My 2-year-old daughter is genuinely upset every day that she's not yet 3. So this year, I'm taking a page from her book and celebrating my birthday loud and rebelliously.

Mambition light me up so it makes sense that I record an podcast episode sharing 36 lessons from 36 years.

I reflect on loss and perspective, motherhood and identity, resilience and action, self-care in the trenches, building and creating, growth and change, and knowing your worth.

From losing my mum at 9 to learning that integration beats balance, from embracing the cringe of starting a podcast to understanding that prepare your child for the world, not the world for your child—these are the truths that have shaped how I show up as a mother, a creator, and a human being.

If you're navigating the beautiful chaos of ambition and motherhood, feeling restless even after reaching life's "goals," or wondering how to live fully right now instead of waiting for "someday"—this one's for you.

This is how I celebrate: by creating, by sharing.

Life itself is the gift.

Another year is the celebration.

My daughter can't wait to be older.

I'm learning to be grateful I get to be.