I often spend my birthday considering all the things I didn’t achieve in the previous year, but not at 38. I told myself this year I would celebrate all I did accomplish, the ways I grew, the things I learned.
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I reclaimed my identity as a writer. I sat with shame and insecurity until lies started to reveal themselves. Beneath the bandages I found a badass woman. I revised approximately twenty chapters of my novel. 📝
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I did less public speaking than usual, but what I did was meaningful and impactful and usually on topics of leadership and identity. I also gave financial aid presentations that made people laugh.
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I made a lot of keto meals. 🍳
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I attended therapy almost weekly, investing in myself and in becoming the most self aware, empathetic version of myself. I cried a lot of tears in that office, but I also confronted lies about inadequacy, shame, fear.
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I survived online dating, which is a messy, emotional, and sometimes cruel and gross experience. I never settled in my continued search for a hero.
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I took kids to Justice, the movies, to the bookstore.
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I was, on at least two separate occasions, spontaneous. 😂
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I did my very best to fully listen to every high schooler and college student I met with and to lean on my intuition for when to share my own story or a few words I felt they needed to hear.
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I gave money to causes I care about. I spoke my heart even when there was backlash. I defended underdogs. I reminded women of their worth.
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I did not let people talk down to me.
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I survived an HOA construction project as well as one in my own home. It felt like an elephant stood on my chest for over eight months, but I made it. 🐘
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I found rest and comfort and a fire for justice and mercy in the gospel.
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I practiced compassion as best I could. I am still learning.
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I read great books. 📚
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I got incredible sleep thanks to a life changing CPAP machine. 😴
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I received the incredibly overwhelming love and kindness of friends and family. I hope my friends feel their hearts are as safe with me as I feel mine is with them. ❤️
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That was 37. Here’s to 38. I invite growth, challenge, wisdom, compassion and empathy, fire and fight.
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