I am so grateful to have been on this planet and have this human experience. It has been truly magical and sometimes painful and difficult. I still know that I have had the most amazing 53 years on this planet so far and looking forward to my next 53 years. Excited to see my girlfriend @Joanne Landrau coffee and hugs and @Kenna Schram @Evan Schram @Martin Randall and my dad for birthday dinner.

Are you currently practicing kindness and gratitude for your life?

So I wanted to share this dream I had that made me realize that no matter how much life can be a battle, you're still here. I was kneeling, crying in a pitch black room. A door opened and a glowing figure appeared. He was so bright but yet it didn't hurt my eyes to look at. He walked over to me, kneeled down, grabbed my hand and whispered, "Let me show you something." Suddenly this huge rush of cool rain smelling air surrounded us and we teleported to an auditorium. A spotlight shined down on the center stage. My 7 year old self came walking out with God behind her. She stood there for a minute, smiled at me and said, "Marissa, we have been through so much together. We've cried so many tears, we've almost surrendered so many times and yet you're still here. We fought so many battles all alone without anyone caring and yet you're still here. Please don't give up because I love you and I'm so proud of who you are today. You have a very special circle of friends that truly love you and appreciate everything you do. That's something you finally have and have always wanted for the longest time. You're still here, always remember that." The spotlight slowly dimmed as my 7 year old self and God slowly vanished.