5 things this ‘80s baby has officially let go of.

Millennials have carried a label for far too long: entitled, lazy, overly sensitive, always needing a trophy. But as an ‘80s baby celebrating my 39th year, I’m calling time on that tired old trope.

The data tells a different story.

Research from sources like Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Gallup show that millennials are more likely to burn out from overworking. Anne Helen Petersen expands this concept in Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation how burnout affects the way we work, parent, and socialize. We’re a generation that cares deeply: about purpose, people, and performance. In fact, we’re known for blurring the lines between work and life, often to our own detriment.

Many of us have internalized a pressure to always be on.

• We answer emails late into the night.

• We are the first to volunteer for stretch projects.

• We say yes before we even ask ourselves if we should.

• We skip breaks and delay doctor’s appointments.

As if rest is something to be earned rather than something essential to our well-being.

There’s this unspoken belief that those who skip lunch, arrive early, and stay late are the real MVPs. They’re seen as committed, loyal, and irreplaceable. But the undercurrent of that is burnout, lack of compensation, and a lingering question that asks, “Why am I doing this? Does it even align with my purpose, my dreams and vision for my life?”

Maybe you’ve been there too.

I’ve navigated seasons of people-pleasing, concerned about the whispers behind my back, dimmed my light to make space for others, and hesitated to speak up for fear of being met with, “Did she really just say that?”

Why do we invest so much of ourselves in roles, rhythms, and relationships that collectively give back so little?

Eventually, a pause becomes necessary. And then, a shift. Transition points deserve to be honored.

With age comes perspective, clarity, confidence, and boundaries.

A meaningful life is not contingent on external validation. It exists in the brave, consistent, and often unseen choices we make each day.

As I step into my 39th year, here are five things this ’80s baby has officially (or nearly, I remain a work in progress) let go of:

#1: External validation.

My worth is intrinsic. It does not depend on praise, recognition, or consensus.

#2: The pressure of “everything is urgent.”

I now prioritize growth in areas that align with joy, purpose, and long-term impact.

#3: Outdated definitions of success.

Motherhood, creativity, and well-being are not distractions. They’re anchors.

#4: Comparison games.

“I celebrate others and trust my own journey.

#5: Playing small.

I do not need a permission slip to show up.

Here’s to rewriting the narrative.