Today is my 34th Birthday! But before I roll into another year of life I wanted to give gratitude for year 33. Year 33 will stand as one of the most memorable and profound years of my early 30s. If there’s one word to describe the theme of the past year it’s transition. Year 33 was marked by many transitions. My family sold my childhood home after 31 years, I quit my job without a job, spent 5 months funemployed during the pandemic, started a new job in a completely new industry, experienced the loss of my dear pup Roxy, dealt with some new health issues, and so many more. I spent most of the year feeling emotions across the entire spectrum more deeply than I have in other years. It may sound weird, but with every transition there was someone or something I grieved in the process which took a big emotional toll on me. I experienced moments that were extremely difficult and challenging, but sprinkled throughout the downs I was glad to find joy and gratitude for the life I live, the community I have, and optimism for what’s to come. Not to be cliche, but I learned so much this year and wanted to share them with you.

1. Discomfort isn’t always a bad thing. It’s important to decipher whether a situation is uncomfortable because it isn’t right or healthy for you or if it’s because it’s an opportunity for growth. Sometimes leveling up requires navigating new and challenging situations.

2. Transitions are tough. Recalibrating physically, mentally, and spiritually (sometimes intellectually) takes time and giving yourself grace is important.

3. Small steps forward or in a new direction will always bring more clarity. I always feel an immense amount of fear and uncertainty right before making a change, but I have rarely regretted my decisions because it comes from a place of deep understanding of self and trust.

4. Someone else’s perception about me does not have to be my truth. As I continue to spend more time with myself, I am confident in saying that I know myself better than anyone else.

5. Quietude is one of the most powerful tools we have to navigate this chaotic world. Whether it’s journaling, evening tea time, or meditating I am amazed by how much they help me regulate my emotions and help guide me through any decisions I’m making.

6. I will no longer apologize or feel bad about the boundaries I set for myself. Saying no is a healthy practice and doing so does not make me a bad daughter, friend, or colleague.

7. Some friendships or relationships last for a period of time. It’s okay to acknowledge that who I was then is no longer who I am now. Letting go of friendships does not need to always come out of animosity and spite.

8. The most challenging and difficult pursuit is one of radical self love.