Today, I’m feeling reflective. I’m taking stock of my life and where things are headed. Today is my birthday, my Happy New Year! So instead of being all introspective come January 1st, I decided to start early.
This last year has been quite a crazy one for me. The biggest thing had to be the closure of the network where I’d spent almost 10 years. That changed everything – in a great way. It was the perfect platform for a new beginning. It has given me the opportunity to be a more present mother with my babies. That was still possible, but harder to do when I was working. Everything had to move so fast then. We’ve been able to slow down and really enjoy each other. That’s a blessing.
This year has also seen me get clear about what I want. I have a pretty strong vision for my life and where I’d like to see it going. I’m working my butt off to get it.
When I was younger, I though my 30s were going to be the official start of my “over the hill” years. I pictured 35 as being SO old! I have found that my 30s have been the best decade so far. I’ve learned so much about life, about me and about the world around me. I’ve learned to say what’s on my mind and what’s in my heart. I’ve learned how freeing it is to be exactly who I am, flaws and all. I’ve learned that nobody’s thoughts of me matter more than my own thoughts of me. I’ve learned to live with a boldness and an attitude of “why not?” Being less concerned with what others will think or say has freed me up to live a life that feels true to me. Yes, my 30s have been good to me so far.
Now that I’m coming to the end of my 30s, I’m soaking up the lessons this decade has taught me so far. I’m carrying them in my hearts journal for future reference.
At 38, I know that I am blessed. It has nothing to do with the things in my home, the clothes in my closet or the car in my garage. It has everything to do with the God I serve and the people with whom I share my heart.
I leave you with one of my favorite photos from the photo shoot I told you about last week. It feels like my super hero alter ego or something. It certainly doesn’t bring to mind the old woman I thought I’d be at 38. LOL!
Shoes: Victoria’s Secret Pants: H&M Dress: Peppermint
*Linking up with Monday Mingle, Real Mom Style + WIWW
You’re NOT 38. Nope, won’t believe it. Not with that flawless face. Girl you are defying the odds. I wish to only be as lucky as you. Happy Bday missy. Enjoy 38!
Marie Young recently posted…Why Being A Gold Digger Will Get You Closer To Success + Happiness
You better WERK! Happy Birthday!!!!
Hope you have a great birthday. I always say that 40 is the new 30!
Happy birthday! (Mine is next week!) You look amazing for 38 – and that photo is gorgeous.
Jaime recently posted…Spinach & Bacon Loaded Potatoes from eMeals – and a giveaway!
You look fantastic!!! In my mind, I still feel like I’m 16 but my body sure doesn’t feel that way.
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} recently posted…Celebrate #GreatTaste and National Coffee Day with Seattle’s Best and a Keurig 2.0 Giveaway
You look incredible, C! I have no doubt you’ll attain every last goal you’ve set for yourself.
Liz Mays recently posted…WiFi On The Move | AT&T Unite for GoPhone
You look absolutely DEVINE!
LaToya recently posted…You Have to Crawl Before You Walk
Happy birthday Cam!
Happy birthday to you! I love that photo shoot- and really? 38? You don’t look it!
I love your outfit. I turned 37 on the 27th and can relate to a lot of what you just said. I love my 30’s.
Kathy recently posted…Minnie Mouse Slumber Party Time!
Happy Birthday! 38 is looking really good.
Happy Birthday! Love it – I turn 30 in April and I’m excited for that decade of my life! You look great!
Emily @ Baby Dickey recently posted…The Food Chain: fun & educational activities for kids
Stop the madness! Hold the phone!!! Hold up! Wait a minute!!! There ain’t no way in heck that you are 38!! I don’t believe it! I would have given you 33 or 34 or 35, but not 38.
Happy birthday lovely!!! I pray that all your dreams come true this year and that your day is a fabulous as you are!
XO
Alicia @MommyDelicious recently posted…Family Movie Night with Netflix.com
Happy birthday! I use my birthday as a time to reflect, too. It cracks me up that I used to think 30 was old.
Shell recently posted…It’s My Life… No, Not Really
Happy Birthday! I like to reevaluate on my birthday more so than on New Years. You look amazing, I would have guessed your twenties not 38 🙂
Katrina recently posted…Disney Frozen “The Songs” CD Review and Giveaway ~ #disneymusic #enmnetwork
Happy birthday! And DANG, you’ve got it going on! 38 years young!
Dawn recently posted…Join Us for the #SnackPackMixins Twitter Party
happy birthday to you! You look great. I love that outfit
Happy Happy Birthday! I’ve actually heard that the 30s are people’s best decade <3
Angelic Sinova recently posted…It All Started With Hello(Featuring Lindt HELLO chocolate)
I hope I look as great as you at 38. Great outfit. Happy birthday.
Kristin recently posted…Dinner Made Easy – Take & Bake Gourmet Pizzas at Fresh & Easy
Happy birthday to you! You look amazing for being 38!
Carly Anderson recently posted…Fall is Here Giveaway + Let it Shine
Happy Birthday, I’m 38 too and I really appreciate the outlook you have and share.
Happy birthday it’s nice to see you celebrating your life. I think it’s very important. I like your reflection of where you have been and going. Blessings to you
Happy Birthday! I never would have guessed you’re 38! Lookin’ good! And it’s great that you’re doing that whole introspection thing. At 34, I’m still trying to find that zen place you seem to be in right now! 😉
Janice Trinh recently posted…Motherhood and Friends
You look awesome! Happy Birthday!
Brenda recently posted…Sunday Sun
Happy Birthday! You look fantastic!!
Lara recently posted…Seahorse App Helps you Document Life
Happiest of Birthday’s hope you had a wonderful day. You don’t look a day over 25, never would have guessed 38! Beautiful!
Happy happy birthday to you!! Hope you enjoy your day. (and seriously, I’d have guessed you for mid-twenties)
laura recently posted…Happy International Coffee Day! What’s in your cup?
I hope you have had a wonderful birthday! You don’t look a day over 25 🙂
Becka @ Probably Crafting recently posted…October Goals and Successes – Blogging and Life
Happy birthday, you look great. I just turned 41 and the last few years have been fantastic, getting older isn’t always a bad thing.
I Love your outfit! And a new year can definitely start at any time!
Christie recently posted…My Top Fall Baby Essentials with Bealls Outlet
A very happy birthday to you! You look gorgeous! Keep rocking it!
Krystal recently posted…TRESemmé® at Walgreens Helps You Get Runway Ready Hair
Happy belated! You look fabulous. I love your perspective too. Sounds like things are falling right into place, as they should.
Cyndi @ MrsWrightWrites recently posted…Protect Peace – GiveForward
Happy birthday! I’m glad that the changes in your life have turned out to be exactly what you needed. I’ve learned that’s usually the case 🙂
Marina MommySnippets recently posted…Raising Brave Girls in God’s Word, for this world.{+ Brave Girls Bible Stories Giveaway}
What a great outfit and you look fabulous, thanks for linking up!
Great way to look at your Birthday as a New Year! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday and Happy New Year to you. 🙂 I like the determination you have in your tone, that really is (coupled w/the hard work you mentioned) what gets the most results.
Rosey recently posted…Candy Corn
Happy Birthday! You sure don’t look 38! I’m 10 years younger and we could totally swap places!! Keep up with whatever you’re doing cause it’s working!!!
Happy Birthday and it sounds like you have such a positive view on life. You look great by the way, definitely don’t look over 35.
Elizabeth Ferree recently posted…Build-a-Bear Workshop Starts School with a Big Splash!
Happy Birthday!!! I would’ve never guess your age. You look fabulous and great outlook on your New Year! Wishing you many more 🙂
From Mrs. to Mom recently posted…Halloween
I turned 50 this year and if you would have told me that I was loving being 50, I would have laughed. But I truly do! I feel like I’ve come into my own. I’m wiser. I so look forward to this next decade! Happy Birthday to you… you look amazing!
Donna recently posted…Use Your Ceiling For Storage
Happy Birthday! You look amazing for 38
Amanda recently posted…How to Get Your Child to Open Up – #KidQapp
Oh my!You look amazing to be 38!!!
April recently posted…100 Days of Christmas – Day 27 – Amazing Gift deals!
38 is still young!! I’m only 33 (and a half) but I figure I’m going to ROCK my forties. It’s all in your head! 🙂
Megan @ C’mon Get Crafty recently posted…DIY Disney Incredibles Costume
Happy belated birthday!
K. Elizabeth (YUMMommy) recently posted…Greetings October!
Happy birthday and you look great! I agree, my 30’s used to seem so old, but now I’m so young and just starting to enjoy life to its fullest.
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