Thank you.

A friend of mine got the words 'thank you' tattooed after they experienced something awful and were caught by their community. I haven't experienced anything as bad as that truly awful event, but I have been caught, and I do want to say thank you.

Thank you to the people who have messaged me, the people I know and the people I don't. Thank you to the people who have checked in, and sent me memes and gifs and songs and videos and words and voice notes and advice and chocolate and cinema tickets and hugs and curiosity and compassion and gentleness.

Thank you, especially to the people who said that they wish they could have done more. So many people said they wished they were stronger, or had the capacity, or the right words. So many people said they were too scared to intervene and hoped that one day they could. Thank you. I did not expect or need anyone to defend me, but I am so grateful that you were in spirit.

I knew what I was doing. And I stand by everything I said and did. Sure I could have made different choices, but I can live with the ones that I made. The fact that so so so many people have reached out in a way I never saw coming, and supported me even though I may have navigated this situation with less grace and nuance than a wiser person would have, has made me so much more confident in our communities ability to love and let each other grow. And in my own ability to be caught by loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and strangers.

There were people who were angry on my behalf, thank you. Thank you for your rage. Thank you for picking it up so I don't have to. Anger is important and justified, but to know it doesn't have to sit with me has been lovely. The fact that you have picked it up, has given me the space to pick up all the lovely bits of kindness and softness that has made its way to me.

Thank you to the people who disagreed with me with respect. You are the most wonderful of all. The ability to articulate your point and talk to me human to human, is a true skill and a sign of leadership. Thank you for making your points clearly and in good faith. Whilst I am choosing a different path, I am so thankful that you are keeping a door open for me. Who knows what the future will bring? Maybe I will change my mind and you will have been right all along?

Thank you to everyone who quietly moves. Thank you to those whose choices are not public, whose love and compassion are stoic and quiet. Thank you for being the beating heart of this community. You have my utmost respect, and I wish I had your skillset. Thank you to the people who thanklessly and quietly build infrastructure for people to lean on and depend on. Thank you for doing so much I'm sure many haven't noticed, if any of us! Thank you to the quiet growers and movers, who answer only to their principles and peace of mind.

Thank you to the soft hearts, the good vibes, and the gentle nature that has softened me. I'm learning so much from all of you, and I hope that I can do all of your support proud. I hope I can pay you back in time and you can have your kindness shone right back at you.

I have this stunning realisation, I think we're all going to be alright.