It’s my Birthday … It’s a BIG number … And it’s Gorgeous!

The only thing I’d tell younger me

You know all those posts where people tell themselves a ton of worldly advice to the younger version of themselves?

This isn’t one of those posts.

Not because I haven’t done those posts before. I have.

It's My Birthday Month! 5 Pieces of Wisdom to Move Forward

But when you have a BIG birthday, you tend to get a bit more reflective. You think a bit deeper about life. You look back at the life you’ve led and start to ask deeper questions about the life you have left. (This isn’t just me, is it?)

When I thought about writing this post, I started a list. I’m the kind of person who thrives on quotes. So, I have file upon file of “words of advice” to draw from.

“It’s wonderful to know you’re aging, because that means you’re still on the planet, right?” ~Goldie Hawn

After a bit, I started getting bored. Yawned even.

I mean, really! After all these years - all these decades - do I really think that younger version of me is up for hearing a ton of advice from older me?

Because here I am. And I’m … Happy.

I love where I am today.

And yet, oh, could I tell myself a thing or two to avoid A TON of crap along the way.

But that “ton of crap” has made me who I am today.

So why avoid it?

Sure, I could say:

“You know that “big” business you started, the one you were convinced was going to be your golden ticket? It’s not. It will bring you a lot of worry and debt. Best to skip it.”

But that moment in time taught me A TON about entrepreneurship. It helped me when I started the next business. And the next.

Yes, it would have been great to have success early on. But the failure added so much to my knowledge base and helped me make great choices in the future.

“The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” ~Madeleine L’Engle

I could also tell myself:

“Move when you first have the opportunity. Things don’t work out as you hope by buying the house and settling down for stability.”

My husband and I talked ad nauseam about a move we could have made back when my daughter was in middle school. I was convinced she needed stability to thrive in middle and high school. So we stayed.

That move to a new state would have been good for us. And what was good for us would have been good for her. (I somehow never made that connection.)

Here's the thing: We made everything work, and I loved my life during those years. No regrets. But moving might have set us up for something even better. (Oh, the choices we make.)

“Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.” ~Oprah Winfrey

It’s like that through every age, every decade. Right up until today.

Choices. And I’ve made them. With the best intentions and using all the knowledge and resources I’ve accumulated.

I’ve done so much in my life. Things I’m so happy with. Things that have brought me true joy.

A husband I love. A daughter I adore. Friends who mean the world to me. A sister I’d do anything for.

Businesses that have taught me so much. Travel that’s helped me explore. A lifestyle that keeps me healthy. Convictions I firmly stand for.

Yep, I love today’s me.

Happy Birthday, Me!

And here’s a little advice for you today, from Me:

“I’m so happy you chose to follow your own path. All those times you were confused, beating yourself up for not moving forward faster? It all turned out okay.

Yes, things could be better. They can always be better. But they could also be worse. A whole lot worse. There’s always something to compare - that will always be the case.

But where you are is Gorgeous! Just look at all you’ve achieved! Give yourself credit for every little thing in your life. Stop and have a piece of cake.

Don’t focus on tomorrow. Don’t worry about the future. You’re good at planning. You’re good at pivoting.

Whatever comes your way will just add to the experience.

This incredible experience of YOU!”

“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.” ~Dr Seuss

p.s. Did you like this message? It would mean a lot to me if you’d press the ❤️ below if you liked it, left a comment 💬, or shared it with a friend. I’m trying to grow this publication, and I depend on people like you to do so!

And if you’re new here, Welcome! 💐 I’d love to start sharing my message with you if you’re interested in all things plant-powered, proaging, or finding kitchen joy. Subscribe … and then explore my entire archive! Glad to share with you! 🙋🏼‍♀️