This Is 31: Messy, Meaningful, and Mine
There are two things you should know about me:
I love birthdays.
I think everyone should treat their birthday like a national holiday. Especially your own.
I’m turning 31, and yes, I still celebrate the whole month.
I still take the day off, get my free dirty chai from Starbucks, and always convince my husband to plan something fun. (It’s written into our vows now. He takes off work on my birthday. It’s sacred.)
But I’ll be honest.. birthdays in your 30s are weird.
I’m so grateful for another year. Grateful for everything I’ve experienced, built, survived, and healed. But I’m also human, so I feel the rest too. The curiosity. The “should I be further by now?” spiral. The “wait, are we old now?” moment while asking chatGPT what I need to add to my morning routine.
Still - I wouldn’t trade it.
This past year was full. I went on my first mission trip to Africa. I started tackling my health in a whole new way—fewer migraines, a new gym, a dietitian, and doctors who actually listen. I made hard decisions, paid off debt, and started dreaming again. I’m proud of her. I’m still becoming her.
And that’s what this next year is for:
🩺 Prioritizing health.
👶 Prepping for a future family.
💸 Becoming 100% consumer debt-free.
💪 Getting strong in every possible way.
✈️ A trip or two or twelve.
So yes, I’m taking the day off.
Yes, I’m getting my Starbucks. Yes, I’m probably crying, laughing, lifting weights, and being spoiled all in the same day. Because if we’re lucky enough to wake up to another year—we should celebrate it.
And not just with gratitude. With joy. With rest. With carbs. With whatever your version of spoiled is.
To anyone reading this:
Take the day off. Book the massage. Get the cupcake. You deserve to be celebrated, even if it’s just by you.
Happy birthday to me! 🎉
Here’s to 31—may it be the healthiest, strongest, most soul-filled one yet.
– Nicole 🖤