I turn 33 today!! I am very much a birthday person, and am happy to be able to share my birthday excitement with all of you!

As much of a birthday person as I am, over the years, I have gotten less and less interested in having some big birthday blowout with all of my friends and acquaintances. I am all for celebrations (please note the plural!), but it’s really all about spending quality time with the people nearest and dearest to me. Or going on a trip with my family/friends, knowing that the experience is better than any random gift that someone could buy for me.

And I think that’s largely because I feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin and with my own life. I don’t need to have some big party to show that people care about and want to celebrate me! I’m confident in the absolutely incredible group of people that I’m lucky enough to call friends – and I know how much they care about and support me, both on my birthday and all year round. And I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging when I say that, but reflecting on my birthday just makes me feel grateful for and appreciative of the wonderful people in my life.

In a way, it still feels strange to write a second pandemic birthday post. It’s scary to think about, much less put into words, but I’m genuinely glad to be alive for another year in the midst of a pandemic that could, quite literally, kill me. This past year has had some definite rough patches, and some shifts in perspective and priorities.

But I think, all in all, I feel like I am thriving. My thirties have been good to me, and this past year in particular has had some really amazing experiences for me. I know that some people dread getting older, but I really am loving my thirties so far. I’m excited to see what the next year brings.