My 29th birthday is in sight and I’m officially entering the last year of my twenties. What a tumultuous decade it has been! Though my twenties overall have been QUITE the challenge, I’m always grateful for the ride. I couldn’t be happier to be closing out the last year of my twenties, with what I think may just be the best year of them all. Here’s a couple highlights from the past year, and some things I’m looking forward to at 29.

The past few years have been filled with a lot of uncertainty, and a lot of moments of “figuring things out.” I suppose this is to be expected when you are in your twenties. I truly view this time as a period of trial and error, and I’m very grateful that I’m tried so many different routes. Career twists and turns, ups and downs in love and friendship, different cities… it’s all a part of the ride. It has definitely been a LOT of bumps the past few years, and I’m grateful that they’ve smoothed out recently.

Over the past year, I made the decision to move back to Toronto (for the third time🤣). That in itself was a major adjustment (again). I also released my second book, which has been so very exciting!! Embracing both my author life, along with my day job, has been a challenge – but I think I’m getting the hang of it. This year has contained a lot of balancing these different aspects, between book signings in Toronto and travelling for work internationally. In-between it all, I have hoped to create as many intentional connections with friends and loved ones as possible.

28 was a great year, and I have a feeling that 29 is going to be even better. I know exactly who I am, I feel settled in the path I have chosen, and I am open to continuing to explore and grow. I’m feeling very very good about where I’m at in life, better than I have in a very long time. As I head into the next year, I feel more grateful and grounded than ever. I could not be more happy to be turning 29!

Of course, my birthday will always include time for celebrations. I’m looking forward to yoga, getting all dolled up, and going out for a nice dinner with friends. I’ll also have many bookish moments to enjoy, including browsing bookstores, a book signing this weekend, and attending TIFA’s romance festival. Squeezing in a café chat or two are also on the agenda. I’m looking forward to filling my time with all of the things, and people, I love.

The older I get, the more I continue to believe that aging is a gift. The gratitude of being on this planet for another year, and growing throughout, cannot be overstated. I’m beyond ready for all that is come next. Let’s do this, 29!!! 🎉