blood on the Tracks’) to Adam Melchor (usually Lullaby Hotline but The Diary of Living is growing on me). I also write my own music – often in times of emotional confusion or when I see an image that really sticks out to me. Regardless, I use music, and specifically the guitar, to express myself.

I feel lucky to be able to express myself for a few reasons. First of all, I have the time to do it. Many people have lives which are taken from them due to larger and more existential responsibilities – for instance, working to take care of a family from youth or forgoing an education to do manual labor. In that way, I’m grateful that I have the time to express myself. I am also grateful to have the means to express myself. I have a guitar which was purchased for a price that not everyone can afford and I have the privilege to have an education in which I learned writing, formal and informal. Not to mention plentiful access to literature through public libraries, bookstores, and e-books. Generally, having the means to use these resources not afforded to humanity as a whole is something I am grateful for.

Generally, I am very lucky to have the right to expression. As we move into 2026, take a minute to be grateful for what is around you – that’s all.