Today is my 40th birthday and I have some decisions to make. How do I want this next decade to be? Can I escape the societal noise telling me I have to try to stay young, indefinitely? And what does it look like to move forward in the direction that I choose? These are my thoughts on how to age toward joy.

Acceptance is a lesson in allowing what is — both the good and the challenges. A focus on this word provides space to consider how our minds are influencing our experiences, and gives us the power to choose how we move forward.

My backstory on how experiencing my rock bottom led me to a fulfilling life, guided by self-discovery.