It’s My Birthday!

I've always gotten excited about my birthday. On my 5th birthday, according to my mom, I was eating breakfast at the table when I stood up in my chair threw my arms up in the air and yelled, "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" I have pictures of me doing pretty much the same thing on my 21st birthday and not a whole lot has changed since then.

Today I'm 41. And I scared my dog when I threw my arms up in the air and yelled, "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" as soon as I woke up.

I love my birthday because it's a fresh start. One unique to me.

Unlike the New Year, a birthday fresh start doesn't come with all of the societal messaging and pressure. It's a chance for me to set my goals, intentions and dreams for the next year. I can also look at what I've learned since my last birthday and how I've grown wiser.

This perspective also keeps me from focusing on my actual age. It's all about progress.

This morning I had the amazing opportunity to be a guest speaker in a 12th grade class talking about college and career. I told them about my career and my non-linear path after graduating from law school. And then they had the chance to ask questions.

One student asked me why I only coached women.

I hesitated, unsure of how much I should share. But I decided to lay it on the line so they could understand why I feel so passionately about what I do.

I coach women because I see more women than men holding themselves back.  I see more women who don't believe in themselves enough to go after what they want.  I see more pressure on women to be perfect, easy going and take care of others before themselves.

After I got off of the call I thought about how this is also how we change the world. By showing the next generation of girls what's possible for them. By being the moms, aunts, teachers, and mentors who model it in our own lives. By being women who change their minds, change careers, take care of themselves first, break glass ceilings and do the unexpected.

Each one of us creates a ripple effect that impacts other women, the next generation and the entire world.

So for me, on my yearly fresh start, here's what I've learned since last year. I've learned the world is still a very scary place for women. Not just in other countries but here at home. I've also learned each individual, including me, makes a difference. Individuals can storm through barricades and threaten our democracy. Or they can seek refuge in our nation's capital trying to prevent rights from being taken from women in their state.

My intention for this next year is to be of service. As a coach helping my clients prioritize themselves without the conditioned weight of guilt. As a mom practicing what I preach as a model to my daughters. As a citizen actively showing up to make the world a safer place for the future generations of women and girls. As a woman who believes in all of you, your ability to do what you want to do, and your power to change the world one person, one step at a time.

My goal for this year is to remember when I was in 12th grade, just like the students this morning, I had my whole life in front of me, and believed anything was possible.

Now I'm 41. I have my whole life in front of me and I believe anything is possible.