Two years ago, I never thought I would say this – at that point I had just left the northern tip of France after living there for four months. And, in over 120 days, I think it was sunny for five of them – but here I am, back in love with the one thing I swore I wanted to ceremoniously burn upon my homecoming.

With all your curves or lack thereof, with your laugh lines and hard-won wisdom, you truly are beautiful. In your quest for youth—and believe me, I’m right there with ya—don’t let go of the woman you have become.