It's Mel's birthday today. When I looked back at our photos from 2023 to prepare tonight's visual, I smiled, remembering everything Mel got up to this year: ziplining, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, beach volleyball, dancing, zumba, ping pong, traveling. Her year of being 30 was a year of self-actualization. Now 31, she will no doubt continue the trend.

There's something magical about being in your thirties. You're more likely to know who you are and what you want, and less likely to care whether that meets anyone else's expectations but your own. You have a better sense of your unique talents and how you can use them to contribute something useful and beautiful to the world. You are more apt to be aware of and grounded in your values. You have grown in confidence and are willing to try new things, knowing that you don't need to be perfect at them from the start; you simply need to enjoy them. You're more inclined to ask for what you want. You understand your priorities, and you shape your life in a way that reflects those priorities. You have learned the power of a kind word, a thoughtful gesture and a simple smile to make another person's day. You know what brings you peace and strive to invite more of that into your life, while limiting things that threaten your equilibrium.

Mel, this is what I've gained from watching you over the past year. I continue to learn from and to be inspired by you. As I said last year, it is a privilege to be your mom.