Dre’s Takes: A Birthday Reflection

This month is my birthday.
And instead of wishing for more, I’m reflecting on what I’ve already become.

I’m genuinely happy. Not in a loud, performative way—but in a grounded, steady way. The kind of happiness that comes from knowing myself better, trusting myself more, and choosing peace even when it’s uncomfortable.

This year, I gave myself a real gift.
I let go.

I let go of expectations that weren’t mine.
I stopped over-explaining.
I stopped showing up for people who didn’t know how to show up for me.
And I released versions of myself that survived—but no longer serve me.

Letting go didn’t make me weaker. It made me clearer.

I show up for myself differently now. More intentionally. More honestly. More softly—and more firmly when it matters. I protect my energy instead of giving it away freely. I rest when my body asks, and I push when I’m fueled by competitiveness, not fear. I invest in my growth. I get massages. I treat myself to dinner—no reason required.

I talk to strangers.
I laugh.
I dance.
I read.

I say no without guilt, and I say yes without fear. I stop the negative chatter in my brain when it tries to take over. I celebrate my wins instead of minimizing them. I allow joy without attaching it to the fear of failure. I let things be easy when they can be.

I trust that consistency beats perfection—every time.

I don’t abandon myself anymore to keep the peace.
I don’t shrink to make things feel simpler for others.
And I don’t confuse being strong with doing everything alone.

Most of all, I feel like I am living.

This birthday, I honor who I am and who I’m still becoming.

TIY has always been about empowerment—about creating tools that move with women, not against them. And this season of my life reflects that same belief. We don’t need to be fixed. We need to be supported.

This birthday isn’t about age.
It’s about alignment.
It’s about freedom.
It’s about choosing myself—daily.

And that’s the energy I’m carrying forward.

Also… for my birthday, I might be giving away some TIYs 👀
So keep your phone close by. 💛

— Dre