I recently celebrated my 31st birthday!
Usually my birthday isn’t all that important to me: it’s another day, and another year inevitably gets added onto my life.
This year, however, I took a moment to reflect on everything I have to celebrate, which includes ME! Now don’t go thinking I’m full of myself and am celebrating my own existence as something divine or anything of that nature, but I realized that I am truly on the path of my life’s purpose, with good things finally happening more frequently, and that I’m really destined to have a positive impact on more people in the world, whether friends, family, clients or strangers near and far.
I celebrate that I have gotten though two eating disorders in my short life thus far. I had (and still have) the support and learned the tools to help me break negative cycles in my life (in all aspects) that I can continue to apply for my lifetime. I have recently had the guts to speak out about my experience in an e-book that I just put up on Amazon Kindle this week (check it out here). I could have stayed silent and not begun a blog, or written a little book, but I chose to speak out and be heard so no one else has to needlessly suffer as I did. I am honestly very proud of myself! I used to be a pretty shy, reserved girl growing up, but when I was studying abroad in Europe in college, 8000 miles away from anyone or anything I knew, I really began to find myself. I found my voice, and even my professors back home noticed this when I returned.
I reflect on my life’s journey every so often, and am pretty astounded at where I am. I have said this many times to friends, but I’ll say it here, too, “I’m an old soul in a young body.” I have a lot of life experiences that many people my age have not had: some that are incredible, and others that I would never wish on anyone else. Both have helped shape me into who I am today, and more will appear to continue to shape the future Me.
I remember my 18th birthday pretty clearly. I was anorexic, a Senior in high school (and had moved to another state between my Junior and Senior years: not an easy thing to handle at that age). Though very much loved by my family, I was in a very dark place (because I had gotten myself into it, not because anyone caused me to be this way). I look back at that young woman, as if watching someone playing the character of Me in the movie of my life, and just want to give her a hug and tell that everything really WILL be okay, and that she needs to let go of so much struggle. Thirteen years later I am overjoyed to say that I wouldn’t recognize myself as the same person.
Today I am wiser, stronger inside and out, liberated from the prisons of my dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, am outgoing, outspoken, a leader, passionate about my career, family and friends, and actually love myself. Yes, I actually love myself. Not in an egotistical or selfish way, but in a genuine, honest way that makes me want to really care for ME first so that I may be able to genuinely and honestly share my love, compassion and energy with others.
I feel blessed that I have gained so much in the 31 years I’ve had on this planet so far. I hope I get to live a long, healthy life so as to experience as much of this life as I can, and hopefully help make this world and your life a better one.
Remember that we don’t need milestones like birthdays or holidays to realize that YOU are truly great and amazing, too! Every person is. Each of us has wisdom to share with others. Every person can make a positive difference in the lives of others, even in the smallest ways. Even if you’re currently struggling, know that when you’re ready to make a change, you CAN do it. You can be in a completely new place mentally, emotionally and physically if you choose it. I am so grateful I chose to change, and though I admit it wasn’t easy and I’m still working on it every day, it was worth it beyond words.
So with this new year of my life ahead of me, I celebrate overcoming the challenges of the past, being the person I am right now, and celebrate that I am living this life with which I was blessed– even with its ups and downs. Here’s to another year, more adventures, and more lessons to be learned and shared! Excuse me while I go eat a birthday cupcake (or two).
Birthday Cupcakes Anyone? Yes, please!
happyhealthyharmony 