Hitting Reset: A Birthday for the Books!
It’s that lovely time of year when I either freak out on getting older and assess everything I did or didn’t accomplish over the last year orrrrrrrr sit in a space of immense gratitude for just being alive, living the amazing life I have. This year I choose gratitude. And I’m gonna do my best to keep this feeling with me for the rest of my life.
I’ll try to keep this short (but y’all know me LOL). Today, I’m dirty-THURTY-six. YES honey…36, and when I tell y’all I’m grown a grown freaggin woman, I mean every bit of it! The crazy thing is how much I love being in my 30s and having the freedom of mind and spirit that I’ve gained over the last 6 years of my life.
I didn’t always have that appreciation. When I turned 30, I had a literal nervous break down- remind me to tell y’all about that mess another day. Everything was happening all at once, and I felt like my life was falling a part. Music wasn’t where I wanted it to be, my finances, my love life, my lil heart was just going through it…but my faith and my family, and wonderful friends lifted me up and rallied for me at a dark time I never saw ending. So today, I’m saying cheers to my-effin’-self for being a strong, big-hearted, talented, crazy, fun woman in a time when age isn’t celebrated and the wisdom that comes with it isn’t always appreciated. I’m so glad to be here, just where I am.
Now here it is…everyone always starts asking these crazy questions. I don’t have a secret husband or kids, and maybe one day that will all come to me but I do have an adorable little dog I adore, the most loyal family who loves me, beautiful friends who never falter, an amazing job that allows me to do creative and impactful work that affects lives all the world and me. I have me. And I will live every day of my life reminding myself that internal/external ageism, negative self-talk, doubt, fear, and toxicity no longer serve me or have a place in my life.
I’m letting it burn and today -as far as I’m concerned- is my new year celebration. I’m breaking down walls and it’s scary to share with you all but I have to. I have to be myself. I can’t hide anymore.
So tell me— have you ever weighed yourself down with things that just make no real sense? If you have, what are you willing to finally let go? It’s time friends. It’s time. Cheers to us. <3
-D.Wright
I’m a Houston Texan living in Silicon Valley as content creator and URM advocate in tech. I have a passion for creating and writing music and am a food lover to the max! Welcome to my space where I get candid about life and share my opinions on EVERYTHING.
I’m 26 now and had a mental breakdown this year over being another year older and trying to think of what I’ve accomplished in life.
Now looking back I was just being silly over the things I was upset about.
You look great! & Happy Birthday 36 let’s BOMBTASTIC ON YOU!!!
Liz…needless to say I know exactly what that feels like. We have so much pressure to be perfect and part of the fabulous “20 under 20” or “30 under 30” crowd that it’s easy to lose sight of how amazing living day-to-day is. I’m glad you grew from it, I had to, too. And thank you so much for the bday wishes. I’m glad I freed myself to genuinely celebrate this go round.