Dear 24,

It’s our last few hours together and I wanted to write you this letter to tell you how much you mean to me.

Even before I met you, I knew you would be a powerful, important year in my life.  Twenty-four has been my lucky number since elementary school when you were my number in third grade and my dad taught me that Willie Mays, number 24, is the greatest baseball player in history. I long looked forward to meeting you and when you came around last October I knew we were in for a magical ride.

You started the year off right when the San Francisco Giants won the World Series. I sat on my couch every night, sometimes with loved ones, mostly alone and I fell in love with baseball again. I also got the chance to bond with my dad in a way we hadn’t in a while.  It wasn’t an easy run for the Giants and on many of those nights it looked like we were on the brink of defeat. But the Giants proved to be comeback kids, winning six elimination games and going on to sweep the Tigers for the World Series title. They taught me it’s never too late to fight for a happy ending.

You filled my life with wonderful new friends and brought me closer to old ones. They taught me the meaning of friendship by holding my hand as I drove down some dark highways, never letting go until I reached the exit meant for me and pulled off the road in a more positive place.

And then 24, you reminded me of a deep love and dream I had neglected: travel. Oh yes, there is truly nothing I love more than being on the open road, discovering some place new on a wild adventure. And, being the amazing gift giver you are, you reunited us.

You brought me a new job I could have never foreseen that not only sent me travelling across the United States and Canada, but also broadened my skills, increased my confidence and above all was really, really fun.

And then, just as things were going well, you whispered to me to do something crazy and I took a wild, bold leap. This leap brought me closer to the person I am meant to be. And to Paris. And Italy. And a life in Spain. And to so many other adventures on the near horizon.

Twenty-four, I don’t want to leave you.  You were the best year of my life and I don’t want to say goodbye. As we part I’m shedding some tears, but they won’t last long because I know 25 and beyond will kick ass, much more than they would have had I not met you. I’m going to be happy! I’m going to travel!  I’m going to love deeply! I’m going to keep dreaming and work to make those dreams come true! And tomorrow, I’m going to Portugal, baby!

Thank you, 24, for helping me become a more “me” me and for the sense of confidence and happiness that is going to be the foundation for the rest of my life.

Here’s to living boldy and never slowing down.

Love always,

Lauren