Hello 26: Embracing a New Chapter with Gratitude and Grace

There’s something about birthdays that makes you reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re headed. Turning 26 earlier this month felt like a fresh start — a reminder that life is full of moments worth savoring, even when it throws some curveballs your way.

25 had its fair share of bumps. I lost both of my grandparents, and while that kind of loss hits deep, it also made me focus more on the beautiful memories we shared. I loved sitting around the table with my grandmother, flipping through old photo albums from her life in Austria, listening to her as she narrated each black-and-white snapshot. With my grandfather, it was the stories — tales of simpler times and family history, his strong South Carolina drawl always catching people’s attention, no matter where we went. It’s those small, everyday moments that linger the longest.

This past year wasn’t just about loss, though. It was also about adventure and connection. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend the last month in Europe. My mom and I met up in Italy, wandering Venice, getting wonderfully lost in those winding streets, marveling at glassblowing demonstrations, sipping local wine, and savoring the freshest seafood. It was the kind of trip where time slowed down and every moment felt a little more vivid.

I’ve been staying in Budapest, and this city has completely stolen my heart — the architecture, the cozy cafés, the feeling of being somewhere that’s both old and new all at once. I couldn’t stay away from Budapest after my solo trip here in March, where I wrote about all the places I fell in love with. Now, I love it even more! Whether I’m walking the streets or finding a peaceful spot to sip coffee, Budapest feels like home in a way I never expected.

I like to get out and explore, and I recently came across Margaret Island. It has a ~5km rubber track that circles the island. It’s the perfect way to start the day with a quick and refreshing run surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Danube and surrounding buildings.

For my birthday, I went to TOKIO Budapest, a restaurant that seamlessly blends the art of Japanese cuisine with an elegant, modern atmosphere. The calamari was perfectly crispy, the sushi melted in my mouth, and the ambiance was dark and moody in all the right ways. When I left, it had started to rain, and I ended up running from awning to awning, dodging as many puddles as I could. I stumbled upon a shop serving ice cream in warm, sweet chimney cake cones, so obviously had to grab one! I feel so lucky and grateful to have been able to spend my birthday in the most beautiful city; it was truly special. I couldn’t be more thankful for this life :))

And that’s what this birthday felt like — a celebration of everything that brought me to this moment and all the possibilities still waiting ahead. This past year reminded me to savor the present, to hold onto the memories that warm my heart, and to stay open to life’s surprises. 26, I’m ready to embrace you with gratitude and excitement for all that’s to come.