Yesterday, I turned 44—and I love the number 44. If you know, you know. If not, let me let you in on a little secret: 44 is an angel number that signifies stability, protection, and the creation of new beginnings (and I am here for it)!
I’ve got to say, I’m not afraid of getting older. In fact, I actually enjoy it. With each year, I get to know myself better. I feel more confident and aligned, and less concerned with what doesn’t really matter.
Last night, as I was laying in bed, I reflected on some of the lessons I’ve learned over the past year. Here’s what came to mind, and I wanted to share them with you:
1. I don’t drink alcohol anymore.
For years, I had a love/hate relationship with drinking. I loved it in the moment but hated the way I felt the next day. I was never someone who could just "take it or leave it." A glass or two of wine every night and a few more on the weekend was my normal.
But as I’ve deepened my spiritual journey, drinking started to feel out of alignment. It no longer sat well with my body or my mind. I felt more anxious and less like myself. So, in August, I made the decision to cut it out—and honestly, I feel better than I’ve ever felt. Today marks 100 days alcohol-free, and I’m rolling with it.
2. Slow the f*ck down.
This one came to me the hard way—I broke my ankle because I was moving too fast. The universe wasn’t subtle about sending me a message.
That forced downtime helped me realize my boundaries with work needed some serious improvement. I was trying to be everything for everyone, which left me feeling misaligned and, frankly, resentful. I took the time to rework my schedule to better support me. Now, I feel more in control, and it’s empowering.
3. Batching my work changed everything.
Here’s what I mean:
Mondays and Tuesdays are for content creation and marketing.
Wednesdays and Fridays are for studio time—meetings, connecting with teachers, and being present with my community.
Thursdays are dedicated to virtual group experiences and planning retreats or workshops.
This structure has been a game-changer. Instead of running around like a headless chicken, I now know where my energy is going each day. And if someone wants to meet for lunch? Great! I know I can fit it in on a Wednesday or Friday. Protecting my time has helped me feel so much more grounded.
4. Breathwork is my go-to.
Meditation has always felt hard for me—I get frustrated and give up easily. But breathwork? That’s different. It’s something I can stick with because I genuinely enjoy it.
Breathwork helps me feel grounded and present. It’s like a moving form of meditation that has opened me up in ways I didn’t expect. For example, just the other day, I noticed a tucked-away house on a road I drive almost every day. I’d never seen it before. It might sound small, but it’s a reminder that living in the present, even just a little bit more each day, can be transformative.
5. I can’t control my kids’ behavior.
This one’s tough. One of my kids—who is very much like I was as a teenager—hasn’t been making the best choices at school. He’s funny, carefree, and a free spirit, all qualities I love, but his decision-making skills need work.
I’ve realized that all I can do is guide him. I remind him that he has the free will to make any choice he wants, but those choices come with consequences. As his mom, I’ll always be here to steer and support him. And most importantly, I’ve learned his occasional poor choices, don’t make me a bad parent. We’re all doing the best we can.
6. Have more fun.
Enough said, right? Life’s too short not to.
43 was a year of ups and downs, challenges, excitement, love, laughter, and a whole lot of lessons. Here’s to 44—sending you all my love and gratitude!
xoxo, Nicole
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