Alignment > Optics (every time)

Last week, I bought a giant wall calendar to map out the final six months of the year.

As someone with eight planets in Capricorn, color-coding and planning is my version of fun.

All was going well…
until I got to December 25th.
My 35th birthday.
(And yes, I was born on Christmas.)

Adding it to the calendar brought a wave of unexpected emotion.
Grief. Shame. Sadness. Guilt. Confusion.

How is it that I’ve reached 35—single, childless (fyi: kids are my #1 desire), and just now at the beginning of building a business? 

Immediately my brain spiraled into all the ways I wasn’t living up to what a “35-year-old woman” should be.
Cue the tears. The waves of feeling. The wondering: How did I get here?

But then I remembered—

every single decision that’s brought me to this moment has been intentional.
In integrity. In alignment with my capital-T Truth.

Not going back to the corporate world after being laid off?
Intentional.

Ending a serious relationship last year that wasn’t “it”?
Intentional.

Waiting to have kids until I find the right partner?
Intentional.

Last week, I told someone that my biggest fear as a coach is not walking my talk.

And now, more than ever, I can see clearly:
I do walk my talk.

I’ve built a life rooted in truth.
A business aligned with my values.
A path that reflects my integrity.

Sure, my life doesn’t look the way I thought it might at 35.
(Technically, I’m still six months away!)
But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Because this is the life I’ve chosen—
one where I refuse to settle.

And so, this too is the work I do with clients.
To help people build lives that feel right, not just look right.
To lead from truth.
To live with integrity.
To choose alignment—again and again.
Even when (especially when!) it doesn’t match the outside picture.

 So here’s to the next six months.
(I mean…who knows what could happen!?)

But when I get to 35, I won’t be looking for a checklist of accomplishments.
I’ll be reflecting on the courage and commitment it’s taken to live a life of Truth, Integrity, and Alignment.

꩜