This year, I'm thankful for...reinvention.

2021 has been a challenging year, arriving after a series of even more challenging years. This year, I took time and energy from my endless previous capitalist pursuits to just focus on me. What made me feel healthy? What’s a hobby I can pursue that’s not defined as “productive?” What do I enjoy about the everyday? What do I want to inject into the everyday from here on out?

And a lot of things started to change.

This evolution will no doubt continue into infinity, but this year, I’m feeling particularly thankful for the ability and inherent, universal right to perpetual personal reinvention.

Musically and personally, I have been so inspired by Billie Eilish’s reinvention and unapologetic manifestation of what she wants to make and who she wants to be. “Happier than Ever” has been a great soundtrack for continuing to work through hard feelings and celebrating the days in between where you feel like a certified, independent badass.

Predictably, the internet has had mixed reactions to Billie’s transformation. (Go ahead and start relating this to what you can imagine I’ve also been facing.) “I don’t like her new look. She looks like a slut.” or “I liked her old music. Why did she have to change?” And worse and on and on.

There’s folks who are less than pleased with my life decisions, especially when it has affected their self-confidence by comparison or (most popularly) the productivity, reputability, and finances of the projects I used to shoulder with a smile.

“You can be the juiciest, sweetest peach in the world, and there will always be someone out there who doesn’t like peaches.”

Well, I love peaches. And I love Billie Eilish. No matter what she wears, how she styles her hair, or how she grows as an artist. Neither of us owe anyone the comfort of staying the same to avoid discomfort. So we won’t. And both, either, and all versions of you (and me and Billie) are valid, beautiful, and worthy of love.

And anyone that doesn’t respect your right to grow or appreciate the emergence of a you that makes you happier (than ever) doesn’t deserve you in any form — especially not you at your new, best self.

Happier Than Ever era, Vogue-Shoot, blonde bombshell Billie: 11/10

When We All Fall Asleep… era, Live Show, black and green Billie: 11/10