10 + 10 + 12 = 32

Wednesday, October 10, 2012


An interesting fact about me: beginning with the year 2000, my birthday has added up to my age. I turned twenty-one in 2001 (10+10+01=21) and so on. In case I ever forget my age, a reminder is built in. Like that would ever happen.
 
I never quite fit my into my skin in my twenties. I was raising my son, met my husband, and became a wife. But I hadn't really found myself. When thirty came around, instead of fearing it, I embraced it. My third decade came with the promise of self-discovery, and it hasn't let me down. My thirties have treated me well thus far, and I don't expect 32 to be the exception.

Instead of dreading birthdays, I use them as an opportunity for self-exploration. I don't harp on myself for what I haven't accomplished, instead looking toward what will help me become the best version of myself. The only way I could foresee birthdays bothering me is if I haven't spent the previous year living the life I set out to. Perhaps at forty my list will be very short. Wouldn't that be lovely? In the spirit of embracing my age and where I am in life, here are some hopes, dreams, and inspirations for my 32nd year.

Source: cohen411.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I will become a college graduate this year! In my twenties, I'm not sure I ever felt confident this day would come. Now I am. It's been an arduous four years to get here, but I would do it all again in a second. May 11, 2013 will be one of the greatest days of my life. Then it's upward and onward to grad school after a small break. My career is beginning to feel within my reach.


Everything worth having in my life has come about because I stepped out of my comfort zone. Putting myself out there is scary, but playing it safe will get me no where. I have to be a competitor to get what I want out of life.


I'm going to run. Maybe it will be a 5K, a half marathon, or simply the ability to traverse my neighborhood. It doesn't matter. I've always wanted to be a runner, and my goal is to achieve it this year. It's a freeing ability, and one I want to possess.


I'm going to read more classics. I just ordered this one to read over Christmas break. Jane Austen is next. I am doing myself a disservice by not reading them. There is a reason they are called classics.

Source: self.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I am going to spend more time exploring my surroundings. I don't want to take for granted what nature has to offer me. For instance, I have always wanted to sea kayak. It's time to do it already.


I am going to be more mindful. It makes be better and centers my soul. When the going gets tough, I neglect it. This year I'm going to work on improving that.


I have been lusting after this owl sweater for ages. It's time to move beyond my usual scarf-crocheting repertoire and attempt something like this. Will it be this cool? Probably not on the first, second, or even third tries. But I'll never get there if I don't try, try, try again.


Source: tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Is it too late to learn how to do a cartwheel? Nah. It's not that I haven't tried. But I think the last time was in 5th grade. Let's do this.


I'm going to come to a place of peace with my body. It won't ever be skinny. Or stretch mark free. But that is not what defines personal beauty. Comfort in my own skin, no matter the size, is the goal. Health before vanity, always.


Lish over at Imprintalish posted this the other day and I thought it was perfect. What if I don't get into grad school on the first try? What if I get a bad grade? What if _____? Any one thing does not define my entire future. If that were true, I wouldn't be where I am now. To assume so would be to undermine my innate ability to pick myself off and dust myself off. And even if everything goes just as planned, I reserve the right to change my mind. Again.

2 comments :

  1. I am in love with that sweater, it is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just felt so inspired...It might be because I'm listening to an extremely uplifting pandora station, but I just felt that reach out to me. What an awesome way to look at your birthday! You're cool :)

    Katie

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