31 Lessons for my 31st Birthday

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It’s birthday week over here! My birthday is on Saturday, so naturally, I’m in a reflective sort of mood. 

Every time I have a birthday, I always reflect on the past year and where I want to be a year from now. 

This last year has probably been one of the hardest I’ve had to endure mentally. I’ve been forced to grow into a new version of myself, finally facing hard truths that I’ve been too scared to face for years. Showing up for myself in ways I’ve never shown up for myself before. It has stretched me, challenged me, and elevated me. It’s tested me, and broken me, and almost made me want to quit (and honestly, I think that’s been the whole point). 

But it’s also been exciting. I feel more aligned with where I’m going than I ever have before, and finally feel like I’m growing into the person I want to and am meant to be. And I wouldn’t have gotten there without enduring the afflictions and tribulations I’ve had to endure. And as hard as it’s been, I’m so much better for it. 

I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of. I’m definitely not the same person I was a year ago and hope I’m not a year from now. 

So without further ado, here are 31 lessons I learned in the last year: 

1. It’s never too late to start over or turn things around.

2. You don’t have to live the same life you’re living. You can always change your destiny and your path. Life is too short to be f*cking miserable. 

3. Showing up for yourself is the best gift you can give yourself. You’d be amazed at how you can really blow your mind.  

4. Consistency, patience, and discipline really are those girls. Every action, no matter how small, moves the needle. Put in the work, and you will see it pay off. 

5. You only start to change when you stop making excuses for why you can’t. It’s okay for your beliefs and values to change as you grow and evolve. 

6. Focus on what gives you peace, not what causes chaos.

7. Trust yourself. Tune out the noise. 

8. Your way is the best way. 

9. You need to be delusional to get what you want.

10. It’s not vain to care about self-presentation and appearance.

11. The long way is the shortcut, and the only way out is through.

12. Alignment moves faster than hustle.

13. Don’t stay in places where you’re no longer welcomed or have outgrown.

14. Resilience > strength. When you fall, keep getting back up. Again and again and again. 

15. When you make a decision, the universe moves quickly.

16. You don’t always get what you want, but you do get what you need.

17. All it takes is one.

18. Detach from things that are no longer serving you. 

19. The things you keep running away from and resisting the hardest are the things truly meant for you. 

20. It’s ok if what you want changes and no longer fits with your life.

21. The message you need to hear is spoken through other people. 

22. Sometimes people can see things about you before you see them yourself. 

23. The right stuff for you will feel the easiest and most natural.

24. The things we always stress about how they would work out never actually work out.

25. You need to be the right person to walk through the right doors.

26. When we are not doing work that aligns with our truest selves, we limit our earning and creative potential.

27. The thing you’re being called to is often the complete opposite of the path you thought was best for you.

28. You’re worthy and deserving and have earned a seat at the table. 

29. Everything happens exactly as it’s supposed to. 

30. You reap what you sow. 

31. The joy is in the journey. Be grateful for where you are in the moment. 

I’m excited to see what the next year will bring because if it’s anything like this year, I know I’m in for a wild ride.

Creative Corner

• 🎞️ What I’m Consuming: Chad Powers on Hulu. Glen Powell is truly one of the most versatile actors of this generation. 

• 💡 What I’m Loving: I caved and bought a Brick to help reduce the time I spend scrolling on my phone (especially during work days). 10/10 recommend.

• 🎨 What I’m Working On: Drafting two presentations I’m giving next week! I’m definitely in my teaching era.

• 💭 Weekly Musing:

Thank you 💕

If you liked this newsletter, I’d love it if you could forward it to someone who you think would like it, too!

I’m so grateful for all of your support!

Alexa Phillips is a writer, brand strategist, and multi-passionate creative. She is the founder of Bright Eyes Creative, a Seattle-based marketing & media consultancy that helps founder-led consumer brands and creators own their voice and build a platform.

Where to find me:

• Learn more about my services 

• Listen to my recent podcast episodes.

• Sign up for my free workshop, “The Creator’s Guide to Entrepreneurial Journalism” on 10/16