On a day that had been hard anyway, headed into an appointment I was dreading, after a meeting I regret... an older woman spoke up to tell me she loved my shirt. It took me a moment to catch what she meant, and by the time I looked up she was almost past. Almost... but not quite. As my eyes found hers, she smiled. I said a quiet thank you and kept going.

It's hard to know who is safe anymore. Many are debating wearing things that identify them as such, while others are frustrated at the performative nature of things like that. When safety is not felt, it cannot be forced. I get that.

For me, the clothes I have taken to wearing over the last several years have become a beacon. People notice the messages. They share their stories. Strangers and I laugh and cry and then walk away from each other, never to speak again. It's not performative. It's because people matter. Choosing health matters. Empowering us all and each to do better matters. Allowing people to really show up matters.

Love matters.

Today’s shirt? Simply true. I will love out loud for all those who aren’t safe enough to do so.

And it’s Christmas time in our house. No ifs, ands. or buts about it. Because twinkling lights are the only way to end a day like today.

Know you are invincibly precious just as you are. Right now, without changing a thing, you are loveable and worthy. And I will speak this over and over and over you until you can say it to yourself... and even after.

I love you.