My birthday is this month. I’ll be the oldest I’ve ever been. At the same time, I don’t remember a time where I’ve felt better, either mentally or physically. I’ve had my share of issues like everyone. I’ve been fired from almost every job I’ve ever had, received a broken heart from every girl I’ve been with, live through years of suicidal thoughts, and was scared to figure out who I was supposed to be for most of my life. I’ve had broken bones, muscle tears, stitches, cavities and surgeries. Yet, here the fuck I am, smiling as I write this.

It seems like everything we’ve been told about getting older revolves around us having to settle for a lesser version of ourselves. If anything, I believe all my experiences, all my failures, all my scars have made me who I am today. Perhaps that’s a bit cliché, but I’m grateful for the ride.

I’m not here to sell you a special plan on how to achieve endless vitality or real self-transformation (ALTHOUGH I am available for CONSULTING ;), but that it is possible to grow into a better version of yourself. There’s no specific thing you need to do, no pill to take, no exercise regimen to complete, or guru to see. I’ve done my share of following. Some things work, other don’t. It’s a mistake to force something that isn’t truly in line with what you want. Don’t be afraid to try something else. We’re all built different, so you have to keep that in mind at every step.