As I approach my 24th year of life (wowwww), I’m gaining clarity on the person I have been, who I currently am and the person I aspire to be.

So, who was I? I’ve been fiery, aggressive, insecure, goofy, overconfident, pompous etc. None of that even begins to cover all the Rachel’s I’ve been…but that’s the past and that chapter is done and over with!~

When reflecting on who I want to be, I realized that my goals for how I want to be in this world have dramatically shifted from a self-centered view to a more compassionate worldly view.

I’m so grateful to the light and clarity that has guided me in that shift.

I’m learning that “who I am” and “who I will be” don’t have to fit societal standards and constructs.

I don’t have to be married by 26.
I don’t have to fit the standardized idea of success.
I don’t have to present myself in ways that are fashioned to appeal to general society.
Who I am and who I will be doesn’t have to fit any image or archetype.

All I have to do is be.

Be loving.

Be compassionate.

Be kind.

Be true.

Be genuine.

Be the best version of who I can be everyday and despite the ebbs and flows of life, I’ll be fine.
It feels good to relinquish my vice grip of control and to allow myself to be in that current space and to appreciate what the present has to offer me.

Dress + Jacket; Thrift 90’s finds, Shoes: Sam Edelman. Bag: Coach, Earrings: Mercari

As I approach my birthday, I’m taking time to reflect and prepare for a new chapter in my life. As corny as it seems, I love symbolic new beginnings and there’s no better day than my birthday for that.

I’ve been slowly re-arranging, getting rid of things and preparing all aspects of my life who I will be in year 24.

I met a woman the other day and she told me “Make sure everything you’re doing everyday is getting you closer to being the person you want to be.”
I’m sure that’s a quote from another insightful person but it’s been stuck in my head on a loop.

S`he said something I’ve needed to hear and understand for years.

I’ve spent a lot of time making up a million reasons why I didn’t volunteer, move on certain opportunities, express myself fully etc. and the end of year 23 marks the end of that.

I’m letting go (day by day) of my habits (and emotional + physical baggage) that draw me away from the person I aspire to be.

I’m closing the gap (day by day) between who I am and where I want to be by doing the work and showing up for myself and others in ways that count.

In retrospect, letting go seems like the simple and obvious answer but this is the first time that I’ve been ready to accept that truth.

I’m beyond grateful for that.

Happy almost birthday to me.

See y’all when I’m 24 (aka grown).

Love & Light,

Rachel.

24th Rotation.