Lessons I've Learned This Year

It’s my birthday today, and I’m a sucker for a reflective moment and a fun list.

Here are the lessons I've learned this year, that nobody asked for, but humor me:

(Throughout, “you” is meant as the proverbial you, but it’s actually me—or maybe it is you, if that makes sense.)

🥳 Do the thing before you feel fully ready. Don’t overthink it. Stop over-preparing.

🥳 Pay attention to what you sense or know and practice trusting it, even in small moments.

🥳 Whenever possible, do something you enjoy so much that it makes you forget you have a phone.

🥳 Clarity and creativity come when you stop trying to think your way through it.

🥳 Did you see a sign? Trust it. And always Google what it means if you’re not sure.

🥳 “What’s next?” is only a scary question if you don’t take and trust the steps that you know you should.

🥳 Have fun, be in awe of nature, learn about birds!

🥳 Separate what problems are truly yours to solve from what you’ve taken on from others or their expectations.

🥳 Protect your energy at all costs. Say no. Leave! Ask for protection.

🥳 Living is grieving. (This one was the least fun to learn!)

🥳 The patriarchy is not working!

🥳 When all else fails, go for a walk and listen to the birds.

Here’s to another year of trusting myself and learning along the way.