Before we dive in, let’s quickly hit an important, nerdy, linguistic point: “nonna” is Italian for grandmother.

On a recent visit with my grandmother, whom I call “Nonna”, she asked my father if he ever imagined himself as a parent when he was younger.

Without missing a beat, he answered, “Yes.”

Nonna asked if he also imagined being a grandparent. With the same confidence, he repeated his answer.

“Me, too.” Nonna said. “Now, did you ever imagine yourself as a great-grandparent?”

Finally, he paused. With a smile, she said, “I never imagined being a great-grandmother. And I have six great-grandchildren.”

Sometimes, even oftentimes, it’s the things we never dreamed of that end up being the greatest gifts.

I know this. I’ve seen this. I’ve lived it. Yet it is still so difficult for me to invite in the unknown.

This is exactly why I took this trip. To push myself to find the things I can’t see, to accept that I can’t see everything, and to embrace that the unknown is often where life’s greatest treasures lie.

This applies to every inch and second of my life, from the unknown of a foreign country to the unknown reactions (or lack thereof) to a published article.

So today, on Nonna’s birthday, I take inspiration from the woman who finds joy in the six (so far) great-grandchildren she never imagined having. Today, I remember the philosophy on which I started this blog over a year ago:

“No number of edits will perfect your art. Life is not about the final draft, but rather the next draft. Here’s to mistakes, tenacity, and passion. Here’s to wandering the world and its imperfections in this draft of life.”

Today, I remember that there are some things more important than fear, especially of the unknown. Today, I start living the dream that I have worked to create for myself: travelling and writing.

Happy Birthday, Nonna.