Thoughts on Turning 29

Thoughts on turning 29:

Be comfortable in your own skin.

That voice in your head only has as much power as you give it. The judgement, shame, discouragement and fear only has a home if you make one. You can’t love others unconditionally until you love yourself unconditionally first. Mistakes happen. Forgive and move forward.

Act with kindness.

Life is short. Intentionally hurting others doesn’t accomplish anything, so why use energy to do so? Intentionally acting with kindness towards others accomplishes everything, so why not use energy to do so? Words hold power. Use them wisely.

Becoming your mother is the greatest gift.

Sometimes I catch myself using a phrase I’ve only ever heard come out of my mother’s mouth. Sometimes I look at my hands and realize they’re moving just like hers. Sometimes I find her voice in my head, as both guidance and encouragement. Sometimes I catch myself snort laughing, just like her. Sometimes I hear her say “OH NO, I’m BECOMING my MOTHER!” and it makes me smile, because I want to become that someday too. I would love that more than anything.

Live with less.

It’s not about stuff. It’s about experiences. It’s about memories. It’s about sharing something unforgettable with loved ones. It’s about getting uncomfortable, stretching yourself, growing. Stuff only holds one thing, and that’s dust. Shake off the cobwebs, let go of the stuff, and explore this world that has more experiences than one could garner in a lifetime. 

Find your tribe.

Some friendships come and go. Though there’s always a bit of sadness when a relationship ends or drifts, they are exactly what they needed to be – the perfect person at just the right time. Then there are those that stick around through the thick and thin…the tribe. They inspire, motivate, counsel, support, love, and feed your soul. Find your tribe and hold them tight. You’ll recognize your kindred spirit in them.

Communication is key.

The ability to talk openly and honestly with your family, your friends, and your tribe, is key. Simmering or stewing for fear of rocking the boat only creates bigger waves down the line. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and really listen, because it’s worth it. Speak what’s on your heart. True honesty is the best kind of vulnerability.

Make plans. Then throw them out the window.

You can make plans and checklists all you want. Life will throw you curveballs and things will happen differently than you expected. Dreams and goals are good, but the unexpected might be even better if you stay open to it. 

Just do you.

In the age of social media and the Internet, it’s too easy to imagine life as someone else. But if you were someone else, then you wouldn’t be you, and the world would be short one incredibly unique and intricate person. After all, the odds of your birth borders on being a miracle, so why change? No one else can do you like you can.

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29 is going to be a great year. I can feel it in my bones. Bring it, 30. Mad love to Susan and the fiercely talented team of ladies at Sen Studios for shaking and enhancing what my mama gave me, to Kat Gill of Katch Studios for making me feel like myself in front of the camera, to the darling Aislin for the Tribe photoshoot love, and to lovelies Diana and Kristina for being my tribe mates always.