Another Trip Around the Sun: A Journey of Reflection and Growth

As I celebrate another trip around the sun—and my last year in my 30s—I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. On how life has changed and how it has stayed the same. On how I’m evolving, growing, and becoming a happier version of myself, especially since embarking on my spiritual journey.

Since realizing that there is something bigger than myself, than all of us—that we are all connected and made up of the same materials—my entire awareness has shifted.

The Power of Manifestation: A Lesson in Negativity

I used to be very negative. If something went wrong, I would just ride the wave of the incoming shit storm, picking up the wreckage without learning a thing. I was literally manifesting negativity without even realizing it.

You’ve heard the saying, “you are what you attract,” right? I’m here to tell you—it’s true. Let me paint you a picture.

My 37th Birthday: A Wake-Up Call

Two years ago, on my 37th birthday, I arrived at work, and no one remembered. I told myself, That’s fine, I’m not very memorable anyway. In that moment, I set the tone for the day—welcoming negativity and expecting more to come. And wouldn’t you know? That’s exactly what happened.

At lunch, I got a call from my daughter’s daycare: my oldest wasn’t feeling well and had a fever. Of course she does, I thought. I picked her up and took her to acute care—pneumonia. We got antibiotics and headed home.

As we walked in the door, my phone rang again—daycare calling about my baby. She was now sick and running a fever too. Back to acute care. This time, an ear infection. Another trip for more antibiotics.

Then, on the way home, I got a call from the veterinarian’s office. My beloved dog, Peaches, had passed away recently, and her ashes were ready for pickup. Really? On my birthday? Okay… I can do this.

When I arrived at the vet’s office, I saw a picture of Peaches’ veterinarian on the wall. He had passed away just the day before. I broke down.

Sick kids, my dog’s ashes, the death of a beloved vet—it felt like the universe was punishing me. I thought I deserved it. But I now know that wasn’t true.

Shifting Perspective: Finding Meaning in the Chaos

The truth is, I forgot to turn in my emergency card at work—the one that lists my birthday. No one forgot me; they simply didn’t know. I’M the one who forgot!

Kids get sick—it’s inevitable, especially in daycare. It wasn’t about me or my birthday. But I took it personally, as if the universe was out to get me. I was drowning in negativity and self-loathing, unable to see reality for what it was.

Now, I see how important our health is. How much we take it for granted until illness reminds us of its value. I am now grateful for the healthy days, because it is through sickness that we learn to appreciate them.

Even Peaches’ ashes being ready that day—something I once saw as another cruel twist of fate—I now see as HER homecoming on my special day. I will remember that forever.

Lessons from the Darkest Days

Looking back, I now understand that the hardest moments often become the most unforgettable. Why?

1. Profound experiences shape us. When life feels repetitive, we remember the events that shake us—good or bad. And those memories make for the best stories. (Like that time we got lost canoeing in the Boundary Waters during a storm—but that’s another story!)
2. We learn through contrast. You can’t know light without darkness. You can’t truly appreciate something until you’ve experienced its absence. We need uncertainty for awakening to occur.

What I once saw as a dark and painful birthday, I now see as the wake-up call I needed. I was stuck in negativity, wearing a smile but feeling empty inside. If my life was going to change, I had to change. And that started with my thoughts.

Embracing a New Year: My Hopes and Dreams

So, what do I want for this next trip around the sun?

More than anything, I want peace. I want to be healthy. I want to be happy. I want to attract positivity and abundanceeffortlessly. I want to find my flow state. I want to keep learning, growing, and spreading joy.

And you know what? None of that costs a dime (which is great, because I’m a teacher, FFS!). Everything I need is already within me.

Let’s Raise Our Vibrations Together

If this story resonated with you—even just a little—leave a comment. Let’s uplift each other!

Here are some of the most helpful tools that have guided me on my journey:

📖 Books:

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – The most beautiful story I’ve ever read. A must-read.
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – An absolute classic, and the namesake of this blog, DUH!

🎧 Podcasts: Check out some of my FAV podcasts that helped get me started on my journey here

🎧 Audible:

• A Course in Miracles by Dr. Helen Schucman – This is a profound, but HEAVY read.  I listened to it on audible and it’s still about 36 hours.  However, the daily practices are such a magnificent tool for getting out of your own head and realizing the world is not as you perceived it.
• The Cosmos by Carl Sagan – Currently listening, and it’s fascinating how philosophy and astrology began with the stars.

What tools have or do you use in your personal growth? Here’s to another trip around the sun—this time, with gratitude, growth, and light. 🌞