It's My Birthday!

Today is my 33rd birthday, and naturally, that comes with a lot of reflecting.

I took this birthday tradition from my friend Scott — every year, I ask my friends their favorite part of the last year, their least favorite, and something they’re looking forward to. Driving to my daughter’s doctor’s appointment, I started asking myself those same questions. What am I proud of? What do I want to let go of? And what can I start today that, a year from now, my future self will be so glad I did.

The past year brought some of the biggest shifts of my life. Leaving a job, becoming a mom, hitting a few final breaking points, starting new and exciting projects. There’s been deep reflection and accountability on where I still need to grow. And there’s been sincere pride in how far I’ve come.

And, I keep having this feeling that I’m standing at the edge of my biggest chapter yet.

So this year, I’m sharing the “what I’m looking forward to” part of my annual birthday prompt. And to make it fun for myself, I’ve turned it into a bit of a glow up list. The things I’m starting, stopping, and continuing so that a year from now, I’m a little closer to the woman I’m always aiming to become.

And since it’s my birthday, I’m celebrating by giving you 20% off monthly subscriptions through the end of July! That includes monthly hosting guides, paid-subscriber-only pieces, and lots of fun things coming this year.

Find the promotion here.

The Glow Up List

Motherhood

I’m deep in newborn land, which is exactly what I expected and absolutely nothing like I expected simultaneously. The highs and lows can happen in the same five minutes. I’ve started just telling myself, embrace it. I can’t help but kissing her mid-scream. Smiling at all her little quirks. Having a good cry after a particularly tiresome day. I’m soaking up the weird, tender chaos of it all.

I’m letting myself feel proud for figuring out “the balance.” Writing emails between naps, snuggling her on calls, finding a good routine, accepting help. Just learning how to be a mom!

Career

Officially back on the market after the first real break I’ve taken from work for more than a week since I was sixteen. Good news, it turns out I actually missed it! I’ve always loved working, even my high school retail shifts were somehow the highlight of my week.

Freelancing has been the perfect reentry, and I’m trusting the timing on whatever’s next. This year, I’m attracting my dream job or opportunity.

Confidence

Not necessarily affirmations in the mirror (though also yes to that). But more making bold moves without talking myself out of them first.

I’ve always been a jump-first kind of person, until fear or doubt or worrying what people will think gets in the way. Starting this Substack is a perfect example. I went back and forth forever before finally hitting publish. So glad I did. More of that energy, please.

Authenticity

Being a people pleaser has gotten into more messes than I’d like to admit. Saying yes when I meant no, biting my tongue to keep the peace, talking myself out of things I actually wanted just to keep everyone comfortable. Though this is a characteristic I have learned to love about myself, it’s time for some boundaries! This year, I’m following my gut, speaking up, letting people (myself included) be a little uncomfortable. I’m an easy going person by nature, so why kill that vibe and take on other’s emotions? On this subject, I love this article written by my friend and unbothered queen herself.

Abundance

"I can afford everything I want" has been living on my vision board for a while now, and this year I want to actually believe it. Less scarcity thinking, more trusting that there's enough room for everything I'm working toward. Enough success, enough opportunity, enough good things headed my way. Dreaming a little bigger and getting out of my own way.

Substack

I started Open House this February — a New Year’s resolution I almost talked myself out of — and I’m thrilled people are reading it. It’s become my favorite part of my week. I keep a notebook on hand in case inspiration strikes, I am designing for myself which is so fun, and I’m feeling more creative by the day. More of this, please! More writing and hopefully some IRL meetups and collabs too.

Painting

I’ve painted my whole life, but this year I want to actually take it more seriously. I’ve been taking courses, reading textbooks before bed, and putting in practice. A huge dream of mine is to one day have a solo art show and I can’t get there without putting in the hours. If I want to retire as an artist one day, it’s time to start painting now.

Travel

Doesn’t even need to be anything major, little getaways or long weekends are also welcome. I haven’t taken a trip that’s not for work in a couple of years and I’d love to get back in the rhythm. Ideally, one international trip a year with lots of smaller trips sprinkled in. I feel my absolute best when I’m traveling, so it’s important to plan and make it priority this year.

Strength

Obviously freshly postpartum and not going to pretend everything’s back to normal, because it’s definitely not. This year isn’t about “feeling like myself again.” Instead, I want to feel like the best version of myself yet.

Getting strong. Drinking my water. Cooking with seasonal ingredients. Moving my body daily, no excuses. Yet, still saying yes to dessert and a glass of wine and loving myself through every stage.

Also, want to prioritize dry brushing and lymphatic draining…thoughts?

Skin

Postpartum skin is its own beast. Hormones going wild, lack of sleep, not having a consistent routine. This year, I want to treat myself in the skin category! I created a note of my holy grail products that I’d like to keep on hand and also would love to get a couple of facials a year. Does anyone have recommendations of procedures / products? I’m all ears. I’m ready for a glow.

Style

I spent the last year dressing for comfort, which is exactly what that season called for. Now I’m feeling tired of the baggy everything. I do have a go-to uniform, but I want to wear and find more flattering silhouettes that work specifically with my body and make me feel great. I also want to invest in some pieces I’ll have forever to build a closet that feels more intentional, containing things I actually love. Fewer impulse buys, more pieces I’ll still love in five years. Also, trying things on IRL!

That’s the glow up list! I’m already channeling this new version of me, and I can’t wait to look back at this exact list next year and see where I’ve landed.