Usually when this day rolls around, I bitch about getting older on GOACA  and ask you guys to cheer me up. But this year I’m feeling fine—and really grateful—about getting one year older. Sure, this is the year AARP tracked me down, and the state of my neck is beginning to trouble me, but I’m feeling optimistic in general: about everything I’ve learned over the course of this strange past year, and how much more I know I can rely on myself than I did before the pandemic hit. What has the past year taught you, ladies? Please gift me with your responses in the comments.

On Everything is Fine this week we’ve got Tiffany Dufu, Founder & CEO of The Cru, a peer networking organization for advancing women, who believes that  “each one of us is the most powerful change agent in our own journey.” I love what she has to say about how to believe in yourself and know your value, the importance of competition, and why vulnerability can be a superpower. But really, the episode is worth listening to just to hear her genius hacks for getting through the day. Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

So we’re nearly a year into this pandemic, and I’ve been wondering how it’s been for those of you who, like me, are on your own. How are you managing? Are you doing any dating, and if so, what does that look like (for me, it looks like an awful lot of walks in Prospect Park)? Are you lonely and climbing the walls, and if so, what are you doing to combat that? Cooking? Hobbies? Zoom cocktails with friends? I must say that this time has been tough for me in some ways, but when I hear my married-with-kids friends complain about being cooped up 24-7 with their families, I feel pretty grateful to have my life to myself. OK, now I’m curious to hear about you, so please do share in the comments.