If I had to describe myself in one word, I used to think it would be devoted. Devoted to my family, my passions, my values—everything I pour my heart into. But the more I reflected on it, I realized that my devotion isn’t just something that exists on its own. It’s built on something deeper.

Resilience.

Without resilience, I wouldn’t be able to devote myself so fully to the things that matter. I wouldn’t have the strength to keep going, to keep loving, to keep creating—even when life tried to make me believe I couldn’t.

I wasn’t handed a perfect life. There were moments that could have broken me, times when I felt like I had to fight just to find my place. I didn’t grow up with the kind of parental love I give my daughter today. My parents weren’t around the way I needed them to be, but instead of letting that define me, I made a choice: I would become the parent I always wished I had.

That decision wasn’t just about love—it was about resilience. It was about breaking cycles, showing up, and being present no matter what. It’s why I cherish every small moment with my daughter, why I wake up even when I’m exhausted, why I hold on just a little longer. Because I know what it feels like to long for something that isn’t there. And I refuse to let her feel that.

Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship. It’s about choosing to move forward, no matter how hard the past tried to hold me back. It’s why I love so deeply, why I refuse to settle for anything superficial—whether it’s in relationships, passions, or even the things I bring into my life. It’s why I create, even when doubt whispers that I shouldn’t. Why I pour my heart into photography and writing, even when past discouragements tried to silence me. Why I choose authenticity, always.

My devotion—whether to my family, my passions, or the life I’m building—isn’t blind. It’s intentional. And that intention is fueled by resilience.

I am devoted because I am resilient. I love fiercely because I know what it means to feel unloved. I create memories because I understand how fleeting time is. I push forward because I refuse to let my past dictate my future.

So if I had to describe myself in one word, it wouldn’t just be “devoted.” It would be resilient. Because that’s the foundation of everything I am.

How about you? If you had to choose one word that defines you, what would it be?