3. I Think I'm Exactly Where I'm Supposed to Be

Life is funny sometimes.

A year ago, I don't think I could've imagined where I'd be today. Not necessarily because anything extraordinary has happened, but because, for the first time in a long time, I genuinely feel like I'm doing something I love.

And that's a pretty incredible feeling.

I'm now 14 months sober, something I'm incredibly proud of. It's been a journey of learning about myself, making better decisions, and figuring out what kind of life I actually want to live.

I've also been putting a lot more effort into taking care of my mental health. Something I probably should've started doing a long time ago. I'm learning that it's okay to slow down, ask for help, and put myself first sometimes. Not every day is perfect, and I certainly don't have everything figured out, but I'm trying. And I think that counts for something.

Somewhere along the way, awburn became a really important part of all of that.

What started as a little idea in January has turned into something I genuinely look forward to working on every single day. Whether I'm pouring candles, designing new products, packing orders, or chatting with familiar faces on TikTok Live, I find myself feeling excited about things I never would've imagined being excited about.

And I think that's what makes this whole experience so special.

For so long, I think I had this idea that happiness was something I'd eventually find once everything in my life fell into place. Once I had enough money, once I reached certain goals, once everything was just right.

But I'm starting to realize that maybe happiness isn't really about any of that.

Maybe it's about waking up and having something to look forward to. Creating something with your own two hands. Meeting kind people. Finding little moments throughout the day that make you smile.

Of course, there are stressful days. Running a small business comes with plenty of uncertainty, and I've definitely had my fair share of challenges. But even on the difficult days, I wouldn't trade what I'm building for anything.

I'm proud of awburn. But more than that, I'm proud of the person I'm becoming.

I still have so many things I want to accomplish, places I want to go, and dreams I want to chase. And I'm sure there will be plenty more mistakes and lessons along the way.

But right now, at 35 years old, 14 months sober, taking care of myself, and building something I truly love, I can finally say something I haven't always been able to say.

I'm happy.

And I think I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Thank you,

Andrew