Hi, y’all. One more trip around the sun and it’s my birthday again. I’ve always loved my birthday and this year is no different, but when I read back to my birthday blog from last year, I’m definitely in a different place. Last year, on that birthday day, where I was emotionally, and my outlook on what was to come, and just life in general, was vastly different than it is on this day. I was overflowing with joy, hope, and more optimism than ever ——it’s almost annoying how happy I was. No, it is annoying. Mostly because on this birthday day, I’m not quite as sure of myself, the happy days are there but not as plentiful as that time last year, and my faith has certainly been tested recently.

But you know what? I’m ok with it. I’m more than OK with it. I’ve taken a step back over the past three months to take a purposeful look for the lessons and takeaways of the past 12 months or so. And the truth is, I’ve learned so much this past year professionally, personally, and spiritually. I’m all the better for the fumblings, heartaches, and struggles because unlike last year, I see my dream more clearly today as something that’s been coming into focus, and in my mind’s eye, I see that dream out in front of me whereas, last year, I think I visualized it behind me—-like I was too late to make that dream come true.

So yeah, even though I’m not in that same annoying sing-songy place as last year’s birthday blog, I have so much gratitude in my heart for my life up until now on this birthday day. So much freaking gratitude that it hurts my heart. It’s been an amazing 48 trips around the sun—all filled with the many joys and lessons that make me the me that I am on this day. And I think I’m doing alright and look forward to all that’s to come for this girl.

Happy Birthday to me and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

xoTrish