28
My birthday is a couple days away. As I reflect on this past year, I’ve realized how impactful this year has been for me. There’s been a lot of bad, but there’s also been so much good. So many blessings. And so much to be thankful for.
I went into the year feeling a little broken. I had cut off contact with people who played a big role in my life, and I was also the one being cut out of other’s. I felt isolated and alone, even if I was in the same room with any number of people. I’ve learned the real truth behind falling apart and putting yourself back together. While I didn’t know it back then, and thought the pain would never end, I realize now that it was the absolute best thing for me.
A lot of this year feels like a blur after being in the hospital for over 2 months. I can’t remember exact details of things, but I certainly remember how I felt. My last birthday I felt alone. Like I had no one. But this year, I’ve opened up my heart to new possibilities. I’ve worked hard on myself to get to where I am today. I changed my mind set and my perspective. And so this birthday, I’m reminded that I’m surrounded by family and friends who love me.
Having the hard and bad moments is what helps the highs to feel so high; the good days to feel as good as they do. Because we know how low things can feel. One without the other, we would never be able to have those intense feelings.
Life shouldn’t be taken for granted. We aren’t promised the next day. I’ve wanted to life my life to the fullest, but always put it on the back burner for one reason or another. But I intend for this year to be different.
Life is worth celebrating each and every day. MY life. YOUR life. I also want to celebrate the life of those I love and care for. I want to build deeper connections and be present in every moment. Whether that be with others or by myself. I don’t just want it- it’s already mine. I believe in the power of manifesting and that putting what you want into the Universe will bring that back to you.
While both you and I can do this at any time, I always use my birthday to reflect on the past year and what I want in the year to come. To remember the loses, as well as celebrate the gains. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I’m excited to continue to water the parts of me I want to grow. I am rising in so many aspects of my life, and I’m in a place where I’m truly happy with myself. I’ve always had a hard time with that, and I can’t express the gratitude to all the past versions of myself for getting me here. I’m proud of myself.
I’m proud of myself for:
Speaking up. I no longer keep quiet because I’m afraid of confrontation. I can say how I’m feeling in a kind way. I speak kindly to myself and others at all times.
Having the courage to cut people off when they have proven to not be good for me.
Saying no. This one is HUGE. As a former people-pleaser, saying no always made me feel like I would be letting someone down. In the end, I let myself down. I stretched myself thin and poured until I was empty. Saying no gave me back control over my life.
Not being a doormat for people to come in and out of my life as they please.
Healing the parts of me that were broken. Healing from the things that hurt me.
Loving myself. Fully. Authentically.
Celebrate the big things, but also the small. But also remember: you don’t need a reason to celebrate at all. Celebrate you. Everyday.
Here’s to year 28!