Getting older isn’t fun. Is it me or once you hit 30, the numbers seem to mesh together and we lose track of our age (maybe deliberately)?! My husband is still convinced I am 32. While I am flattered, I must face the sad truth. March 2, marks my 37th fashionable year of existence. How the heck did this happen? Wasn’t I just celebrating my sweet 16, heading off to prom, starting college, or even planning my wedding? I blinked and these momentous occasions are now just fleeting memories.
As I embark on my last few years in my 30’s, I am petrified, yet hopeful. My adolescence was filled with fun, laughter, and stupidity. My 20’s were filled with self-doubt, trial and error, and lots of reality checks. My 30’s had many ups and downs, but self growth, affirmation, and my worth were tested, found, and restored. I learned the meaning of unconditional and undying love. My family and “true” friends never left my side during the good, the bad, and the ugly. My children gave me the strength and courage to overcome so many obstacles. Through them, I see beauty, kindness, and a reason to wake up each and every day. Being a mom makes me want to live forever.
As we age, outwardly we start to cringe at our reflection. The greys, the wrinkles, and sagging skin may be too much to bare. Internally, however, we are wiser, more confident, and ultimately forgiving. We have lived and learned enough to no longer sweat the small stuff. I battled my inner demons for many years, but in my late 30’s, the war is subsiding. I love the life I have created and I feel blessed beyond words. I may not be the most successful, the smartest, or most talented, but who’s judging? I won’t be receiving the mom of the year award anytime soon or engaging in a quest to save the world, but I am the best version of “me”. That’s good enough. I accept my fate. As I continue to age and mature, I look forward to more positive revelations and reinforcements.
Each year is special and precious because we only get to live it once. From this day forward I vow to be comfortable with growing older! “Wear your years with pride like a badge of honor, for you have conquered, you have thrived. You have survived!”
“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”- Sophia Loren.
*Special thanks to my friend Lisa for always taking my pictures at the drop of a hat. You are a lifesaver.
*Special thanks to Kara Kakes for letting us stop in your adorable shop and take some photos. Of course, we couldn’t leave empty handed!
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My 37 Life Lessons:
1. Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. No further explanation needed.
2. Fast metabolisms mean squat after 30.
3. Your parents were and always will be right. Listen to them!
4. A warm chocolate chip cookie makes everything better.
5. Cooking and cleaning are hard.
6. In a perfect world, everyone would have a personal chef and a housekeeper!
7. Stay- at -home moms deserve monetary compensation.
8. Pee on the toilet seat will never be deemed acceptable.
9. The newborn stage will ultimately be the easiest stage of your child’s life.
10. Don’t wish away the newborn stage!
11. A small circle of true friends is priceless.
12. Family is everything.
13. A pet brings so much joy to a home.
14. Shopping is a “real” addiction.
15. Reality television, while mindless, is life.
16. The 80’s and 90’s are simply irreplaceable.
17. Nick Lachey is gorgeous.
18. My husband and I have nothing in common, but somehow it works.
19. I am not smarter than a 5th grader.
20. Laundry never EVER ends.
21. Being a mom was my calling and a true blessing. If you, however, wish to still have your “own” life, I recommend passing on this gig!
22. I would rather jump off a bridge and assume my fate any day over throwing up. Vomit is that bad and terrifying.
23. The sound of you tube videos (featuring slime in particular) are like nails to a chalkboard. Make it stop.
24. Everyone does not deserve a trophy! I am over that mentality.
25. Never bring up politics at the dinner table.
26. Shave your legs before you go for a pedicure. You never know who you will run into!
27. Make new friends but keep the old ones.
28. Elope and use the wedding fund for a house!
29. Happy wife, happy life.
30. Little girls whine A LOT!
31. High heels are a detriment to your feet but never stop wearing them!
32. Find something you love and you will never work a day in your life.
33. College is expensive.
34. Cold weather is depressing.
35. A good blowout is a game changer.
36. The right pair of jeans will change your life.
37. NEVER, EVER, GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!
A few for good luck:
*Never, ever dye your hair. It will haunt you for the rest of your life and your bank account will suffer eternally.
*Television redeemed itself when it recently aired “This is Us.” It’s the most anticipated hour of my week.
*The internet and social media have forever changed our world and it may not be for the better.