As a kid, I slightly resented my summer birthday (solely because I missed out on having a class celebration, and my parties were sparsely attended). As I get older, I love having a July 2nd birthday. It almost always falls on a long weekend, and I get to take advantage of Fourth of July deals. I love a deal. 40 was one of my most successful years at work. I’m so proud of my team and how we navigated some tough obstacles to get us back on the critical path (which we’re blazing down). Hosting the relaunched That Desi Spark fulfilled my lifelong “I want to be Oprah when I grow up,” and it’s an honor to continue building on what Annika Sharma created. We’re Speaking had an unexpected (and entirely welcome) paperback release, though I wish the election had the opposite outcome. 40 also rocked my world. I struggled with my mental health for most of the year, and supported my family through their own major challenges. But in getting through the hard times, I found fulfillment without realizing it. In the weeks approaching my 41st birthday, I’m usually making a new vision board or setting some lofty new goals. This year, I had zero desire to sit down with a pile of magazines, and struggled to list any major goals that felt worthy of a mid-year reset. Journaling was the one practice I adopted and kept up with this year. I started most days with my most powerful prompt - writing down 6 things I was manifesting (same things, every day). Here are the four that came true:
There are two work goals that I’m still working towards, so they’re staying on the list. And after reflecting and writing some more, I’m keeping the list the same. Maybe the best gift we can give ourselves is valuing everything we have. And I am so grateful for all of it - especially that you’re here, and invite me into your inbox every week. 41 doesn’t carry the same celebratory pressures as turning 40, and carries a greater confidence and zero f*cks energy. It’s my favorite gift that comes with age. This year, I’m celebrating my birthday at home with my family. We’ll enjoy champagne, merupakai bhajis, and a Wegmans cake. I’m finally getting a tattoo (maybe 2). It’s going to be a great day. May it be a fulfilling year. In honor of my birthday, I’m running a 50% off sale on all paid subscriptions. If you upgrade your subscription now, you’ll lock in this price for life (and have my eternal gratitude). I’ll be sharing my works in progress of my next nonfiction book and first novel, in addition to the full issue of #5SmartReads every week. Did I mention you’d have my eternal gratitude? Catch up on the latest posts:
things i’m loving right now
If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU. And if you enjoyed this Substack, please:
I hope you have a wonderful week. xo,
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