Today is my birthday and to celebrate, I wanted to let you all in on my biggest learning curve from the past year! From the moment my 28th year on earth started to it ending today, there has been a big mix of ups, downs and ultimate turn around! All of which leading me with the biggest hopes for my final year of being in my twenties!

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Yesterday marked my final day as a 28-year-old, as I am officially 29 today! At 3:17pm, I will be celebrating turning 29, by lying in my mum’s bed, watching old school films, surrounded by Bluey decorations and big family cuddles! Because if I have learnt anything over the past year it is to look after those that matter. 

From the very first days of being 28, I was faced with one of the biggest traumas of my life. I’m not trying to be over dramatic. It genuinely was horrible to live through. Although I had nothing to do with the situation, as I would remove myself when any issue arose, I was faced with the blame. To the point that some of the outcomes terrified me and the situation ultimately left a huge amount of PTSD on my shoulders. Something me and my therapist are now working through. 

However, it was due to this situation that I learnt my biggest lesson of the past year. The fact that the people and those that matter are the ones who own your heart. You don’t need to be faced with a brutal situation to be able to live. You can remove the bad and build up the gaps and cracks with so much goodness. 

I learnt at 28 that I can say no. I can remove people from my life. I can speak up and say what works and what doesn’t for me. I’ve spoken out about my illnesses. I’ve told people not to say certain triggering things to or hear me. I’ve learnt to love more. I’ve learnt to embrace change as best I can. I’m learning how to see my home as a safe place again. I’ve got an adventurous streak back. I learnt and got back a lot of myself after Christmas. Something that I am hoping my 29th year on earth will allow me to build on further. 

Therefore, my biggest lesson that I want to pass onto you from the last year is that the good will outweigh the bad. Better days always come. The people who are want to be in your life will stay and love you no matter what. An apology can mean everything. Life is worth living and if it doesn’t benefit you then say no. 

It’s time to enjoy the next year of my life! Here’s to being 29! And a massive happy birthday to all of you lovelies celebrating today too! 

Joey X