Reflections, realness, and a quiet celebration of everything this year has brought
It’s Happy Birthday to me! Today I turn 56.
And honestly? I used to have a love/hate relationship with my birthday. I’ve celebrated the milestone ones with friends, but since my diagnosis, birthdays are so much more precious- and very, very welcome.
Not because of the number. (I still feel 30 on the inside.)
But because of the life I’m living. And how deeply grateful I am for all of it.
The past year – especially 2025 – has brought so much goodness:
- I repositioned my business in a way that feels so aligned.
- My health is the best it’s been in years. I have energy. I have focus.
- I’m fitter and stronger – and not at the bottom of the spin leaderboard anymore, thank you very much!
- My relationships are rich, real, and grounded in love.
- I work with clients I genuinely care about.
- I’ve invested in my own learning and growth.
- And, something I’m incredibly proud of, Lead.Her Collective was born.
No, it’s not perfect. Life never is. My past 3 years have been, what I would call, relentless and very challenging. The past year has seen challenges too. What would life be without them?
My preventative cancer treatment continues. I’m still dealing with side effects. I don’t love it, but I’m also really, really grateful for the care I receive.
There are days I feel flat. Unfocused. Tired. The relentlessness of running a business can take its toll. And being the “motivator” when you feel a bit broken? That can be hard. I lose pitches. People say no.
But 56 years has taught me this:
I am strong.
I am resilient.
And I will always find a way forward.
There’s a little competitive streak in me too (just ask anyone who’s seen me in a spin class). I don’t like losing. I don’t like being last. But I do love the fight – the climb, the comeback, the quiet wins that no one sees but mean everything.
And I’m not doing it alone.
I was going to say I’m lucky. And I am.
But it’s more than that.
I’ve created this life.
Through every choice. Every challenge. Every moment I chose to keep going when it would’ve been easier to stop.
And yes, I’m lucky and grateful to be surrounded by the most extraordinary support system:
My husband – my rock, my king.
My family.
My dearest friends.
My mentors.
I am so damn grateful. And I don’t take a second of it for granted.
So today, I’m not counting candles.
I’m counting blessings.
Because this year has reminded me, I still have so much more to do.
To learn.
To love.
To laugh.
To grow.
To live.
Age? Just a number.
Gratitude? That’s the real measure.
And this life? Hard-earned. Whole-hearted. And mine.
Here’s to another trip around the sun,
And all the wild, wonderful, imperfect moments that come with it.