one year of my writings

Today Lo's Thoughts turns one, 

And I have so much to say, but what first comes to mind is thank you.

These are two simple but meaningful words that I feel resume this past year from the bottom of my heart.

I have written about so much: from my path to sexual empowerment, loving myself, and heartbreak to the importance of speaking up about sexual abuse. And through all those moments, dear readers, YOU were there to read and support me. So, from the bottom of my heart: thank you.

I want to express my gratitude and what I have learned from you this past year with this article. Because what is a writer without its readers? What are Lo's Thoughts without people to share her thoughts with? How would I keep myself inspired if it weren't for this little community we have created and the faithful 42 subscribers that read my newsletter every week? 

I would have never imagined 42 people would willingly sign up to read my words. What's more, the idea of them expecting my next article was unfathomable, so thank you.

Thank you for challenging me to think outside of the box, for giving me the courage to speak up. Thank you for reading, having conversations, and engaging with my words. Thank you for being a fan, for discussing what you like and what you don't.

Thank you for all the people and situations that have inspired me this past year. How could I have written about sexual empowerment without people criticizing my picture in lingerie on social media? And about feeling sexy and discovering this new part of myself without seeing women and men give their meaning to the word "sexy"? 

How could I have felt and written about heartache if a very inspiring person hadn't come and gone into my life last year? How could I've regained this new writing image if it weren't for those sad days that turned into joy?

Or for that person that let me go and showed me the importance of pursuing my dreams? So if you are reading this, thank you.

How could I be writing this if it wasn't for Rebe? Who from day one, has inspired me to be a better writer, become a better leader and have a clearer voice.

How could Lo's Thoughts exist without the full support of my loving family, who, through all the ups, downs, and complex topics, have been here to hold my hand? So, thank you.

How could I keep writing about my life and the desire to inspire and promote self-love if it weren't for YOU? Yes, you, who are reading this right now, who give my words purpose, push me to become a better writer, voice, and person. I could not do it without you.

Thank you to Isa and Izazkun, who have bravely collaborated on my blog, and thank you to all the women and men who have shared their stories and responded to my different topics. The incredible conversations we've had have only inspired me to keep going and keep doing what I love.

I have so much appreciation for all of you; I might as well write a book.

But I also want to share what I have learned this past year because this blog is not only a way for me to do what I love most but also my weekly therapy. Every time I write something-from feeling lucky to crying in a bathroom bar and realizing I need a life change- something in me changes. Every word I type, every subject I raise has helped me grow.

Through lows like losing my fear of loving, to the highs, like reinventing myself and welcoming you into this new Lorenza, I have learned I have grown. I have loved, discovered, improved, stepped back, second-guessed myself, and had a quarter-life crisis. I've had the beautiful honor to share with YOU all of this.

And I intend to keep sharing.

The amount of love and support I have felt this past year is indescribable.

With every article, opinion, topic, conversation: I've had a reaction from you. Be it positive or negative, these responses inspired us to be better, do better, write better, come up with more interesting, challenging ideas not only for you but for us. I have flourished and become a better person and woman by sharing my experiences, highs, lows, and weird moments. A woman that wants to contribute and leave a mark through her words, a woman that wants to help, to inspire in any way she can.

And I will continue to do so because I have learned so much; I have learned to get out of my comfort zone, be my own person, defy my beliefs, be alone, fall out of love, and say what I think. But most of all, I have learned to be brave.

And I could not have accomplished this without you, dearest reader.

So today, it's not only Lo's Thoughts that turns one; you are too. And I intend to keep growing, discovering, and loving together. So thank you, because alter all of these challenging and beautiful moments I've put into words, today I have learned the most beautiful lesson:

For all the times I said no, today I say YES.

With all my love and appreciation,

L