Aja Instagram – 2023 dump Reflecting on the labyrinth that was 2023, it was a year teeming with a symphony of highs and lows. The depths plunged me into the shadowy embrace of depression and relentless anxiety, a tempest that raged with an unprecedented intensity, especially through the summer’s scorching days. Health anxiety soared, a relentless pulse against the canvas of my days. As someone navigating the journey with diagnosed bipolar disorder, the pendulum of extremes swung wider than ever before. Public scrutiny weighed heavily on my shoulders, each opinion shared met with a cascade of backlash, a familiar refrain in a world sometimes unwilling to embrace divergence. The relentless whisper of gender dysphoria plagued my steps, clouding the mirror of self-perception, obscuring the truth that I was indeed navigating life’s tapestry with resilience. Amidst this maelstrom, moments of light shimmered through the veil of darkness. I rekindled my connection with the Orisha tradition, offering solace and support to my godchildren. Victory danced in my steps, gracing me with triumph at every ball I graced, culminating in my debut at the illustrious House of Miyake Mugler. Love found its way into my home as my boyfriend and I began our shared journey, warmly embraced by his family’s open arms. I stood unwaveringly in defense of ballroom’s essence, applauded by my community for upholding its integrity on a public platform. The embrace of a day job marked a milestone, a testament to life’s evolving chapters. Domesticity whispered its allure, granting me the serenity I’ve always craved. 2023 revealed an essential truth: my mortality may tether me, but it does not define my limits. It taught me the resilience inherent in my spirit, navigating storms, weathering false accusations, and emerging unbroken. As I welcome the dawn of 2024, I carry with me the unyielding resolve to ascend above discord and needless conflict, a testament to my unstoppable nature. Here’s to 2024 🫶🏽💛