It's here! It's my birthday! I’m embarking on my 39th journey around the sun. Fun and games aside (and I do love fun and games), I’m also taking quiet moments to reflect on the journey that has brought me here. The past two decades have been a whirlwind of experiences. I learned lessons and I grew. Some of those lessons were easily learned. Others kicked my butt. But as I head into the final year of my 30’s, a theme has taken root: transition (and if I can be more specific — transitioning from chaos and confusion to clarity and purpose).
The Storm Before the Calm
In my 20s and early 30s, everything was new, and I would describe my life as “free.” And that’s as it should be, if possible. This is the time when young people explore. They figure out who they are, what they want, and how they fit into this vast, complex world. It’s also the time that many young people get to do this without true responsibilities, or urgent priorities. They spend a lot of time making decisions about careers, relationships, and personal goals, which sometimes leaves them feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. For some, it can be too easy to get caught in the chaos, to feel like they’re constantly reacting to life rather than living it with intention.
But I’ve always been the girl who has it together. Even in my early 20s, I’ve always felt assured. I had a plan. I knew the goals I wanted to achieve, and how I was going to achieve them. Now this is not to say I never felt lost or struggled to find my way. I just always had a core sense of self, and it veered toward a path I could foresee.
As I embarked on my 30’s, a decade where my life was very different from my 20s, I learned to be flexible. I learned that sometimes I couldn’t avoid chaos even if I planned my life to a T. I learned that chaos, while challenging, is also a powerful teacher. It can force you to confront what truly matters. It can strip away the noise so that you can focus on what’s essential. The past three years, the last of my 30's, I have been focused on what I consider essential for myself and for my two daughters. And while chaos has been a teacher, I won’t be revisiting its lessons soon.
Hello 39! - The Butterfly as Bloomed
Sometimes I can’t believe I’m stepping into the final year of my 30’s. But I’m grateful to do it. I’m filled with a sense of excitement, happiness, and anticipation. This is not just another year; it’s a new life, a new beginning. A chance to continue building on the foundation of clarity and purpose I’ve established. It’s a time to set new goals, explore new passions, and deepen my connections with my daughters and the people I love.
I have made a conscious decision to step out of the chaos and embrace a new life, one that centers clarity. Stepping out of chaos is not easy. But the journey has been incredibly rewarding because the experiences have taught me so much. Every birthday I love sharing a new blog with you all, so here are some of the key lessons I’ve learned during this particular life transition from chaos to clarity:
1. Prioritize Self-Care: Whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or simply taking a break to breathe, caring for myself has allowed me to approach life with a clearer, more focused mind.
2. Simplify: I’ve decluttered my mental and emotional spaces. By letting go of unnecessary distractions and obligations, I’ve created room for what truly matters.
3. Set Boundaries: Learning to say no has been a game-changer. Setting healthy boundaries has helped me protect my time and energy, allowing me to invest in relationships and activities that uplift and inspire me.
4. Embrace Change: Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. By embracing change with an open mind and a positive attitude, I’ve found new opportunities for growth and happiness.
5. Embrace decision-making: To be settled, you first have to rip the band aid. Sometimes you have to take steps forward even if you’re afraid of the interim because you know that the other side will be better.
I’m no longer living in chaos and confusion. Instead, I’m embracing a life of intention, clarity, and joy. And as I celebrate my 39th birthday, I’m grateful for the journey that has brought me here and excited for the adventures that lie ahead. Here’s to new beginnings, to the wisdom gained from past experiences, and to a future filled with promise and possibility. Happy Birthday to me, and to all who are on their own journeys of transformation and growth, fly butterfly. May we all find our way out of chaos and into the light of clarity and purpose.
Comments