I credit my work with you as deepening my intentions to “lean in” in two key areas of my life. First is in my creativity, and second is in my desire for authenticity in communicating in my key relationships. So one area is solo, and one area heavily involves others. I know the solo efforts in creativity are paying off, and I’m hopeful the relationship work is too, though that cannot be measured solely by what I get from it. I will say that post-journey I have a calmness now that benefits me at times of difficult communication. I find I rarely get as upset as I used to when things trigger me. It’s as though I have an increased comfort level with honesty, both what I give to and what I get from those close to me, that has definitely changed. It feels like an artifact of my journey experience, so I’m going with it.

So all this is a long way of acknowledging with gratitude the part you played in supporting me in this transformative experience. I’ll never forget it, or you. Thank you for helping me.

J.S., Portland, Oregon