Yesterday, I celebrated my 32nd birthday! It was quiet and relaxed–not as exciting as I had hoped–but it was indeed a good day.

I spent the day at home catching up on some DVR recordings and doing some reflecting. Bought myself a DELICIOUS strawberry shortcake from Juniors, took myself out to my favorite restaurant, and spent the evening with my friend Brandon, bar-hopping in Chelsea. It wasn’t the best birthday ever; but at the end of the day, I realize how truly blessed I am, and for that, I’m grateful!

I sit on the precipice of a new year of life feeling very optimistic. I believe 32 will be the best year of my life to date. For one, 32 is my favorite number. It has been since elementary school, and has always stuck with me [it's a really corny story...I'll tell you later]. Second, I’m excited about this year because of where I am in my life. I’ve got a great job that allows me to really create each and every day as I see fit, and it offers an obscene amount of growth opportunity. And then there’s my mental/physical space. Though I still very much so struggle with insecurity and  a lack of confidence/self-esteem, these days I’m really putting effort to facing them head-on and overcoming those issues. Plus, this “Fat-fetus Begone Challenge” is helping me to view myself and my life through different eyes. I want to be better…in every capacity of my life; and that’s the first step to making change happen.

I don’t know what’s in store for me this year, but I REALLY feel like something amazing is brewing and will manifest itself at any moment. It’s clear to me that I have to rise to the challenge of life–now more than ever–in order to make things pop off like I want them to. From getting my body together and working harder in my career, to recognizing my value and living my life accordingly, I’m burning my little boy britches and stepping into a fresh, sexy pair of man-panties. Life is for the taking, and I’m about to ride “32″ til the cows come home. Watch me work…watch me LIVE!!

I have never been one for much competition. Sure, I may go in and get aggro during a night of bowling or a game of cards, but that’s all in good fun. In life, particularly when it comes to the daily grind of reaching for the stars of my dreams, I’m definitely more reserved and quiet. Instead of adopting a war mentality, as many seem to do, I tend to compare myself to to those around me; and in doing so, I lose steam. I’ll be the first to admit that this is a fault of mine- and one that I’m constantly working on- but I’d be lying if I said that watching some of the talented people in my heat (keeping with the race metaphor) take off, increase speed and pull ahead of me doesn’t make me want to stop running, grab the water boy, and hit the showers. In my head there’s been little point to continuing on.

What’s dawned on me recently, and has begun to change my thinking and perception of the undertaking that is my hopeful journey to international success, is the fact and the knowledge that I am a valuable and talented being in my own right and in my own way; and that greatness can not only apply, but also call to many people the world over. There are billions of people on this planet- each with different tastes, lives, backgrounds, thought patterns, likes, dislikes and interests.  Who’s to say that thousands if not millions of them won’t connect with me being me, saying what I have and want to say, the way I was born to say it? Because of this, I’m realizing there is no need for competition…there is room for all of us. An example that just popped into my head is Kelly Rowland. Sure, she may not have the same type of talent and fame that her former bandmate Beyonce has in the United States, but that chick is a force to be reckoned with in Europe. You think she’s counting her “When Love Takes Over” coins wallowing in a pool of tears over why she’s not #1 over here? Doubtful.

We are all spectacular. We will all shine. There is no race against time or another human being- for we are all opening doors and paving the path for each other to move ahead into the spotlight of our own dreams. We don’t all want the exact same thing, so there’s no use in pretending or forcing ourselves into believeing that we have the same destination. You can do you, I can do me, and we can both get what we want. It’s a good thing, too; cuz I’m tired of running.