Today is my 40th birthday. 

And to be honest, it came with some tears. 

Well, the days leading up to my birthday came with a few tears.

I’d realized that I still held on to this old story that I’m not worth celebrating. So I just sat back and waited for reality to prove this belief to be true. 

And the idea that nobody would want to celebrate me made me feel really, really sad. I kept thinking of the Mel Robbins quote that “if they wanted to, they would”. 

And while sometimes I think that quote might be true, it’s not entirely true. Sometimes, even though someone wants to do something, something gets in the way. And sometimes we actually have to show up and ask for the things that we want. 

The day before my birthday, I was finally brave enough to tell my friends, “I really want to celebrate my birthday with you”. 

And of course, they showed up for me. They’re my friends. 

It can be scary to be vulnerable with our feelings and to be honest with ourselves and others what it is that we really want. I think that fear of rejection holds us back, and ultimately, it leads us to reject ourselves from even having the possibility of that connection.

I’ll always see myself as a work in progress, which just means that as I work on myself, life just gets better and better.

Link to reputable source: The Power of Vulnerability

Keep reading or watch this Reel to know how to fearlessly own your worth.

@happywoz

Birthday lessons 🎂

♬ Stories 2 – Danilo Stankovic

Navigating Vulnerability and Self-Worth

It can be scary to expose our vulnerability and reveal our true desires, both to ourselves and to others. The fear of rejection often holds us back, preventing us from experiencing deep connections and celebrating our worthiness. However, it’s important to recognize that rejection is not a reflection of our value as individuals. By embracing vulnerability and being honest with ourselves and those around us, we open the doors to genuine connections and authentic celebrations.

The Courage to Ask

In my case, I finally mustered the courage to express my desire to celebrate my birthday with my friends. I overcame the fear of rejection and shared my heartfelt wish. And you know what? They showed up for me, just as true friends do. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, even though someone wants to do something, circumstances may get in the way. We have to take a leap of faith and ask for what we want, knowing that it’s okay to let others into our lives and share our joys.

Embracing Self-Work in Progress

Throughout my journey, I’ve come to realize that personal growth is a continuous process. I see myself as a work in progress, always striving to become a better version of myself. This perspective allows me to embrace vulnerability, celebrate my worth, and enjoy the beautiful moments life has to offer. As I invest in my personal development, I witness the positive transformations that unfold.

The bottom line

On my 40th birthday, I learned the importance of embracing vulnerability and celebrating self-worth. By shedding the fear of rejection and asking for what we want, we create opportunities for meaningful connections and joyous celebrations. 

Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s a courageous act that opens the doors to authentic experiences. As we continue our personal growth journeys, let’s celebrate ourselves and embrace the beauty of life, knowing that we are always evolving and becoming better versions of ourselves.

Where to go from here:

  1. Work with me 1:1: For leaders and parents feeling lost trying to grow and heal on their own, ready for a guide on their journey out of anxiety into the happiest, most Zen-Badass version of yourself from the boardroom to the family room.
  2. 21 Day Meditation-in-Action emotional transformation (now only $37). In as few as 4 minutes a day, learn how to retrain your mind for resilience, peace and focus.
  3. Free Training – Learn the 4 Shifts to Ease Anxiety and Find Your Inner Zen-Badass: Access the free mini-but-mighty Graceful Resilience® training to learn the skills to become calm, confident and in control over your emotions so your career and relationships thrive.