I am turning 32 years old at the end of June and naturally have been reflecting on the past year of life, as well as my hopes for this next trip around the sun. I used to think being in your early thirties meant having your life figured out, building upon the foundation you set in your twenties except with more stability and self-assurance. Unfortunately that has not been my experience so far but yet here I am, living through the uncertainty of life despite it all. I have to say, it feels weird to still feel so lost sometimes when it seems like everyone else around you has their life figured out. That being said, 31 was filled with so many highs and exciting milestones so I’m choosing to focus my energy on the good while remaining optimistic as I enter chapter 32.

I’ve started to look at my life in terms of categories or “buckets” and have learned that some buckets may be more filled than others and that’s okay. These buckets can be relationships, career, finances, physical health, mental health, and personal development. Just because you might be struggling in one area of your life, doesn’t mean you aren’t thriving in others. Perspective is everything and it’s so important to focus on those areas that are thriving, while being kind to yourself for the areas that are not.

In full transparency, I’ve been pretty hard on myself for not achieving the things I thought I would by this age which has had a negative effect on my self-esteem and confidence. It’s so easy to forget the things that are going well in your life when you’re going through a difficult season. So this next year around the sun is dedicated to healing my nervous system, trusting the process, and regaining that spark I know I have.

Chapter 31 was filled with new opportunities and exciting life milestones, but also filled with unexpected loss and mental health struggles. But I’m proud of myself for my ability to navigate these challenges with grace and to keep trying for the things I want. Suffering in silence is never healthy and stories are so powerful so my hope is that by sharing that I’ve been going through a hard time can make someone feel less alone. At the end of the day, we’re all just human beings just winging it through life and trying to figure it out as we go.

I’ve learned so many things this past year but here are seven things that stick out the most:

1. Don’t be afraid to keep pivoting until you find the things that light you up.
2. You rarely get external validation as an adult, so give that validation to yourself.
3. Never stop believing and investing in yourself, even if other people don’t.
4. Failure doesn’t get easier over time, you just learn to handle it better.
5. Prioritize taking care of your mental health, everything else can wait.
6. Surround yourself with people who love you and uplift you.
7. It’s never too late to start over in any area of your life.

My wish for chapter 32 is to do more things that scare me, stay consistent with my goals, and above all else, never stop believing in myself. Life can be unpredictable and you never know when it will throw you for a loop. But I promise you will become a stronger, more resilient person and can still achieve anything you set your mind to. I’m not sure what this next year has in store, but I know the possibilities are endless and that the best is yet to come.

With love,