Chapter 22

just turned 22. That sentence alone feels like a deep breath — the kind you take after climbing a hill you never thought you'd make it over. Growing u, I always set a goal of making it to 18. I mean, I had goals to accomplish after that, but for some reason I couldn’t imagine life after it. So, each birthday I’ve made it to, I am in awe. And maybe that’s what 22 feels like for me: breath, gratitude, growth, and grace. Welcome to another entry in AD Diaries — a space where I keep it real, reflect intentionally, and celebrate the stories that shape me.

This Year Taught Me…

21 was no joke. It came with lessons I didn’t ask for and blessings I couldn’t have predicted. I experienced heartbreak and healing, transition and tenacity, fear and faith — often all at once. I’ve never felt as much grief and freedom at the same time, without knowing what to do. And, only being able to lean on God and my tiny circle. I found new pieces of myself through service, through silence, and through showing up even when I didn’t feel like it. Which, that happened a lot….

I learned how to hold space for others while finally learning to hold space for me too.

I realized that it’s okay to grow out loud — even if people don’t always understand the path you’re on and how heavy it is. I realized that being soft doesn’t mean being weak. And most importantly, I realized that I’m not here to just exist — I’m here to build, to uplift, and to be light.

Random sidetone, I’ve never enjoyed a birthday or looked forward to one this much. I mean, once Doechii dropped “Nosebleed” I knew I had to do a photoshoot with the song. Mind you, getting in front of the camera has felt weird for the longest. Even seeing my confidence grow and be so excited for life, has been insane.

22 Looks Like…

• Choosing peace over proving myself

• Building boundaries without burning bridges

• Pouring into my purpose, not my perfectionism

• Being intentional with who and what gets access to my energy

• Loving my younger self by living boldly for my current self

I still have goals I haven’t reached, dreams I’m chasing, and areas where I’m growing. Growing also naturally comes with pain, but it is all in perspective. Seeing God in everything does make it better, because life will always life and I can say with my chest that I’m proud of the woman I’m becoming. 22 isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about honoring where I’ve been and owning where I’m headed.

A Letter to My Younger Self

You made it, miss girl. And not because everything went perfectly — but because you refused to give up, even on the days it might’ve looked like you did. You stayed rooted in love, kept fighting for joy, and tried your best to trust God when things didn’t make sense.

A Birthday Prayer

God, thank You for 22 years of breath, purpose, and becoming. Let this new chapter be one of intentional joy, divine alignment, and sacred softness. May I walk in rooms with confidence, love deeply without fear, and trust You with every detail I don’t yet understand. Amen.

To My People

Thank you. For loving me, lifting me, laughing with me, and letting me be all versions of myself without judgment. Every text, call, prayer, hug, and memory — it all matters. And I don’t take it lightly. I love y’all real bad.

Here’s to 22. To new memories. To deeper purpose. To more healing. To next levels. To all that God has for me.

With a grateful heart,

AD 🖤