I’m guessing someone woke up really early one day and said, “I’m going to bake the hell out of this batch of sugar cookies, and they are going to be majestic.”

We both noticed along the way - starting with decades ago - that when just one person opens up in the room or on a stage, others come forward to say," “That’s exactly what I went through! I feel so relieved someone else can understand.”

“However, there is a semi-glowing bright spot in all this. I’ve grown and changed as a writer, and so I have an opportunity to reintroduce myself. It’s been awhile.”

I have a feeling this message will be unpopular, but I need to get it out of my system: please, for the love of God, can we stop sharing “words of the year” every January?

“Being scared is a staple in the formidable range of human emotions. It’s in the moment we free fall for the first time off of a diving board. It’s in the way we pursue first loves, interview for jobs, pursue new ventures, and face ourselves in the unforgiving mirrors of fault and weakness.”

“So, vote. Stay involved, even when it's hard. Take a break when you need to, but get back in the game.”

“It’s going to take me awhile to process and understand everything I’ve learned from this battle.”

“As we face the days and weeks ahead, there will be thousands upon thousands of more cases.”

“By sharing my experience, I am hoping others will be more aware and act quickly.”

“I'm not famous, or a professional athlete, or a high-profile politician. I want to tell my story, because one day it could be yours.”