Gratitude and Growth: My Post-Birthday Thoughts

My 36th birthday has come and gone, and as I sit on my porch with my pitbull sleeping soundly beside me on a day off from my traditional job, I find it fitting to jot down a few thoughts and share them with you all.

2025 — and my 35th year on this planet — was a challenging one. Right from the start, my father’s health began to decline, and my sister and I were thrown into crisis-management mode. I’ll never forget those early days, filled with uncertainty as we tried to work with doctors and understand what was happening.

Meeting after meeting, surgery after surgery, we kept doing our best to make the next right decision for him. My sister and I fought this battle quietly, trying not to let it disrupt our daily lives. Personally, I didn’t want to burden anyone with my struggles — after all, there’s always someone out there who has it worse, right?

Unfortunately, in February, my father lost his battle with his illness. The days that followed were some of the hardest of my life. I tried to fill the void by diving into work and side projects, hoping to return to “normal” as quickly as possible. That was a mistake.

I didn’t give myself the time to grieve, rest, or truly process what had happened. The result was bitterness, anger, and a short fuse — emotions uncharacteristic of me.

That’s what led me to therapy. Like many people, I was hesitant at first. I worried what it might say about me — that I was somehow “broken” or “tainted.” But I needed help, and I needed it fast.

I leaned on a few trusted friends who had already taken that step, and their guidance helped me find a therapist I am incredibly grateful for. I’ve been in therapy since January, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to notice and appreciate those who genuinely care.

Some amazing people emerged during this time — old friends who reached out, called, or showed up when I least expected it. Their kindness meant the world to me.

Lately, I’ve realized that time is my most valuable commodity. (Yes, I know I’m late to that realization.) Therapy has taught me to invest my love, energy, and time into the people who truly reciprocate.

Days like my birthday — or the day we lost my dad — have shown me how powerful even the smallest gesture can be. A quick text, a call, or a few kind words on Facebook can mean so much. Those moments remind me how deeply connected we all are, even in passing.

So this year, I’m promising myself to spend more time with the people who matter most. To pause. To enjoy life’s small moments. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race of everyday life, but my dog and my family keep me grounded. They remind me to be present where my feet are.

Sometimes that simply means putting down the phone, breathing in the fresh air, and appreciating the company of those who appreciate mine.

If you’re reading this and walking through your own difficult season, I hope you give yourself the same grace I’m learning to give myself. Take the time you need. Cherish the people who show up. And never forget to pause and breathe — sometimes that’s where the real healing begins.