Last week, I wrote about turning 35 and to celebrate my solar return I went to Nashville with my boyfriend — and what an amazing trip it was!
Back when I was 29, I had this “plan” to spend every birthday in my 30s traveling somewhere new. Of course, as the saying goes, “when we plan, God laughs.” None of my birthday plans for the first half of this decade went the way I imagined. Not one. For years, I felt like life was playing with me, making things harder.
But this year? Everything shifted. For the first time in a long time, I got to spend my special day exactly how I wanted.
Facing My Fear of Flying Before My Birthday in Nashville
Over the last few years, my fear of flying has gotten worse. I’ll be honest — my mind goes straight to the worst-case scenario, like the plane dropping out of the sky. On top of that, I’d spiral about leaving Lucky, my older dog with health issues, and worry something might happen to him while I was gone.
When my boyfriend and I went to St. Pete’s back in May, I had constant anxiety attacks before the trip because I didn’t want to leave Lucky with my mom. But this time in Nashville, it felt different. I didn’t feel the same fear of being on the plane, and I trusted that Lucky was going to be okay. I felt calmer, more grounded, more at peace.
Instead of spiraling, I let myself breathe. And that shift — being able to notice when my mind wanted to wander into fear and then pull myself back — is something I’ve been practicing. In Nashville, it finally clicked. I was fully present. I wasn’t consumed by fear. I felt alive.
Nashville: More Than I Imagined
Nashville exceeded my expectations. This trip was definitely one for the books.
Walking down Broadway, bar-hopping, and watching live performances was pure magic. The energy was immaculate, freeing, and unforgettable. We even did the full touristy thing and booked a pedal tavern ride through downtown. Normally, my social anxiety would’ve held me back — but this time, I let myself be friendly and social.
And of course, I had to check something off my bucket list: riding a mechanical bull! Yes, I fell off multiple times — but it was ridiculously fun.
My boyfriend and I even got matching tattoos because… why the hell not? Life is short, and I love that I get to create these memories with my best friend.
Why This Birthday Felt Different at 35
For so long, I dreaded my birthdays. They felt heavy, uncomfortable, almost like something I “had to get through.” But this time, I chose to honor myself. I chose to celebrate my life, my growth, and my journey.
This trip marked more than just turning 35. It was about showing up for myself, taking up space, and leaning into confidence. For me, 35 is the beginning of a new chapter — a new era. It’s no longer about dwelling in the past; it’s about planning intentionally for the future.
This next phase of my 30s feels like an initiation — a spiritual ascension that began before I even turned 30. Now, I’m stepping into it fully.
To the Next 5 Years
So here’s to the next five years in my 30s. I welcome them with open arms. I’m ready for new challenges, deeper growth, and whatever lessons life wants to bring my way.
Happy Birthday to me — here’s to showing up, to freedom, and to becoming the woman my future self is waiting for me to be.
