24!

Today, June 19th, I turn 24 years old! I would be lying if I didn't say that I love my birthday. To me, your birthday feels like a big hug from all the most important and loving people in your life. It could also be the gemini in me that loves all the attention. Jury is still out.

What I do know is that I love reflecting on the past year, which makes sense because I am a sentimental bundle of nostalgia, memories, and feelings at all times. It is pretty crazy that it feels like I snapped my finger and another year has gone by. But, today, I slow down and try to look back on all the growth and transformation that I have gone through in the last 365 days. And it’s been a lot this time around. Like… a shit ton.

When I look back on 23, I am proud of myself. A lot has happened — I finished my MBA, started my job, moved in with Alex, started therapy, bought a car, got diagnosed with OCD, lost my first job — but I have also grown mentally in ways that I could have never imagined.

Beyond all the external accomplishments and obstacles, the thing that I am most proud of is the person I am becoming. It feels like in the past year, I was introduced to a version of myself that encompassed so much more depth, compassion, optimism, self-care, patience, love, appreciation, and clarity. It felt like I finally found my footing.

There is obviously no definitive “right” way to live life. That’s the point. Everyone is on a completely different and singular path. But for awhile there, I felt like I couldn’t quite find mine. What did I want? What does Victoria like to do? What still suits me from past versions of myself? What doesn’t anymore? How do I want my future to look? Hint: When you don’t know, it’s the perfect time to start figuring it out.

23 was a year of transformation, maturing, taking care of myself, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, looking in the mirror and trying to love the person that I see back wholly, no matter what the day brought. It is still an ongoing evolution, but making strides is encouraging and I think that’s why this birthday means a lot to me.

Could also just be the fact that I like attention. Allegedly.

As I reflect, I think that this could’ve been the best year of my life. I say that pretty much every year, so maybe it doesn’t hold much weight, but I am just happy to be alive, to be on this exact path, and to share it with all the people I love so much. While there is no one way to do it, I think that I am living my life exactly how I am meant to be!

Cheers to 24 and hopefully another year that ends up being the best of my life.