Well, hello there!! Look who just strolled past a major milestone and kept on cruising. That’s right, I just turned the big 32. And let me tell you, it feels less like a monumental, panic inducing number and more like hitting an all inclusive, five star resort after a long, bumpy flight. The luggage is finally down, the sandals are on, and the vibe is calm but with a two year head start on the whole “thirties” thing!

The Great Life Remix, Version 3.2

If my twenties were an energetic, slightly chaotic pop song all high notes, spontaneous dance breaks, and a few dropped lyrics my mid thirties are shaping up to be a smooth, soulful jazz track. It’s got rhythm, a little sass, and a whole lot of knowing what key I’m in. The sweet spot of 32 is having enough life experience to be wise, but still enough energy to dance on tables (hypothetically, of course).
In my twenties, I was still trying on different hats, jobs, cities, and even personalities to see which one fit. It was a beautiful mess of learning and unlearning. Now? The remix is in full swing:

Love is less about the dramatic fireworks and more about the quiet, comforting glow of a bonfire. It’s realizing that the best kind of love is the one that lets you be the absolute, unapologetic version of yourself.

Life is about ditching the race to be perfect and embracing the perfectly messy reality. It’s finally realizing that my time is a precious, non-renewable resource, so I’m trading in the things that drain me for the things that fill my cup.
Thirty Two Candles to represent a bright, beautiful permission slip. Permission to say “NO” without guilt. Permission to invest in the things that bring me the most “Joy“. And most importantly, permission to finally trust my own voice.

Wisdom is the New Black

You know what’s funny? All those little bits of wisdom people tried to hand out in my twenties? I mostly filed them away under nice but unnecessary. Now, I’m finding myself reaching for them like a cozy sweater on a chilly evening. For example, I’m finally understanding the mantra, “You are not your thoughts.” And while I’m not running out to get a life motto tattooed on my forehead, I am carrying one key lesson with me

Live in the moment and enjoy the journey, not only the destination.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, as the wax melts on these thirty two candles, I’m sending a massive wave of gratitude to all the people who have been my support system my amazing family and friends. Because honestly, life is just better when you’ve got your crew there to pick up the pieces, share the laughs, and tell you the hard truths that are painful to swallow.

Cheers to the next chapter! Let’s make it the best one yet.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Let me know in the comments!