29 turned out to be one of the best birthdays I’ve had. This past year has taught me so much about myself, who I am, and who I am striving to become. It’s shown me what love really looks like. It brought me even closer to my mom and sister, which I never thought possible. The lessons learned over the past 29 years have been immense and priceless.

As you may know from my previous post, I was not looking forward to this birthday at all. I found nothing but gloom and doom in turning 29. Judging myself, the progress I’ve made, and my accomplishments. That attitude turned around quite quickly after getting real with myself.

This year I celebrated with the most important people in my life.
I got my pink hair back, proof that you can still rock it out in the corporate world without compromising yourself in the process. I was given some amazing gifts, some absolutely jaw dropping, some touching and poignant, and others that brought an intense awareness of how some people in your life know exactly what you need, even when you don’t.

Thank you to the people in my life who’ve helped me become the person I am today and continue to walk beside me down this path of change and progress. I am so blessed to have a family and best friends who never leave my side, no matter how ridiculous I can be.

At the end of the celebrations, the cakes, the torn wrapping paper, and the laughter, came the best gift of all: the undeniable love that permeates my life. I worry that I can never repay or even express the unconditional love and support I’ve been given, often times feeling completely undeserved. But there it is. Without hesitation, without condition or expectation. Without a doubt, the most amazing gift is unwavering love.

Even though it sounds ridiculously insignificant, thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve given me, everything you’ve taught me, and for every single time you’ve lifted me up when I’ve stumbled.

I love you.