Today is my 35th birthday. I am officially in my mid-thirties. It doesn't feel much different than 34, really. I woke up to a terrific celebration of coffee, a banner and presents! My lovies got me a beautiful dress and shoes to wear out for my birthday date of winetasting and dinner. Kalli so graciously offered to babysit and everything was lined up nicely. However, poor Rylie woke up sick with a runny nose and watery eyes this morning. We have given her a lot of vitamin C today in hopes that she would feel better, but alas, she is not doing well, poor thing. She is napping right now, and we are hoping she will take a long one and get lots of rest. We cancelled our plans, or I should say, we postponed them, because I have to wear this dress and shoes out on the town soon (not just in my living room.)
There are a few advantages to having a birthday between Christmas and the new year:
* The world is jovial
* The world is on break (I have never spent a birthday in a classroom or at work)
* It makes for a very festive last week of the year
* It is perfectly timed for reflection and plans for a fresh year
It seems that the years between turning 30 and 35 have been moving at lightning speed, which certainly makes sense given all that has happened. I've gotten married, transitioned into working at home, and I've become a mother. I haven't got much of an issue with age. Each year brings with it more experience and wisdom that helps me to realize and refine my true self. I remind myself daily (if not hourly) to live an authentic life because that is what I would like to model for Rylie. I want her to understand how much the world expands when we exercise our courage and freedom to live as individuals. The passage of time reminds me more than ever to stop and look around, to soak it in and to be fully present. Life is not going to start once we buy a house or move to a new city. Life does not start when we have a certain amount of money in our savings account or an investment portfolio. It is right now. This is life. We are making memories. I want each moment to count and I want to experience it as it is happening. Every little diaper change, sick day and last minute change of birthday plans, there is joy to be found in even these things.
Now that I am officially in my mid-thirties and every day narrowing the gap to 40, I more than ever want it all to count. I want to do my best and live fully and deeply. That is my wish for the coming year and the rest of all of my years. Live this life - now. I keep this quote close and it seems especially poignant today:
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you've imagined. - Henry David Thoreau
Photo by Kalli
Hello! I'm Liz Scott - mama to two little ones, maker, and all around curiosity chaser. I live with my family in Los Angeles, where we seek to fill each day with adventure, joy and creativity. I write about it all here on the blog. Thank you for visiting.
