It’s my birthday today! And, as I sit down to write this, I’ll admit—it feels like I’m trying to squeeze a year’s worth of thoughts and reflections into one post. The past twelve months have been nothing short of a whirlwind. Life has been so full—wonderfully full—that I don’t think I’ve had a free weekend since January! Especially with the formal launch of my own company, Upsurge Financial Services Inc.—something I never expected to happen so soon. But no complaints here! It’s been an incredible, rewarding journey. Yet with all the busyness of being a wealth and insurance advisor, I haven’t had the time to write from the heart as much as I’d like.

So today, even though I don’t have my usual list of introspections, I want to share a glimpse of what 46 brought me and what I’m looking forward at 47.

Life’s Timeless Journey

Looking back, I realize how differently I used to view my 40s. In my younger years, I thought 40s meant you were “old.” I imagined that by then, life would be an autopilot, that dreams would already be achieved and I’d be living a routine existence. But now, here I am at 47, seeing my life in a new light. I’ve come to understand that there’s no age limit to growth, to dreaming bigger, or to reaching new milestones. At 42, I took a leap into an entirely new career path as a financial advisor—a career I never thought I’d step into, let alone thrive in. But it felt right, and I followed my gut. Today, I feel fulfilled in a way that my 9-to-5 job never gave me. Helping others build financial security and stability has been incredibly rewarding, and I see myself doing this for much longer than I ever imagined.

Of course, sometimes the weight of age and time lingers. I feel the pressure to make the “right” decisions, avoid mistakes and leave a lasting impact. But I’ve learned that life doesn’t come with guarantees and it is impossible to control every outcome. So instead, I focus on living in the now, appreciating each opportunity and choosing courage over fear.

Learning to Live in the Now

Still, I’d be lying if I said I don’t sometimes feel a pressure that I didn’t feel in my younger years. There’s an awareness of time that comes with age, a reminder that mistakes now carry a little more weight because bouncing back isn’t as simple as it used to be. Sometimes, I worry that I can’t afford big mistakes or wrong turns. But I’ve come to realize that living with that constant worry only holds me back from enjoying this stage of life. Nothing is guaranteed, and so I’m learning to live fully in the now, to take each day and make it as meaningful as possible. Whatever chance or opportunity life hands me, I’m ready to take it, to appreciate it, and to be present.

Learning the Power of ‘No’ and Self-Compassion

At this stage, one of my greatest lessons has been the importance of choosing myself. I am slowly adapting to start saying “no” and make it a part of my life—not as a rejection of others, but as an affirmation of my own priorities. I’m learning to let go of what doesn’t serve me, to leave behind any guilt about prioritizing myself. This is my time to focus on joy, on the things that make me feel alive, and to say goodbye to anything or anyone that doesn’t add light to my life.

Self-compassion has also become a cornerstone for me. As a working mom, I’ve spent years putting others first. After years of being everything for everyone else, it feels freeing to finally choose myself without guilt or second-guessing. I now recognize that taking care of myself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Choosing to let go of things that don’t serve me—whether it’s old habits, unrealistic expectations, or even certain relationships—has given me a new sense of peace and clarity. For the first time, I’m giving myself permission to prioritize my own happiness and well-being, and it feels liberating. I no longer carry the guilt of choosing myself because I know that doing so allows me to show up even better for those I love.

My Birthday Promises to Myself

As I reflect on this birthday, I’m making a promise to keep some things in my focus, to value my own needs just as much as those of the people I care about:

Follow My Heart – I will keep pursuing the things that light me up, whether that’s growing in my career, traveling more, or picking up new hobbies. I’ll make decisions based on what feels right for me, without letting fear hold me back.
Embrace Self-Compassion – I promise to be gentler with myself, to accept that I’m doing my best, and to stop comparing my journey to anyone else’s. I deserve to treat myself with the same kindness I give to others.
Live Boldly and Take Risks – I won’t let my age or fear of mistakes stop me from trying new things. Whether it’s a business opportunity or a personal goal, I’ll take risks with an open heart, knowing that growth lies on the other side.
Let Go of What Doesn’t Serve Me – This year, I’ll continue to say “no” to things that don’t align with my values or bring joy to my life. I’ll leave behind the things that weigh me down and make space for positivity, peace, and growth.
Celebrate Myself – Lastly, I promise to celebrate me. To honor my achievements, big and small, and to enjoy the simple moments along the way. Life is a gift, and I intend to savor every moment of it.

Looking Ahead: My Hopes for the Future

As I step into 47, I have three main hopes for the years ahead:

Continued Personal Growth: I want to keep challenging myself— my primary goal is to continue my personal growth journey. Whether this includes furthering my education, expanding my skillset, trying new things, or simply growing through life’s experiences.

Making a Positive Impact: I’m determined to make a difference, big or small, in the world around me. Whether through my career or personal efforts, I want to leave a positive mark on the lives I touch, I hope to channel my skills and experiences towards causes and initiatives that matter to me.

Finding Joy in the Present: While I’ll always have an eye on the future, I want to be mindful of the beauty in today. Happiness, after all, is often found in the little things we experience along the way. Life happens now, and happiness is often found in the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Sooo… to everyone especially to women out there, especially those who are at a similar stage, — I want you to know it’s never too late to start prioritizing yourself and set new goals. After years of giving, caring, and working hard, don’t feel guilty about choosing what’s best for you, saying yes to what makes you feel alive isn’t selfish; it’s essential. You’ve earned this, and it’s okay to embrace the parts of you that still want to dream, to achieve, and to grow.

So, as I continue on this journey, I invite you to keep following along. I’ll be sharing my ups and downs, my lessons, and my hopes. I hope you’ll see something familiar in my story and feel inspired to share your own. Let’s create a circle of women who lift each other up, who celebrate every step, and who understand that life’s greatest gift is the chance to keep growing.

Here’s to the next chapter—for me and for you. May we all be braver, bolder, and kinder to ourselves along the way.