EJ Johnson Reflects on 'Most Painful and Difficult Year of My Life' as He Turns 27

EJ Johnson just turned another year older, revealing that the past year for him has been the most painful and difficult year of his entire life after losing "the most important person" in his life.

EJ Johnson shared a lengthy post with his fans and followers about how the past year has been, and he reveals that it has been the most painful and difficult year of his life, while also being a year filled with great power, strength, growth, and beauty.

"Today, I'm 27! This has certainly been the most painful and difficult year of my life as well as one of great growth, power, strength, and beauty. After losing the most important person in my life, I wasn't sure if I would be able to laugh, smile, or find joy again."

Finding Himself Again

The TV personality shares that in the span of one year, he's gone from being unsure he'd ever have the courage to smile or find joy again, to finding joy in trying to find himself and focusing on self-love. As he tried to find himself again after a tragic incident, EJ shares that he had the best friends and family who kept a close watch as he tried to pick himself up through such a dark time in his life.

"But through all the darkness [and] uncertainty, I put myself first. I found joy in searching my soul and nurturing my gifts and talents. I laughed with my friends and family who kept their hands on me during this process. I smiled when I had major personal breakthroughs and successes."

A New Beginning

However, it definitely wasn't easy for him, and he's had to let go of things and people in the process of him being a better version of himself.

"I had to shed certain situations and people in order to get here but I'm better because of it."

When he says he's lost someone special in his life, EJ actually means having to deal with the sudden and tragic death of his best friend, Lyric McHenry. Lyric passed away right after celebrating her 26th birthday, as she was found dead in the Bronx with drugs right next to her.

Remembering Lyric

Although Lyric passed away this way, she lived quite a remarkable life. Aside from being a TV personality that appeared in "EJNYC," she was also into politics and once worked for Senator Harris.

It is still unclear what exactly happened to Lyric when she passed away, as she was celebrating her birthday with her sister and friends just 14 miles away from where she was found. She ended up leaving with a mystery man, and no one was able to contact her until she was found dead on the street.

The incident rocked EJ's life and changed it completely, but he is now trying to move on and live life to the fullest, inspired by his best friend.