37 Reasons I'm Proud to Be 37

There're plenty of reasons to be afraid of getting older, and I battle most of them daily. Will I find a partner? Will I make that decision to have children in time? Will my parents be alive to—hopefully—see me walk down the aisle and greet their grandchild? Aging isn't all wisdom and glitz. There's real fear in it, and I won't pretend otherwise.

But I keep coming back to the people who are doing it anyway—proudly. Not proud of looking 25. Proud of having made it this far. Because the people we're so age-averse about?

They're the ones who raised us. Who paved the way for our rights, our freedoms, the survival of our families. The ones we've always looked up to.

So on this birthday, in the spirit of actually acting my age—

Here are 37 reasons I'm proud to be 37.

1. I'm the healthiest I've ever been mentally, physically, and emotionally. (Go me!)

2. I walk away from situations and people that do not serve me in a positive way faster than I did at 27.

3. I have a healthier relationship with my family through real work on taking accountability for where I need to improve, while also accepting people for who they are.

4. I've got the chance to read so many great books—and will be reading many, many more this year.

5. I have grown in appreciation for my body for its strength and capability, and yes, beauty, even with my flaws (I'm learning to accept you, stretchies, even if I don't love you!!!).

6. I've done some scary things—and stuck with them, like putting myself out there with FGL and moving to a new city on my own. I hope I continue to be bold and pursue what matters to me in spite of what others may think.

7. I've gotten to pet a lot of freaking adorable animals and I'm looking forward to petting some more in the coming years!

8. I get another year on this earth to spend time with my good friends and family.

9. I will see my grandmother turn 100 this year and that's amazing—I only hope I live such a full and long life, as healthy and well as she has!

10. I will run my first ever ½ marathon with my brother at the end of this month and I'm looking forward to the challenge and thankful for the opportunity.

11. I'm wiser than I was last year—and more importantly I'm using that wisdom, not sitting on it!

12. I've reached a place where I'd rather be honest and true to who I am than say and do things to have people like me.

13. Each year, I appreciate my company more and more. And that's valuable to better understand who I want in my life—friends and/or a partner.

14. I have a beautiful niece and nephew who I'm lucky to see grow another year and spend time with!

15. Another year with Ferguson, the best cat ever.

16. I get to enjoy many more cups of coffee in many more places in the world.

17. I can plan a badass itinerary to literally anywhere (seriously.).

18. I've earned every one of my grey hairs.

19. I can lift weights that have numbers on them larger than my age.

20. I have a place of my own with an abundance of natural light!

21. I like myself more and more each year. That comes from being honest with myself about my faults and where I need to improve and grow.

22. I have good taste in clothes, food, decor, and writing—and that eye is only going to make me a better content creator as I keep putting myself out there.

23. I've gotten kinder, not more closed off with age. I've noticed that life is hard for everyone and this kindness for myself and others is such a strength and light in a sometimes dark world.

24. I'm learning to appreciate and accept change. I fought this in my twenties and early thirties, but I'm learning that change is a gift.

25. I'm farther along than ever in my career and happier than I've been in a long time in that area of my life.

26. I've reached a place of peace with those who've hurt me. I've forgiven them—and I've had the insight to see where I contributed to the situation.

27. I am more financially astute than ever and don't spend money to fill holes in my life.

28. I have more countries traveled under my belt—and I'm looking forward to the next adventure!

29. I did my first solo international trip in 2025 and I can't wait to do more (or with some badass people, they're always welcome).

30. In this new city, I'm getting out and purposefully making myself uncomfortable in social situations so that I can connect with people and build a beautiful life here (it is hard, but worth it).

31. I lean more into feeling foolish and awkward and remind myself that this is my one and only life and to DO THE THING.

32. I feel more myself than I have ever felt before—except when I was 16 (I was such a self-assured little teen, but I have the benefit of more wisdom now).

33. I'm writing again. I'm actually writing and publishing and doing the thing.

34. I'm not wishing I started sooner, I'm just proud that I have started.

35. I've kept multiple friendships with good people for 10+ years. Those types of relationships and people are a blessing not to take for granted.

36. I've pursued hobbies and interests that have always appealed to me and stuck with them—and a few are now a favorite pastime of mine.

37. I've made it to 37 healthy, happy, and whole—and there are those who didn't get that gift. I'm not going to waste it.