Here I am. One year older. I find I'm aging like my dad. My body does one thing -my mind does another. I was trying to think of something fun to post to Facebook today, but the more I thought the more I realized there wasn't something "short" to post.
As I turn 29...again...I wanted to throw out a few things for my younger friends and family. By "younger" I mean all of you. :)
First off - I've been telling people this for years, but age and weight are just numbers and they don't mean a thing unless you let them. Learn to love both sets of numbers regardless of what they are. The older I get the more I have to remind myself to be who I am...love WHAT I am. Some days are harder than others. My dad is well into his 60's but the man still acts like he is in his 20s. I want to be that way. I think I'm on the right track...after all chasing 3 kids does tend to keep a person young. And that weight thing- eh - as long as I'm healthy - I don't really care what the number is. Yes it sucks when my favorite jeans start to get a little tight, but I won't be the same size forever. Some people can be. Good for them.
I've stopped trying to be trendy. I go for fun and fit and frugal. I now take my measurements with me to garage sales so I can find stuff for myself AND my kids. I subscribe to a site called GwynnieBee where I can rent clothing each month. I get to try all kinds of fun stuff, wear it as many times as I want and send it back. No commitment unless I really love it- then I can buy it at a discount. I've learned what to look for in clothing and know how to dress my body. Yes, on occasion I still wear something I probably shouldn't...but at least it is a conscious decision to do so. I do admit to owning and wearing a pair of skinny jeans but that is only on certain days, with certain shoes and because I don't own leggings.
The older I get the less my body wants to cooperate. Today for my birthday my face decided to get me 2 new pimples and 4 new chin hairs. Wonderful. It is what it is and I deal and move on. I will try to age with grace and humility...key word is try. I've updated my skin care routine, remind myself to wear sunscreen and have learned how to really apply and wear makeup like a big girl. I will still color my gray hair away...I'm not ready to let that go...and I do not see that changing any time soon. But hair is hair- it will grow back and the color will return to "natural" no reason to be afraid to change things up every so often.
I am learning to deal with mommy guilt and taking time for me. I find myself feeling bad for going out with the girls on occasion but I try to silence that voice in my head by telling myself that even mommy needs a time out. I need to remind myself that my kids need an example of someone who pursues things she enjoys; who makes time for them and herself and is a better person because of it.
I'm learning that slowing down isn't such a bad thing. Yes I am contradicting myself a bit here. We are constantly on the go with various activities, but I can't remember the last time I partied it up at a bar. And I am ok with that. I find crowds annoying and drunk people rude (sometimes funny to watch) but I have zero ambition to get all dolled up to go hit the bar. I would rather watch a movie at home with the family, in our PJs and a massive bowl of popcorn that sit in the theater. Don't get me wrong- the older I get the more I love getting dressed up - but I do it for events, not the bar.
Pick your friends wisely. I can honestly say I have enough close, good friends to fill one hand...and I am ok with that. I have friends that I chat with online or via email and haven't seen in years. Are they less of a friend, heck no! But I also have let people fade from my life with zero regret. It took a bit to get to that point, but God brought them into my life for a reason. They fulfilled that reason and now have faded out. Time to move on.
I am done letting fear impact my decisions. I love my family and my life but there are some times I wonder if I hadn't been so afraid of something years ago, what could have happened. Over the last year I stopped being afraid. I tried out to be a cover model/runway model - I tossed fear aside and said "who cares if you are too old or not the right size -do it anyway." Best decision ever! I have new friends and a few new experiences because of it!
I am by no means experienced or wise beyond my years but I am also not a spring chicken. I've been around the block more times than I care to count. I'm going into this next year with a better understanding of who I am as a person, a wife, a mother, a friend and all of the other titles I have acquired my many years on this earth. Keep checking back for updates to our family's adventures. Now if you will excuse me, I think there is a movie we need to watch.
