When asked what I was doing for my birthday, I thought back to the days when my plans involved going out on the town or out to a fancy dinner, but not this year! You could find me at the ball field, cheering on my son, cooler bag on my hip, camera on the other hip and a potentially spiked beverage, because it was my birthday after all. When did that become my version of being a rebel? Here's the thing...I wouldn't have had it any other way. Mom life is the majority of who I am at this point and I'm doing my best to soak up all of the time we have together as it's already flying by.
Most of my social media indicates that I'm "embracing the 30's," which is still true as I'm only 32, but there are some valuable life lessons that I've learned in my 30's thus far. The 30's have been a time of true self-discovery for me; a time when I'm still realizing my own potential. I've learned to see myself as more than "their mom" that works full-time and busts her butt when she's not working to be a kick ass mom or that girl who rarely makes time for herself.
In order to be the best version of me, which in turn leads to my ability to be that kick ass mom and advance in my career, I had to realize a lot of different things. Year number 31 came with a lot of growth, both personally and professionally. I look back now as I embark upon year number 32 and sometimes I'm still shocked by all of it. It all happened so incredibly fast and I finally feel like I'm not only planting roots in my career path, but I am finding mom life/career life balance. Sure most days feel like a complete and total shit show, but the hugs and love from my family at the end of the day says it all.
I've learned the importance of self care through making a little time for myself and that it's okay to do that. I discovered fitness is an incredible outlet for me. I was always the queen of holding in my emotions. Now I have a place to channel them. I can hop on that machine and channel everything I'm feeling, mentally working through or thinking about into a workout. It's the ultimate therapy, plus getting in shape feels amazing. I've always been a confident person, but feeling better in my own skin truly amplifies that confidence and makes me feel like I can take on the world at times.
I learned that some people will treat you differently as you start to better yourself. This part is unfortunate and tough for me to wrap my head around, because I am who I am. I always have been. I'm still "me," just with a smaller physique and more confidence as a result of reaching goals and feeling good. It's something that at times can make you feel slightly insecure through the not-so-kind remarks, comments and even the obvious stares, but here's what I want you to do. Let it roll off of your shoulder and use it as added fuel to your inner fire. Honestly if those people can't be happy for you, do they really deserve to remain a part of your life? That is something I struggle with...
With the inner fire from year 31, came a newfound ability to speak up for myself. You know what? It feels pretty darn good. Learning to never settle, never stop growing and never give up came in the 30's for me. For some it comes earlier, but I feel like my 20's were full of gaining the initial life experience needed to dominate this thing they call "the thirties," which are apparently the new twenties? I'm completely alright with that! I hope they are as fabulous for me as I hear they are for others.
As my kids grow, I learn just how much they are watching and taking in each and everything you do as a parent. Not only do my girls pretend to "go to the gym," but they are very curious about their mom and I want to set the best example that I can for them. If you don't think your kids are listening to what you say in conversations or watching your everyday motions, think again. I am on a mission to be my best self in part with thanks to them.
I've learned to be proud of what you have and stop comparing yourself, your house, your finances, your family life, etc. to others. At the end of the day, I can hit the pillow knowing that I have a job I enjoy, my kids have a nice place to call home, we don't struggle to buy groceries and we can have some fun along the way. I'm not out to try and impress anyone, just doing my best on the daily to continue building a fulfilling life.
I have no idea what year number 32 will bring, but I have faith that I, along with the support of my family and friends will overcome it. I'm going into it with an open heart and open mind. This is 32.
Most of my social media indicates that I'm "embracing the 30's," which is still true as I'm only 32, but there are some valuable life lessons that I've learned in my 30's thus far. The 30's have been a time of true self-discovery for me; a time when I'm still realizing my own potential. I've learned to see myself as more than "their mom" that works full-time and busts her butt when she's not working to be a kick ass mom or that girl who rarely makes time for herself.
In order to be the best version of me, which in turn leads to my ability to be that kick ass mom and advance in my career, I had to realize a lot of different things. Year number 31 came with a lot of growth, both personally and professionally. I look back now as I embark upon year number 32 and sometimes I'm still shocked by all of it. It all happened so incredibly fast and I finally feel like I'm not only planting roots in my career path, but I am finding mom life/career life balance. Sure most days feel like a complete and total shit show, but the hugs and love from my family at the end of the day says it all.
I've learned the importance of self care through making a little time for myself and that it's okay to do that. I discovered fitness is an incredible outlet for me. I was always the queen of holding in my emotions. Now I have a place to channel them. I can hop on that machine and channel everything I'm feeling, mentally working through or thinking about into a workout. It's the ultimate therapy, plus getting in shape feels amazing. I've always been a confident person, but feeling better in my own skin truly amplifies that confidence and makes me feel like I can take on the world at times.
I learned that some people will treat you differently as you start to better yourself. This part is unfortunate and tough for me to wrap my head around, because I am who I am. I always have been. I'm still "me," just with a smaller physique and more confidence as a result of reaching goals and feeling good. It's something that at times can make you feel slightly insecure through the not-so-kind remarks, comments and even the obvious stares, but here's what I want you to do. Let it roll off of your shoulder and use it as added fuel to your inner fire. Honestly if those people can't be happy for you, do they really deserve to remain a part of your life? That is something I struggle with...
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| This is 32. |
As my kids grow, I learn just how much they are watching and taking in each and everything you do as a parent. Not only do my girls pretend to "go to the gym," but they are very curious about their mom and I want to set the best example that I can for them. If you don't think your kids are listening to what you say in conversations or watching your everyday motions, think again. I am on a mission to be my best self in part with thanks to them.
I've learned to be proud of what you have and stop comparing yourself, your house, your finances, your family life, etc. to others. At the end of the day, I can hit the pillow knowing that I have a job I enjoy, my kids have a nice place to call home, we don't struggle to buy groceries and we can have some fun along the way. I'm not out to try and impress anyone, just doing my best on the daily to continue building a fulfilling life.
I have no idea what year number 32 will bring, but I have faith that I, along with the support of my family and friends will overcome it. I'm going into it with an open heart and open mind. This is 32.
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