If you know me, you know I'm not a huge fan of my birthday. That might surprise you because I do photo shoots and go all out. I go all out specifically because I don't like my birthday. When I was younger, I didn't feel like it was about me. In college, I decided to take over and make it about me. Even my 21st birthday, I planned the entire thing, decorated my apartment, and threw myself a party. The only thing I didn't do was my sign.
On your 21st birthday, friends make you a sign in the shape of a 21 with things you love. Mine has a two and an Empire State Building because I love New York, and different fashion elements. On the back, there are 21 things you have to do throughout the night. It's a fun tradition.
Today was a great birthday. I'm thankful for everyone who celebrated with me. I went to work, had brunch, hung out with my dad, went to dinner with family and friends, had cake, and opened presents. Thank you all for the birthday wishes, even from some exes.
A recommendation: don't answer the phone on your birthday. Let it go to voicemail, so you have that forever. I did that in 2020, and it was the best decision. I still have a voicemail from my grandparents, who passed away.
Last night, I got in my feels about my birthday. There's something scary about getting older, not the aging part, but not being where you thought you'd be. I thought I'd be a fashion designer in New York, married, and with kids by now. I'm 26, living in a small apartment (moving to a condo), and it's not where I thought I'd be. But that's okay.
I used to plan my life at 12, thinking I'd be married by 23. At 17, I thought I'd be married and have a house by 19. I'm 26, and none of those things happened. That's okay. Success should be measured by joy and happiness. If you're happy, you're successful.
Comparing ourselves to others is natural. Many of my friends are engaged, married, or having kids. I can't get a guy to talk to me for more than three weeks. But it doesn't mean I'm not successful. It's okay not to be where you thought you'd be.
At 26, I'm learning to be patient. I'm a planner, but sometimes God has different plans. I had an amazing year at 25, starting the podcast and going on a mission trip. Maybe 26 will be another year of growth or finding my person. Here's to hoping I find out soon.
If you learned nothing else from this episode, it's okay to be uncomfortable, vulnerable, real, weird, and quirky. At 26, I'm finally okay with being myself. If you're not being true to yourself, how are you happy and successful? Be the most authentic version of yourself in 2024, your year of growth, change, happiness, and success.
Here's to keeping your heels as high as your standards. XOXO, Suzanna Rita.
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