When I was a wee squish - I made my first competitive soccer team. And while that was an achievement - the real defining moment came when it was time to choose my number. All athletes know that your number becomes your identity. The really good athletes know that long after you've sunk your last basket you will be defined by your number. The number I chose that day was 32.
I chose 32 for Orlando Magic Shaquille O'Neil. I saw this big, loud, bold physical player and I was in love. Sports love. I wanted to be this guy on the field and in life. And to this day - I still love me some Shaq.
Yesterday, I turned 32. I have now officially entered my Shaq year. And man, 32 sounds old. But I think about who I've become since I entered my 30's and 32 also seems really fucking swagtastic (verb: meaning grown woman cool). And you know why? Because at 32, I've never been more sure of who I am. I can buy my own things. I have achieved real milestones. I do less stupid things. I loved Ashley in her 20's. She was epic. A nightmare, but absolutely top notch. But Ashley in her 30's is this extra sparkly, extra fierce woman who cannot be stopped.
Keep your Kobe year. Hold onto that Jordan year. I'll take my Shaq year to live my boldest, best, most fun year yet.