Birthday Blog: Reflecting on 24
Twenty-five years… A quarter-century… wow. Momma, I made it. And I say that sincerely because making it this far is a blessing in itself.
Most people view 25 as the point where you feel like you’re getting old. But I don’t think of it that way. For me, getting older means I’m one day, one month, one year closer to all the things I’ve prayed for. I’m closer to seeing how it all ends up — and that’s more exciting than trying to hold onto the youth that’s always eluding us.
Plus, you’re always as young as you feel, and I plan to feel young forever. Well, except for the inability to eat chipotle and dairy and all the other things that cause you to wake up writhing in pain the morning after eating them.
Otherwise, I feel pretty much the same — for now, at least.
I accomplished a lot during 24:
Launched a blog
Started a new job… then got a promotion
Went to therapy and started working through my ~daddy issues~
Collaborated with a couple of local businesses
Made it through COVID
And those were simply the things I didn’t plan. As far as the expectations I laid out for myself in an Instagram post last year, I definitely took some steps forward. But the best way to keep moving forward is to reflect on and learn from the past. Keep reading to see how I held up to my intentions during 24…
✨ Intention 1 (keep in mind these were written last year): No more weird, petty drama. If there’s a problem, let’s talk about it. Seriously, let me know what I did that’s bothering you. It’ll sting for a minute, but I’ll either be able to grow from it or learn how to navigate our friendship a little bit better. We’re too old for tea and shade, babes.
How I did: Whew, I had a few big blowouts this year, I’m not going to lie. In the really big ones, I aimed to communicate my feelings head-on or at least open up a conversation to do so. In the not-so-big ones, there was a subtweet here and a shadetok there (so, some tea, some shade). But regardless of my method of personal venting, those feelings typically didn’t go completely unknown by the other party. So, some progress, but lots of growth to be had.
✨ Intention 2: I don’t need to wear a peplum top for my outfit to flatter my body. That crop top, bralette, two-piece, and mini skirt, all belong on my body RIGHT NOW. I took a leap and bought some outfits that I thought were one size too small...and turns out, they were PERFECT. Like why did no one ever tell me I’ve been spending my time wearing clothes that were baggy ASLLLL.
How I did: I think I can check this one off my list for sure. I wear what I want when I want! And if you’re needing the confidence to do the same, I always suggest finding people with your body type who are already rocking the things you want to wear. That’s part of the beauty of influencer culture — there are always real people that can serve as some sort of inspiration or encouragement.
✨ Intention 3: Focus and pour into the ones that show up for you and stand by you through it all. It’s easy to fall into a trap worrying about the people that don’t like you, or that choose to spend their time pouring into other people - but as for me, I’ll choose the ones who show up. I’m no one’s fallback friend, and I won’t lend my energy there anymore. I’ve been distancing myself from people who make me feel this way, and man, has it been a relief for me and my homegirls.
How I did: I’ve learned so much about friendship this year and how it relates to me. I’ve never been the girl with a lot of close friends or besties. For much of my life, I’ve clung to toxic friendships just for the sake of being able to say I had 7-, 8-, or even 10-year relationships. Friendships where I wasn’t even wanted. This year, I surrounded myself with people that wanted to be around me. I reconnected with some genuine friends from my past and formed new connections with others. And I can honestly say I’m the least lonely I’ve ever been.
