I’m turning 29.
Again.
No, I’m kidding.
With this birthday comes mixed feelings. Now you may be rolling your eyes but the truth is, I’m officially in my mid-30s. I’m this close to being middle-aged. In fact, I very well could be right smack in the middle right now. So I probably have another 35 good years ahead of me.
I’m okay with that. Really. The thirties are wonderful. I’ve heard that our forties are even better. So much to look forward to. So much already accomplished.
I’m not afraid of ageing. With age comes experience and wisdom.
I look back at all of my experiences and know it’s normal to wish I had accomplished more. Done more. Seen more. Travelled more.
But the positive in me says I’ve learned a lot so far. Some of the important things that I acknowledge this birthday:
I’ve learned that I’ll never stop learning.
I’ve learned so much from my elders.
I’ve learned so much from my children.
I’ve learned that true friends are really hard to come by.
I’ve learned that how we each view the world is really all about perception.
I’ve learned to read people.
I’ve learned to trust my own instincts.
I’ve learned not to assume anything.
I’ve learned to give people the benefit of the doubt.
I’ve learned to be more understanding of people.
I’ve learned not to take things so personally.
I’ve learned to lower my expectations of people so I won’t be disappointed.
I’ve learned that hearing doesn’t mean listening and some people have a hard time doing either.
I’ve learned that to truly live in the moment is an art.
I’ve learned that reality bites but day-dreaming is a great place to be.
I’ve learned that you can’t judge a person unless you’ve walked a thousand miles in their shoes.
I’ve learned to turn my head to people who are self-absorbed and jealous.
I’ve learned that relationships take much effort but it’s worth it.
I’ve learned to get by on one salary and live simply.
I’ve learned not be envious of others’ material possessions.
I’ve learned to enjoy the simple things in life, like my morning coffee and my children’s laughter.
I’ve learned to take time for myself to recharge and find peace.
I’ve learned not to wait for things to happen but to go after what I want.
I’ve learned that no matter how old you get, you can still be young at heart.
I’ve learned that no matter how many children you have, you have enough love in your
heart for each of them.
I’ve learned to be grateful for having amazing siblings and take pride in the fact that we are close and our children will be too.
I’ve learned that raising children is the most rewarding yet most challenging job of all.
I’ve learned that some sacrifices are definitely worth making.
I’ve learned the mothers truly are the glue that holds a family together.
I’ve learned that money makes the world go round but it doesn’t feed the soul.
I’ve learned that you must pursue what you love, even if you don’t get paid for it.
I’ve learned that it’s impossible to have it all, all at once.
I’ve learned that the truly fun part is the journey and not the destination.
7 Comments
What a wonderful post! I can only hope I continue to learn & have a better understanding of these things as the years pass. Happy birthday to you!
I really loved this. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday!
Wow – you certainly HAVE learned a lot … wishing you a very happy 7th 29th birthday!
🙂
With my 36th happening yesterday I felt/feel a lot of those same things. Some great perspective and wishing you the happiest birthday from a fellow Sag in her mid thirties!
It's always great to reflect on the things we've learned.
I've learned many of the same things…I still get hit with feeling old now and again (like, say, when I go to my alma mater's basketball game and I realize that the little kids watching the game are also alumni…ugh) but…this 30ish thing isn't so bad after all. I'm happier with myself and with my world.
Happy, happy birthday to you!
I hope you had a wonderful birthday!