The Big 3-0: A Decade of Reflection, Playfulness, and Self-Ownership
Hey there, beautiful souls! 🌟 I hit the big 3-0 on Sunday, August 20th, and let me tell you, it feels like pure magic infused with a beautiful sense of ease and gratitude.
I found myself diving into my journal, pen in hand, eager to capture the essence of this exciting milestone. Initially, there was this internal pressure nudging me to plan a grand 30th celebration, to make it a "big" moment. But, you know what? That didn't resonate with me at all. This birthday feels different, and I wanted to honor that unique feeling within me.
So, I took a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the rollercoaster ride that was my previous decade—ages 20 through 29. There's something incredibly powerful about revisiting those experiences, the highs and the lows, and extracting the nuggets of gratitude from each one. It's like flipping through the chapters of a well-loved book, reminiscing about who I was at 21, 25, or 28. This exercise helped me reconnect with aspects I want to re-embody and shed light on the things I'm ready to release as I step into this next chapter.
And then came the fun part—I put pen to paper, imagining I was turning 40. What would future-me be most proud and grateful for in my 30s? The recurring theme was crystal clear: don't take life too seriously. Keep the flames of curiosity, playfulness, and adventure burning bright. It was a delightful exercise that set the tone for the kind of decade I'm manifesting.
But perhaps the most significant celebration is my intention to reclaim ownership of who I am. In my early twenties, I naturally embraced my authentic self. However, as I waded into the corporate world and emerged from the cocoon of college, my light started to dim. I got entangled in the pursuit of achievement and success, feeling the weight of having it all figured out without ever asking for help. I even let go of tennis—a sport that once brought me immeasurable joy.
As I step into this new year, this new decade, I'm raising a toast to where I am and who I am. It's a shedding of those rigid layers, an embrace of my silly, goofy, and playful side that may have been tucked away for far too long.
And to you, dear reader, if you're feeling the heat of internal pressure, take a moment. Place your hand on your heart, and inhale deeply—let those five breaths be a reminder that it's okay not to have it all figured out. If you need a little more encouragement, check out this podcast. It's a warm reminder of the power of creating a physical self-compassion practice to ease the burdens we often place on ourselves.
Celebrate yourself or someone meaningful in your life today!
P.S. There's a single spot open for 1:1 coaching in 2024. If you're feeling called to receive support during a personal transition or if you're ready to take more ownership of who you are, let's chat. It begins with a conversation, so there's no pressure to know if it's the right fit for you. It's like trying out a new shampoo—you won't know if it feels nourishing and good until you give it a try. You might love it, or you might not. Either way, it's an exploration worth taking.
With love,
Betta