Happy Birthday to me! Since the beginning of the year I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my life as I pass this milestone birthday. There are a lot of emotions around it, probably because of how much we as a society celebrate and value youth. I know aging is a common fear but I also feel very grateful for every passing year because aging “is a privilege denied to many.”
Here are 30 things I’m celebrating today:
- A birthday trip to NYC where I could spend the long weekend feeling inspired, soaking in the beautiful architecture and spring blossoms, and eating amazing food.
- The previous year of my life that has been full of dark storms and uncertainty.
- The knowledge that no storm lasts forever and every night is followed by dawn.
- My family, who always listens to me, helps me in so many ways, loves me even when I’m crazy, is hilarious, and always has good food to share.
- Amazing friends in many places who are the smartest, kindest, funniest, most inspiring people I know.
- A body that can run, jump, think, play music, see amazing things, read, learn, sing, try new things, take pictures, and much more.
- A college education from a school I loved—and all the education before that that got me there.
- Every job I’ve ever had so far, and how each role has shaped me and helped me grow.
- All the times in my life so far when I laughed so hard I cried.
- Learning that there are so many things outside of money that bring a lot of value to life.
- The many times I look around and think “wow, what a cool life!”
- Realizing that I am good enough just the way I am. In fact, I’m amazing and so are you!
- All the people in my life who I learn from every day.
- My hair color, my freckles, my body shape—every part of me that I hated as a teenager or was teased about.
- Learning to love myself and see through the years of societal conditioning that taught me no matter what I did it wouldn’t be good enough.
- Feeling like the most confident, authentic version of myself yet.
- Learning to break free from perfectionism and fear.
- The memories of celebrating birthdays in college with my Grandma Barrie (aka G-Dizzle) alongside my birthday buddy, Cody.
- Getting a chance to be 30, flirty and thriving! (Are we entering a romcom era?)
- A chance to be a wildflower in the wind, following my intuition, and seeing many beautiful things blossom in the rainstorm.
- A journey that led me to work on my mental health and the connection with others.
- Every picture that I’ve taken and how much joy it brings me.
- Every instrument I’ve played and the inevitable pull toward music.
- All the time’s I’ve messed up and everything I’ve learned from it.
- The many times I’m sure I will mess up in the future and get to continue learning.
- The people who have and will stick with me through all the mistakes.
- A love of learning from books, movies, music, and people.
- Sharing my thoughts with the world and not holding myself back out of fear.
- Taking chances, trying new things, trusting myself.
- A new decade in front of me that is filled with potential.
So this is 30 and I’m happy to be here. As you can see, I have a lot to celebrate!
Now as I look forward to this new chapter, I’ve decided we’re doing the best, nutritious, delicious foods. We’re exercising, stretching, getting the sleep we need and loving our bodies. We’re talking to ourselves lovingly and positively. We’re setting healthy boundaries and remembering that we are not meant to be everything to everyone. Even machines can’t work forever. We’re going to be authentic and happy and beautiful.
I’ve spent too much time worrying and allowing the world to make me feel like I’m expiring but I’m letting that go and just embracing feeling very EXCITED for endless possibilities!
Cheers to 30. 😘
xx
