Today marks my 34th birthday and what an absolute ride this year has been. 34 doesn’t seem like an exciting age or even a birthday that should be celebrated that much, it sure doesn’t seem to carry the same weight and excitement as one's in their 20s or 30s, but for me this year marks a big moment of transition, growth, and newfound wisdom. So, let's take a moment to appreciate and reflect on the journey as we embrace another beautiful year: 34.

2023 has truly been a transformative journey for myself that has required a lot of patience and self-compassion, that to be completely honest , has been something that is truly difficult for myself. Patience is truly a virtue, and it has never been something that I have been blessed with and when it comes to self-compassion, this is also an area in my life where I truly struggle.

As a boudoir photographer, you would think that self-compassion would come easy to me as compassion and understanding is a big part of boudoir. I am in the business of reminding and showing others how truly beautiful and amazing they are, inside and out, and I LOVE showing people this through photography. It brings me so much joy in life to learn about ones true authentic self and to try and capture that in a photo. Hearing from clients how they feel about themselves after a session is over and how remarkably amazing they feel after seeing their images is why I do what I do. I want to show each and every person out there what the world sees and not how they interpret themselves. That they too are beautiful, unique, and every inch of them is worth documenting.

It can be very easy to pour all of my energy and compassion into supporting others and I love doing it, but it can be challenging sometimes to remember that I too deserve love and understanding. Embracing self-kindness means treating myself with gentleness, forgiveness, and patience. It involves prioritizing self-care, self-compassion, and recognizing that I am worthy of the same empathy and kindness we effortlessly extend to others. By nurturing a positive relationship with ourselves and practicing self-acceptance, we create a foundation for a healthier, more balanced life, fostering inner growth and resilience.

This year I have dedicated to trying to remember to be as gentle with myself as I am with others, for self-kindness is the key to true, lasting happiness. My journey has been about embracing my strengths and flaws and treating myself with kindness along the way. By taking time to prioritize self-care and doing what is best for myself, I have opened so many doors to self-discovery and personal growth. It's essential to carve out moments for self-reflection, engaging in activities that nourish our souls, and surrounding myself with positive influences. I frequently have to remind myself to remember that being nice to myself is not selfish; it's an act of self-preservation that allows me to truly appreciate and love the unique individual that I am.

Self-Acceptance Takes Center Stage

As I step into my mid-30s, one of the most enlightening aspects is the growing sense of self-acceptance. I have begun to understand what truly matters to me and have confidently embraced my authentic self.
Gone are the days of questioning my decisions or seeking validation from others. Turning 34 invites me to step into my power, knowing that I am enough just as I am. It's a time to embrace imperfections, celebrate strengths, and embark on a journey of self-love.

Reflections on Life's Lessons

With each passing year, I acquire a wealth of life experiences. At 34, I can reflect on my journey so far and appreciate the lessons learned along the way. I have faced challenges, overcome hurdles, and tasted both success and failure. These experiences have molded me into the resilient individual I am today.
Reflecting on the year and turning 34 has presented myself with an opportunity for introspection and deeper self-awareness. It has allowed me to evaluate my choices, re-evaluate my goals, and make adjustments where necessary. Embracing this process of growth and understanding seems to be setting a path for a brighter future.

Prioritizing Health and Wellness

It wasn’t till my late-20s that I started to prioritize my health, where I finally started to take care of myself, physically, by being more active and being more conscious about the things I put in my body. As I enter my mid-30s, my perspective on health and wellness inevitably has evolved. At 34, I began to understand that taking care of myself is not just a luxury but a necessity. Implementing healthy habits, not just physically but mentally too, has now become a priority for myself. Starting to listen to myself and what I need and prioritizing self-care has been a big part of this year for me.

In January I finally started seeing a therapist, which was a big step for myself, talking about feelings and speaking those things out loud has never been a strength of mine and has always made me super uncomfortable, but when life throws you a curve ball that makes you question who you are as a person, it seemed like the only way forward. Being uncomfortable in life is sometimes what is needed for true growth, and finally taking steps and leaps forward for myself by seeing a therapist has helped me and my mental health astronomically.

Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle

In my 20s, I have often juggled various responsibilities, career aspirations, and social commitments. I frequently put my life and work responsibilities first and never considered my own personal life and how I was feeling mentally and physically. These things don’t take a toll on you until you are older, it’s not till then that I truly saw where my life was headed.

As I turn 34 I by no means have mastered the art of balance. Starting up my own boudoir photography studio this year has been a lot of work and there are times where it seems like I am working more and taking away from my social and home life because of it, but, this is part of being a business owner, and I am here for it.

At this point in my life though, no matter how much time I have been putting into my business, I have started to appreciate the tranquil moments, and realize that it is so important to prioritize quality time with loved ones and to engage in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. My job is a huge part of that, as I truly LOVE what I do for a living, but it is also important to make time for myself to journal, reflect, to be in the moment, and to cherish those moments no matter how small they may seem.

Here’s to an era of my life that aligns with my values and bringing myself lasting happiness.

Celebrating Milestones, Small and Large

Last but not least, turning 34 calls for celebration!

Once I started my boudoir photography studio, I have to remind myself that all wins are a cause for celebration, no matter how small they may seem, a win is a win. No matter how small turning 34 may seem to me, it’s still another year I thrived and I flourished, and I will have to remind myself that turning 34 marked the first year of starting my business, so that is definitely cause for celebration.

Taking the time to commemorate my journey thus far is essential. Each year from here on out will bring unique accomplishments, milestones, and personal growth that should deserve acknowledgment. Celebrating turning 34 allows me to honour my past while eagerly anticipating what the future holds for myself. PS I am SO excited to see what 2024 holds for ME.

In Conclusion?

Turning 34 has been a remarkable milestone that has signified growth, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of a life well-lived. It will be a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything I have accomplished and everything that is yet to come.

Happy 34th birthday to me!

Much Love,

Calie

Lover of birthdays

PS I hope you are enjoying the self portraits I took of myself as much as I am. I truly had so much fun getting to play around with new poses and lighting I wouldn’t normally do. Enjoy :)