I just celebrated my birthday on Saturday. It was just about the best birthday ever. I started out going to my favorite gym class, took Marie and I to our yoga classes, went to the Sprint store to get my birthday present, and Bucca di Beppo’s for dinner with The Hubs and The Babes. It was laid back. There was no pressure, just . . . fun.
I thought that the reason it was one of the best birthdays ever because I got to do a lot of my favorite things with a lot of my favorite people. And I am sure that has a lot to do with it. But I think there is more to it than that.
Last year, I wrote a post on the eve of my 32nd birthday in which I focused on my thoughts about relationships. A big part of that was honoring my personal boundaries in my relationships. That was the kick off of taking better care of myself. I freed up a lot of energy to focus on positive things instead of wasting it in situations that were negative and hurtful. With that energy, I began to see a better version of myself emerge.
I focused on my blog and writing. I tried to be the best mom I could be, even if it meant I wasn’t making popular decisions. I’ve tried being a better listener with The Hubs.
At first, I didn’t feel any changes, but then, little bit by little bit, I noticed I just felt different.
Stronger.
Not that I haven’t experienced setbacks in this process, but I think most journeys of self-discovery are taken with both steps forward and steps back. Overall I feel a bit . . . lighter. Maybe that’s why I don’t mind birthdays so much. I feel a bit more comfortable in my own skin year by year.
I would post pictures, but I have one more celebration tonight with my parents. I’ll post them on Thursday.
So since we are on the subject of birthdays, I'd love to hear about your greatest birthday memory.
Have a great day!
10 comments:
It makes me so happy to hear YOU so happy. I'm so glad it's been such a great year for you. Happy birthday!
You expressed a feeling so well that you and I share when you said that you feel more comfortable in your own skin with each passing year, stronger. Well said, and good for you! I never really understood why some people dread birthdays. I'm turning 40 in a couple of months - by the time you're as old as I, your skin will be like your most plush and warm bathrobe!
Happy Birthday belated!. I made a birthday cake today for a friend of mine who will be 86 tomorrow. Wish you had a piece.
Happy Birthday!!!
My best birthday memory was my 30th birthday party. My husband invited all my dear friends, got a keg of my favorite beer, and rented a kareoke machine. That was the last big party we had before we had kids, and it marked the end of an era in more ways than one. :)
Happy Birthday! I enjoyed my 30's because that is when I got married and started my family, but my best birthday ever was last year when I turned 40. It wasn't because of the celebration or presents or cards...I was just happy to start a new decade of my life with a stronger, more confident self. Life gets better and better every year!
Yay for focusing on the important things!
Sounds like your birthday was a great one!
I don't remember a lot of my birthdays - but I remember my 24th birthday was pretty cool. I was feeling down because I was 24. Not 21 - so it wasn't exciting or monumental. I wasn't feeling old. Nothing special was going on that year.
I had gone out with my then boyfriend now husband for a nice dinner and then a few drinks. He asked me why I wasn't excited on my birthday and I told him it was just like any other day...no big deal.
He walked out for a few minutes...I saw him on the phone...a half an hour later the bar was filled with my friends! He mad a few calls and a bunch of my friends came out and joined us to celebrate my birthday! My parents even showed up! It was a great time and thinking about it makes me wanna go give my hubby a big kiss! :)
PS - 33 isn't all that bad . . . in fact, I'm starting to feel like it's the year I get my sh*t together! hehehe
Your line "I tried to be the best mom I could be, even if it meant I wasn’t making popular decisions." Struck a chord with me because I just gave that same advice to someone who wrote into my advice blog about dealing with different parenting philosophies among kids friends' parents. I'd love to read that post from the eve of your 32nd birthday. Is it still archived and if so what is the name of the post? It sounds like a little inspiration I could use right now. I hope you'll check out my blog to at www.shesaidhesaidadvice.blogspot.com. I could use more questions if you have any!
Fiorella, that is such an awesome image!
Beverly, that is so sweet!
Mom et al, what a great memory! Sounds like my Pimps and Hoes party - which is a post for another time.
Krajcimama, your husband is awesome!! And I like to think this is the year I am going to try and get it together, too!!
Shesaid, I linked the post in this post on eve of my 32nd birthday. If you can't see it here, it's under 2009 The Eve of My 32nd Face. Can't wait to check out your blog. Thanks for stoping by mine!
Lessons in Light and Love, thank you! That means so much!!
Kim, I agree that life does get better every year!!
Your blog tone sounds lighter too!!
Happy Birthday and have another wonderful year!!!!
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