Today is my 29th birthday! It’s a little odd to have a birthday during a pandemic. While I can’t celebrate in the traditional sense, I am grateful for the season of spring and all the blooms, sunshine, and warmer days. I anticipate mostly being outside today (since there’s not much else I can do – ha)! I’m so glad that I can still take a walk with Cleo and read a book in the fresh air. For my past two birthdays, I shared 27 things I learned and 8 reflections. Today, I’m focusing on 9 lessons I’ve come to realize now that I’m 29:
Every day really is a gift.
This cliché is true. The older I get – and particularly now, during this global pandemic – the more I see that life is fragile and precious, and nothing is guaranteed to us. What we have is the present moment, and I think it’s so important to treasure that.
Be kind to your loved ones.
Often, we focus on the importance of being kind to strangers, and that is definitely important. But what about being kind to the ones closest to us? Too frequently, we take these people for granted. Instead, realize how special it is to have people who love you. Appreciate and love them with your whole heart.
Nature is healing.
I’ve always loved taking daily walks in Nashville’s glorious parks, but lately I’ve been savoring them more than ever. And honestly, being in nature is what keeps me sane. I’ve been leaving my phone at home so that I can focus on just being and walking, and seeing the buds on trees and plethora of wildflowers that have popped up recently.
You don’t need to be or feel anything other than what you are and do.
This one’s a little wordy, but here’s what I mean. Others don’t get to tell you who you are or how you feel. Only you can determine that, and you don’t need to change based on what anyone else said. You need to do what you love, feel what you feel, and act in ways that are right for you.
There is beauty everywhere.
As a lover of little things and a detail-oriented person, I know this to be true. If you slow down and just notice, you will find beauty. Yesterday, on my walk, I found a four-leaf clover simply by looking at the world around me (not staring at my phone).
Be with people who make you laugh.
I love to laugh. Don’t we all? It just feels good! I grew up with a hilarious dad and a mom whose laughter is simply contagious, and we always loved (and still do) being silly together. Then, growing up I always loved laughing with my friends. If you can’t laugh with your friends, then you’re not really friends, right? And now, I have a partner who makes me laugh, too, and it fills our home with joy. Find people who make you laugh.
You will get through this trying time.
Sometimes it’s hard to see beyond events that are difficult for us. But they always pass with time. We just have to believe in that.
Find an outlet.
I encourage you to have a way to engage in something that’s just for you and allows you to express yourself, process feelings, or just have fun – whether that’s going for a run, journaling, doing yoga, drawing, playing an instrument, or something else. I find that having a hobby or regular activity that you enjoy is just a healthy thing for your body and mind. For me, I love writing, blogging, going for walks, and taking pictures, and I always feel refreshed after engaging in these pursuits.
You exist for a reason.
You matter. You do. You have value and a purpose for being here. Never forget that.
And now – I’m going to go enjoy my birthday! I hope you have a beautiful weekend.