The Best Years Ahead

This week I turn 35.

And I’ll be honest… I hate getting older. It scares the sh*t out of me. I always feel this urge to rewind the clock, relive certain moments, and experience life again, but this time with all the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I think the reason ageing bothers me so much is simple:

I love life.

I feel unbelievably lucky with the life I’ve been given, and I’m fully aware that I’ve hit the jackpot. I don’t want it to end. I want to hold onto this feeling for as long as possible. I want to keep helping as many people as I can, for as long as I can. I want the love I feel in my life to outlive the calendar.

These 35 years have taught me a lot.

I’ve learned what truly matters, and what absolutely doesn’t.

I’ve learned that there are some serious rats out there, but also some incredible human beings. I’ve learned that the world isn’t always designed to reward the kind, the brave, or the people genuinely trying to do good… but we fight the good fight anyway.

I’ve learned that narcissistic bullies often appear to be “winning,” but I’ve also learned that victory isn’t always visible. The real wins happen quietly, inside ourselves.

I’ve learned that your circle is far smaller than you imagine, and you should be careful who you let in. But your family? They’re the core. They are always in your corner, no matter what.

Life is tough.

Some days feel like you’re endlessly trying to push the needle forward, improving, working hard, showing up, with nothing physical to show for it. But that’s life. It’s not meant to hand out trophies for every effort.

For me, life is about sharing love with the people who deserve it. It’s about kindness. It’s about acknowledging the unsung heroes, lifting people, and showing compassion, especially to those who don’t believe they deserve it.

It’s about doing the right thing when nobody’s watching.

It’s about preparing now for a future none of us can predict.

It’s about looking after your health because nothing else matters without it.

Life might be a path already carved for us, but the bends, dips, twists, and peaks are influenced by the choices we make. We get to shape the journey, even if we don’t control the destination.

At 35, I definitely thought I’d have more figured out. I thought I’d feel different, maybe more grown up, maybe on some other path entirely. But here I am, still loving Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, still playing PlayStation, still a child at heart.

And honestly? I like that version of me.

Kindness is my standard. Some see it as a weakness, but for me, it’s what’s brought me the most happiness.

I remember journaling on a previous birthday and writing that maybe my best years were behind me.

But the last two years, especially this year, have proven me wrong.

So much has happened.

So much to celebrate.

A loving family behind me.

A supportive partner beside me.

A community at The Workshop that fills my days with purpose and good humans.

A small group of friends who have my back.

And now I know, without a doubt:

The best years aren’t behind me at all.

They’re ahead of me.

And I can’t wait to meet them.