Today, I turn 36. I could have sworn I was turning 35, but no….after doing the quick math, I am indeed turning 36. To be honest, the numbers don’t really matter to me all that much these days, as I rarely remember my age. It’s just when I stop to calculate, and I say it out loud, I have that “OMG-I’m-so-old” moment which fortunately goes away as quickly as it comes.
So, I’m in my mid-thirties. It actually feels pretty good. There are days where I dream of waking up and being 20 again, with full permission to be completely carefree and a bit reckless. For the most part though, I’m glad to be where I am, and wouldn’t want to trade my life away. I think it’s because my lens have shifted, and I’m learning to be content.
To me, being content means having the wisdom to appreciate what I already have, instead of constantly focusing on what I’m lacking. It’s so easy to miss our blessings and hone in on what we wish for more of. I did that a lot in my twenties. With age and maturity, I’m counting my blessings a lot more than trying to find the voids in life.
It’s just past midnight now, and the house is squeaking quiet. I’m actually quite giddy and excited about my birthday weekend that will start tomorrow. Brianne and Bridgette have been reminding me all week long that my birthday is coming up, and their excitement has been contagious. Kids are such great reminders that we are special on our birthdays. I’ve forgotten this feeling for many years now! They’ve also been sneaking around with my sister planning some kind of surprise for me tomorrow, and I can’t wait to find out what it is, so long as they’re not going to shave their heads this time. 🙂
My birthday wish this year? Let’s all try to be a little more like this…