There’s something about the passage of time that brings a reality check. We’re in Fall now. There are two months left in this year. Before we know it, we’ll be full on into the holiday season. I say it every year and you probably do too – this year is flying by! Another marker of time passing are birthdays and I just celebrated mine.
I don’t make any big plans for my birthday. The last time I did, I was turning 30. I decided that I wanted to turn 30 in Paris. My boyfriend, now husband joined me on that trip and popped the question while we were there. So, I think I don’t make plans anymore because that one was pretty EPIC. Still, I know I should create space to celebrate myself on the day I was born.
Kicking off my year of yes
I spent the day with my little family. My daughter had a soccer game and she told me she was going to make a goal just for me. She did and she was so proud! We had yummy lunch and reservations for dinner at a restaurant I’ve been wanting to go to forever! It did not disappoint. My husband bought me gifts that show how much he knows me and loves me. My birthday may have been low key however, I spent most of it smiling. That’s a win!
birthday dinner picture in the dark restaurant – husband caught me mid meal lol
I was talking to a friend who has a birthday coming up. She was saying it was unbelievable that she was turning 42. Well, I just turned 42 and I know what she means. I don’t feel like what I thought this age would feel like. In my 20s, I had a different idea of what the 40s would be. I’m glad I was wrong. Getting older reminds me to live. It reminds me to do the stuff that’s always been on my heart to do. I’m reminded to try new things and have new experiences.
If I could go back, I would tell the younger version of my self to live now. Do it now. Stop waiting and enjoy every second. There are so many things I’d talk myself out of. I spent to much time living in fear. What will people say? What if I fail? If there’s anything I regret, it’s that I didn’t take enough chances when I was younger.
Since birthdays are really a personal New Year and a chance to hit the reset button, I’m doing just that. I’ve decided to say yes more and not talk myself out of things before really trying. One way I’m doing that is I said yes to go see Michelle Obama on her book tour next month. I also said yes to going on a cruise with Oprah. Yes, that Oprah. My O Magazine sisters and I set sail next year.
I plan on saying yes to more things, more opportunities and more awesome experiences.
Shonda Rhimes isn’t the only one who can have a year of yes. Ha! Tell me something you’ve decided to say yes to?
5 Comments on The Reality Check that started my Year of Yes
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Happy Birthday! What you’ve said yes to so far is awesome! I approaching the last year of my 30s perfect time to be open and explore what I want to say yes to.
Thank you! I’m sure you will come up with something EPIC. 🙂
Yaasss! I feel birthdays are time to consider a personal reset. Enjoy your season of yes, it took me a little longer to embrace the concept; but I’m loving it now. 😎
Those are my goals…just live. I’m turning 40 in a few months. And I’ve already announced to my children and my hubby…that I’ve already implemented the plan to just living….
Happy birthday. I’m learning to say YES to all things FUN!!!! I can find any excuse of why NOT, but why not say YES!