After more than a year away from blogging, I’ve spent time redefining what happiness, health, and success mean to me. As a 30-something woman building financial independence, focusing on wellness, and finding purpose through my career, I’ve learned that fulfillment doesn’t follow a checklist — it’s something you consciously design.
It’s been over a year since my last blog post, but let me start by saying that 2025 has been the best year of my life so far. While I never imagined I’d still be single and childless at this point in my life, I can honestly say: I am living my dream life.
Every December, I do my annual Life Audit, but this past January, I paired it with something new — creating a Vision Board. As the Chair of Women@Figma, my company’s employee resource group for female-identifying employees, I shared my Life Audit process and paired it with hosting a Vision Boarding Workshop. And that’s where I came up with this year’s mantra: I am HEALTHY. I am WEALTHY. I am THRIVING.
I am HEALTHY
Last Summer, I started therapy to help manage a very emotionally taxing event. Then, a few months later in the Fall, I began working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). And together, we changed everything about how I approach wellness.
Without starving myself or obsessing over calories — like I used to — I lost 54 pounds this year by simply eating three balanced meals a day and moving my body with intention.
Now, I’m training for the 2026 Disneyland Half-Marathon on February 1st and the 2026 Disney Princess Half-Marathon on March 1st. I run three times a week and cross-train at Rumble Boxing, where I do 2–3 boxing, HIIT, and weight-lifting classes weekly.
For the first time in forever, I can look in the mirror and see someone strong, confident, and beautiful looking back at me.
I am WEALTHY
Financial Literacy
One of my biggest goals for 2025 was to open my first brokerage account. I’ve already been investing in my 401(k), Roth 401(k), and Roth IRA since my early twenties, but this year, I wanted to take things further — to let my money work for me.
I found an amazing Financial Advisor, opened my brokerage account, and started building a thriving stock portfolio that’s now on track to hit $1 million invested by age 45.
This journey toward financial independence has been one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about freedom, confidence, and choice.
Travel
And because wealth for me isn’t just financial — it’s about adventures and new experiences — I made time to see the world. Previously, I budgeted to do one international trip and one domestic trip each year.
But this year alone, I’ve traveled to:
- Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona (January)
- Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, & Hong Kong (March)
- Paris, France & London, UK (September)
- Nashville, TN & New York City, NY (October)
I’m endlessly grateful that my employer gives me flexible, unlimited paid time off — and compensates me well enough to make these adventures and new experiences possible. Beyond traveling, I’m also a Disneyland Magic Key Holder who loves attending live music and sporting events whenever I can.
The sweetest part of it all? Being financially secure enough to share these experiences with friends and family — and to occasionally indulge in beautiful, intentional luxuries without a hint of guilt or hesitation. I truly consider giving gifts to my loved ones my superpower — a way to express gratitude and joy for the people who make my life so rich in meaning.
I am THRIVING
In July 2025, Figma went public — a once-in-a-lifetime moment that quadrupled my net worth overnight.
After four years at Figma, I’m filled with gratitude — not just for the financial milestone, but for my manager, colleagues, and community. I get to do meaningful work every day, surrounded by people who inspire me.
And while the IPO was monumental, thriving isn’t just about a number on a screen. It’s about alignment — feeling good in my body, grounded in my choices, and proud of the woman I’m becoming.
Looking Ahead
If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that life doesn’t have to follow a timeline. It doesn’t have to be a list of milestones that I need to check off in order to feel happy or fulfilled.
I may not be married or raising kids right now — but I’m thankful that because of that, I can pour my energy and wealth into myself: emotionally, financially, spiritually, and physically.
And honestly? I wouldn’t trade my current version of happiness for anything.
Defining Success on My Own Terms
As I look toward 2026, I feel deeply at peace knowing I’m creating a life by design — one grounded in health, wealth, and joy. I don’t measure my worth by traditional milestones anymore; I measure it by how alive, aligned, and fulfilled I feel.
If you’ve ever felt “behind” because your path looks different — trust that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Your dream life might not look traditional… but it can still be everything you’ve ever wanted.
XO Denise
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