33 and Thriving (But Not in the Way I Expected)

I just recently had a birthday and I always get super reflective around that time. 

When I first started doing this work, I was 28. I just turned 33. 

Five years doesn’t sound like a lot on paper, but if you’ve ever built something from scratch, you know that a lot can change in five years.  

I used to think being “successful” meant looking busy, being the smartest woman in the room, and saying yes to every project that came my way.

Now I know it means:

• Being clear about what I don’t do.
  

• Knowing my worth without needing constant validation.
  

• Prioritizing my peace over people-pleasing.
  

• And building a business that fits my life, not the other way around.
  

The older I get, the more I trust myself.
Not because I have it all figured out, but because I’ve walked through things that once would’ve wrecked me and I kept going. I became someone stronger, steadier, and a little more okay with not always knowing what’s next.

I’m proud of the way I show up in my thirties. 

I’m more grounded, more curious, and a little less concerned about what other people think. 

I’m thankful for the experience I’ve gained by figuring things out as I go. 

And I’m even thankful for the lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way.

So, here’s to the next five years of growing up and growing a business. 

If the last five are any indication, they’ll be unpredictable, imperfect, and more meaningful than I can imagine right now.

And I’m not rushing a bit of it.

-Nicole, Salesgirl Social’s Marketing Editor