“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” –Jim Rohn
Today is my 27th birthday.
As I thought about what I wanted to say in this post I tried to think of my BEST birthday. See, birthdays in my family were a BIG deal. Any of my friends from childhood will tell you that I didn't just have "birthday day" I had "birthday month". Now, this is clearly a result of my OCS (only child syndrome) but I LIVED for my birthday. I can't help but smile as I reflect on the many parties, cakes, and memories that filled my childhood. But BEST birthday? I don't think I can narrow down to just one. Certainly, every phase of my life so far has had highlights...
The Washington Dells - Noah's Ark Water Park had this GIANT wave pool. I remember floating on tubes with my best friend and taking turns jumping off to see how long we could battle the waves. I remember feeling like I might not make it... and then be rescued back to the safety of my tube once again. Also, water shoes were perfectly acceptable at Noah's Ark, and I loved the squishy sound they made when you walked.
Iowa City, Iowa. Several amazing birthday's were spent here. My favorite included a large pink boa, a tiara, and some of the most amazing girlfriends I could ask for.
July 19, 2007. On this day I drove to Denver. My little red Escort was packed to the brim. I remember the windows down, blue skies, and music playing. I remember thinking I was a "big kid" now.
July 19, 2010. Somewhere between these two dates I met a wonderful man and fell in love. On this birthday he got down on one knee and proposed to me. I remember saying, "Are you serious?" over and over. He tells me that he said yes, and I did to.
July 19, 2012. I no longer have "birthday month." In fact, this year my birthday almost snuck up on me. Now, some may say it is because I chose to marry a man whose birthday is July 20 (hello midnight, it's no longer my birthday), but really I'm starting to think as I grow older time seems to go at warp speed. And I guess, what I'm slowly learning to embrace, is that change is a constant with age.
As a little girl I jumped off the safety of a tube into the waves. I didn't stop to think about consequences or possible outcomes. I think I was scared, but I know it was fun.
As a college student I moved away from home. I lived on my own for the first time. I wore pink boa's and tiaras and probably drank too much. I think there were a lot of times I was scared, but I know it was fun.
As a young adult I moved across the country with my best friend. I didn't have a job, I was now responsible for paying bills (please reference OCS above), and I didn't have a real plan. I think I was scared, but I know it was fun.
As a twenty-something I met a boy, I forged a friendship, I fell in love. I got a dog. I got married. I spent a lot of money I didn't have. I got a job. I got another job. I got a job I really love. I saved money for the first time in my life. I took a lot of trips. I laughed... a lot. I cried. I made mistakes. I changed. I can confidently say I'm scared a lot of the time, but I know it is fun.
So on day 1 of 27, I choose to celebrate change and all that comes with it. I choose to celebrate life and all the blessings I've been given. I choose to move forward, embrace fear, and have fun. And I hope you will do the same.
Cheers!
Until next time,
A
July 19, 2007. On this day I drove to Denver. My little red Escort was packed to the brim. I remember the windows down, blue skies, and music playing. I remember thinking I was a "big kid" now.
July 19, 2010. Somewhere between these two dates I met a wonderful man and fell in love. On this birthday he got down on one knee and proposed to me. I remember saying, "Are you serious?" over and over. He tells me that he said yes, and I did to.
July 19, 2012. I no longer have "birthday month." In fact, this year my birthday almost snuck up on me. Now, some may say it is because I chose to marry a man whose birthday is July 20 (hello midnight, it's no longer my birthday), but really I'm starting to think as I grow older time seems to go at warp speed. And I guess, what I'm slowly learning to embrace, is that change is a constant with age.
As a little girl I jumped off the safety of a tube into the waves. I didn't stop to think about consequences or possible outcomes. I think I was scared, but I know it was fun.
As a college student I moved away from home. I lived on my own for the first time. I wore pink boa's and tiaras and probably drank too much. I think there were a lot of times I was scared, but I know it was fun.
As a young adult I moved across the country with my best friend. I didn't have a job, I was now responsible for paying bills (please reference OCS above), and I didn't have a real plan. I think I was scared, but I know it was fun.
As a twenty-something I met a boy, I forged a friendship, I fell in love. I got a dog. I got married. I spent a lot of money I didn't have. I got a job. I got another job. I got a job I really love. I saved money for the first time in my life. I took a lot of trips. I laughed... a lot. I cried. I made mistakes. I changed. I can confidently say I'm scared a lot of the time, but I know it is fun.
So on day 1 of 27, I choose to celebrate change and all that comes with it. I choose to celebrate life and all the blessings I've been given. I choose to move forward, embrace fear, and have fun. And I hope you will do the same.
Cheers!
Until next time,
A
