FOUNDERS DIARY: ENTRY 05.12.24: Reflection, Transformation, & Owning Your Journey

Reflection is a powerful tool. It’s not about gazing wistfully into the past or indulging in self-pity—it’s about clarity, honesty, and growth. It’s an opportunity to hold up the mirror and really look at yourself, not just for how you appear, but for who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re headed. As we close out the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.

For me, reflection has been about closing the door to the past and stepping fully into the future. This week brought poignant reminders of what I’ve left behind. I met with my ex-husband—signing what I hope is the last piece of paperwork—and collected the ashes of our shared dog, Dagmar. These moments could have been laden with emotion, but instead, I felt something extraordinary: clarity. The past, once a heavy weight, now feels like an echo, barely audible.

Dagmar is now with her sister Birkin and me, and together, we’ve created something that feels solid, rooted, and ours. That moment, standing in my apartment after the meeting, didn’t pull me back into the past. If anything, it propelled me forward, forcing me to confront just how far I’ve come.

I’ve spent years reflecting on moments that once felt monumental. I’ve cried over Christmas trees, empty houses, and the loss of what I thought my life was supposed to be. But now, looking back, I see those things for what they are—lessons, not anchors. They’ve shaped me, yes, but they don’t define me. What matters is how I’ve used those experiences to craft the life I want today.

And this year? I decorated my tree without tears, without distractions, and with an overwhelming sense of pride. The decorations hold memories, yes, but they no longer hold me. Birkin lounged nearby, blissfully unaware of the symbolic significance, and for the first time, I felt truly present. This apartment feels more like home than any house I’ve ever owned. Because home isn’t about the bricks or the size of the space—it’s about the peace you create within it.

Reflection isn’t just about celebrating how far you’ve come; it’s about facing the hard truths head-on. Ask yourself:

• Where am I?
• Am I where I want to be?
• If not, why not?

It’s uncomfortable work, but it’s necessary. Growth requires honesty, even when it hurts. Sometimes you have to doubt yourself, question your choices, and confront your flaws. Feeling bad isn’t failure—it’s your inner self shouting for attention. Awareness is the first step to meaningful reflection, and reflection is the gateway to action.

Maybe you’re not where you thought you’d be. Maybe the mirror shows you something you don’t want to see. That’s okay. What matters is what you do next. Every stumble, every challenge, every uncomfortable moment is a signpost. Use it. Take stock, adjust your path, and move forward.

This year, I’m not just looking in the mirror; I’m looking ahead. The past doesn’t deserve my energy anymore, nor does it deserve Birkin’s. Together, we’re stepping into a future filled with purpose, possibility, and pride. As we enter this reflective season, I challenge you to do the same. Don’t just glance at your reflection—study it. Question it. Celebrate it. And most importantly, act on what you see.

Keep going, keep growing, keep glowing, and remember: even the hardest falls can lead to the greatest triumphs.

Ciao for now,

Josh