The seasons of life tend to affect all of us in very different ways. Some of us get thrown off by the spins of change in the weather or the many hectic holiday activities. But one season that we all can relate to is our birthday. We all have birthdays that are truly our special day. Some of us leap for joy that we get a day to celebrate our life, while some of us would rather not let a single soul know that our birthday is different than any other day. Mark Twain captured it the best when he said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
Birthdays serve as a great day for reflection in your life. As my birthday is quickly approaching, I’m reminded of some incredible lessons I’ve learned throughout this past whirlwind of a year that has been filled with lots of change.
What I know for sure after my last year of adulting:
You are not a victim. You are the hero of your life.
Mom always knows best. Your go-to resource will always be your mom, even when Google is right at your fingertips.
Embrace the unexpected. This year is nothing that I could have ever predicted, but it’s been incredible every step of the way, from love to loss and achievement to failure. It all happened, and I learned from every single opportunity.
Invest in yourself. Hiring a life coach is one of the best investments I have EVER made in my life. I cherish my time growing, learning, working through the messy stuff, understanding, and celebrating my wins.
A dog can change your world. The dog community is so friendly, and your dog will always love you without judgement. Not to mention they are the best stress reliever and cutest little bundles of energy and joy!
Celebrate each ordinary moment. It’s the ordinary moments that create the beauty in your life. Each week I pour myself a glass of champagne and cheers to this gorgeous, blessed life I have been given. These ordinary weekly moments are the moments that change my destiny.
Ice cream soothes your soul. Always take advantage of taste testing at the ice cream shop before you decide your final flavor.
Mindful expectations. What if you adopted the perception that everyone is doing the best they can with what they have? I bet you would have a lot of more love for your neighbor sitting next to you on the bus if you approached life that way.
Create a gratitude practice. Whether it’s writing down in a journal what you are grateful for or saying it out loud, it changes your world when you remember your blessings in life.
Meditation isn’t hard. Do you have time to feel like crap? I didn’t think so. Whether you start off meditating for two minutes at a time or twenty, you will eventually adopt a practice of your own that will transform your every day life.
The one question you must ask yourself each day. Are you being YOU?
You have a way about you that no one else has.You bring something special to the world. Everything you do, only you can do in the special way that you do it.
The world is your classroom and the people in it are your assignments. Every interaction you have encountered with the people in this world is a lesson to teach you something you need to learn.
Create a dining experience at home. Learn to cook for yourself and find your go to recipes. Set your dinner table, say a dinner prayer, light a candle, and turn on your jazzy dinner tunes. Make the ordinary moments count.
It’s not about you. Focus on serving others and your stress and expectations on how you should do this life will be lifted.
Smiles are contagious. When was the last time you flashed your gorgeous smile at someone? I bet they couldn’t resist smiling back.
Stay curious about life. There is so much to learn and new experiences to be had.
Everyone plays the game of life differently. There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to buy a house, get married, have babies or do all the other things your adulting friends are doing. Don’t compare your chapter 27 to someone else’s chapter 42.
You may forget your age as you get older. It happens. Don’t be discouraged, you’ve still got your nieces and nephews to remind you how old you are.
Eat your veggies. They are so much better when you get creative with your recipes. Not to mention they make you feel phenomenal.
Movie endings are my mystery. I think it’s inevitable that I will always fall asleep before the end of a movie. Can you relate?
Speaking of sleep ― it is so important. I was the girl who went from 4-5 hours of sleep a night to enjoying a luxurious seven hours a night. Not only did I never think I could make the time for this, but I realized along the way that it’s so worth every minute of it!
Each year you will continue to surprise yourself. I somehow went from the girl only drinking a fancy mocha with all the chocolate, sugar, and milk that could possibly be added in, to now completely enjoying a heavenly Americano with just a dash of cream. Say what?
Never pass up a fresh croissant. They are delightfully delicious especially with rich dark chocolate in the middle.
Expand your circle. No this doesn’t mean you need to go network with a bunch of new people, but actually meeting your online Instagram gals IRL (in real life) is where the magic happens.
Tears don’t mean you’re weak and they aren’t a bad thing. They can represent happiness, joy, suffering, empathy, care, and so much more. Don’t let someone tell you that you are too emotional. Feelings are to emotions, what waves are to the ocean.
Community over competition. When women support women, incredible things take flight and mountains are torn down.
With faith and God anything is possible.
I’ve learned a lot in the last year, and because of these lessons, I’m no longer worried or stressed out about turning a year older. I’m embracing my age and am going to enjoy every single experience 27 brings my way! We are all blessed with each day of our life, and each day brings the possibility of something extraordinary to happen. It all lies in how you choose to view it.