I don’t work nights anymore, but back when I did, I had a lot of trouble falling asleep after work. After switching medications, I started dreaming again and that’s been a game changer. I wasn’t getting into REM sleep as often, if at all before, but now my nights are so much better.

I’ve heard the greatest feeling in the world is holding your baby for the first time, but I can’t speak to that yet. For me, though, it’s the feeling of being in love with your best friend. It’s a deep, effortless connection where it feels like they’re a part of you. When they’re not around, it’s this constant longing, this ache of missing them, and the thoughts of them that never really stop. It’s wanting to see them happy, to be the one who brings them joy, and realizing how much they mean to you in every little moment. It’s the kind of love that makes everything else feel brighter, like life just wouldn’t be the same without them in it.