Today marks the official start of my 39th year of bringing my special flavor to the world. It is also the anniversary of the day I first met my parents who just happen to be two of the most amazing human beings on the planet.

We just got back from an epic family adventure in Europe where we had the opportunity to celebrate our love of life and family and the beautiful way God empowers us to help others. This trip was a dream come true and we commemorated it by doing a family photoshoot in Paris.

We have always been a traveling family. My parents started me off with my first airplane wings at 16 months old. We spent my childhood driving all over the U.S. having adventures, spending time with friends and family and meeting new and interesting people. My parents taught me to embrace the world and always remember to stay true to who I am.

This has been a tremendous year of homecomings and homegoings, of new beginnings and endings. I have laughed and cried in equal parts and I can honestly say that I know myself better today than at any other point in my life.

I know that even more change is coming on the horizon and I am hungry for it. It is such a blessing to be alive and loved and to have the privilege of giving love to others. I can already feel that 39 is going to be an amazing year!

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.