Happy Birthday to Me: 38 Laps Around the Sun

It has become a tradition of mine to write a reflection for my Birthday, recapping the journey I made around the sun and sending a note to my future self to forecast my hopes and dreams. Turning 38 is not a milestone birthday by traditional standards, but it’s a point in one’s life where past experience converges with future possibilities. I am entering my 38th year at a crossroads, looking back on where I have been, the roads I’ve traveled, and the lessons I’ve learned and trying to connect them with my aspirations and ambitions that lie ahead.

Reflections on the Past Year

Like many Americans, I’ve settled into the new normal of post-pandemic living. I have shaken the imposture syndrome that has plagued me for most of my professional life and settled into my status as a senior leader with the responsibility and command of knowing what I am doing and doing it well. I have recognized that at 38 years old, you have to make an effort to maintain connections with the important people in your life. I wrote letters, sent out notes, postcards, baby shower gifts, and check-in texts, and cleaned up my social media to be more reflective of what matters: my closest friends and family.

I’ve learned this year that if you are thinking of someone, pick up the phone and give them a call. I’ve learned that we should not wait for the right time or push it off until later. I’ve learned that tomorrow is never promised and that we should tell the people who are essential in our lives that we love them often. I’ve also done better at saying yes to that particular event, using social media, or connecting with a friend in town because why not? Sometimes, we can make excuses because it is easier, but maintaining a connection will propel us forward.

Professional Achievements

I celebrated my 10-year milestone of working in my security organization this past year. As one of the most tenured employees in the organization, I have worked on and participated in every level of operational growth. I’ve watched us grow from a small start-up brand into a national standard bearer, pushing the industry to modernize and showcase the professionalism of the security workforce. We faced challenges this year navigating significant organizational challenges, an economy on the verge of recession, and a recentering of client needs and demands. I am hopeful that 2024 will bring us better success. I am glad that, for the most part, the team I’ve built remains intact, but I know there is hard work ahead of us. I am open to challenges and open to new opportunities as well.

This year, I finally found my stride in the community and civic organizations to which I am a party. I leaned heavily on developing my philanthropic interests. I took on more leadership roles at the Foundations I serve and settled on refining my interests in education and educational philanthropy. I hope to be better in 2024.

Personal Milestones

This year, I wanted to do better in my interpersonal relationships. I tried to say yes more to the calls to come out and hang out with friends and family. I’ve celebrated my eighth year of marriage. I’ve cemented foundational relationships with my chosen family. I am celebrating engagements, babies, and professional and personal milestones. I’ve reconnected with old friends and made some new friends. In 2024, I hope to continue pouring into my interpersonal relationships.

Challenges Faced

This year, I have had a fair share of challenges, most notably the tragic loss of my brother-in-law. The aftermath of his loss is still ongoing as the legal system advances his case. I also experienced the trials of an aging grandparent, which I understand comes with getting older. I am glad that my grandma is getting better, but our circumstances are different, and we have had to evolve as a family. We have seen a great deal of tragedy this year, from gun violence, climate change, and war to our ongoing challenges to democracy in the United States. I’ve always been politically minded, but this year seemed particularly hard. I know that next year won’t be any easier. I am perpetually optimistic, but I am worried about the future of the US.

Here’s to 2024 and my 38th year.

Happy Birthday to me! I hope that 38 will be better. In 2024, I plan on saving more while using ALL of my PTO. I want to take proper vacations in 2024. I want to level up professionally and try something new at work. I want to continue to engage in educational philanthropy and get more people involved in the causes that are important to me. I want to do everything possible to protect and defend our democracy. I want to spend more time with the people that bring me joy. I want to practice more grace. I want to spend less time on the internet and more time in nature. I want to return to my fitness routine and take on the 10,000-step challenge. I want my 2024 to be filled with good health, prosperity, joy, and connection. Here is to another journey around the sun.