**The Beauty of the Unwritten**

9:02 AM—Ethan slid my latte across the counter today—same black coffee, same splash of oat milk—but this time, he paused. "You’ve been… different lately," he said, tilting his head. I laughed and took the cup. "Yeah," I admitted. "I think I’m finally okay with not having all the answers."

Because here’s what’s clicking today: There’s power in leaving space for the unknown.

My sketchbook’s open to a page with a single, looping line—no plan, no end goal, just motion. A month ago, I would’ve panicked at the lack of purpose. Now? I’m learning to trust the process, even when the destination isn’t clear.

Here’s where I’m growing now:

1. I’m embracing the questions more than the answers. Liam asked me last night, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Instead of rattling off some rehearsed dream career speech, I shrugged. "Honestly? No clue. But I’m excited to find out." And for the first time, that didn’t feel like failure—it felt like freedom.

2. My creativity doesn’t need a roadmap. That single line in my sketchbook? It’s not leading anywhere yet. And that’s okay. I used to think every stroke had to mean something. Now I’m learning to let the blank spaces breathe, to let the design unfold when it’s ready.

3. I’m falling for the unscripted moments. October in LA is all about golden light and slow transitions—no dramatic shifts, just subtle changes. I used to crave big milestones, clear progress. Now? There’s something poetic in the not knowing. In the quiet before the next chapter.

Ethan just handed someone a latte with a foam masterpiece—some intricate swirl that probably took 10 minutes to perfect. Old me would’ve felt less than for my plain cup. Today? I sip it slowly, savoring the simplicity. Some stories aren’t meant to be rushed. Some designs aren’t meant to be forced.

Growth isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about being brave enough to say, "I don’t know yet," and staying open to the possibilities.

xx Mandy

(P.S. That single line? Still just a line. And I’m in no hurry to turn it into something else.)