I posted this on my social media but not everyone is on social media which is why I wanted to share my milestone birthday here.
Lately, I’ve been noticing love and beauty everywhere—even in the rusty spots.
Especially in the rusty spots!
There have been so many moments recently that have reminded me how blessed I am simply to be here and to be ALIVE.
This birthday week held so much of what I love: music, creativity, friendship, community, nature, celebration and connection.
I experienced a dream-come-true Mei-lan concert in Chicago with my husband, reconnected with my Long Beach family, shared meals with friends, participated in our local nonprofit’s Meet & Greet, and celebrated with some of the incredible women in my life.
One especially beautiful evening ended in my own backyard with a crystal sound bath beneath my beloved tulip tree and the stars.
My friend Donna poured her heart and soul into creating this joyful experience not just for me but also for my friends. I felt grateful to be surrounded by women in my life who have been there for me over the years-including the women there in spirit.
Coming from a bonafide Virgo, I know not everything is perfect.
Life still gives us doubt, disappointment and plenty of unanswered questions to feel anxious about. But part of growing older is realizing that beauty can be noticed in the absence of those things if we open our eyes.
Joy and challenge can exist in every breath.
Rust and beauty can exist in the same forest preserve gazebo.
I've learned it's a waste of time to chase a life where every problem is resolved before we let ourselves celebrate being here.
So, what’s next?
I honestly don’t know. 🤷♀️
And surprisingly, I’m becoming more comfortable with that answer.
I don’t need to have the next decade mapped out. I don’t need to know exactly what my work will look like, where every path will lead, or who I’m supposed to become.
I’m opening to more love.
More possibility.
More adventure.
More creativity.
More connection.
More time in nature.
More opportunities to learn, teach, create and contribute.
And more freedom to discover parts of myself I don't even know about yet.
This next chapter isn’t asking me to have all the answers by tomorrow.
It’s inviting me to open my heart enough to discover them everyday in bliss and joy.
I’m grateful to be celebrating another trip around the sun—and the extraordinary privilege of still being here to watch the world evolve.
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