Birthday Blessings

Yesterday was happy 25th to ME! :)

I'm not old at all. But as the years go by (heck, as the DAYS go by), I start to see the changes in myself that I never thought possible, nor ever entertained the idea of. I always thought I knew who I was, but the gal I am today is a far cry from the old-me.

Here are five of the most important things I've learned up until the ripe, young age of 25:

1. I can juggle many things in life, more than I thought I ever could - as long as I'm positive about it all.

2. Life has become much more fun ever since I just let go of my fears, insecurities, and negativity. Saying "yes" has lead to much more rewarding moments and greater memories than saying "no" ever did.

3. I am in control of who I let into my life. If I continue to let someone in even though they hurt me or are negative, then I shouldn't complain about them.

4. Sometimes you have to let go of someone you love. When you've given all you have to someone, and it's still not enough, you need to just let go. It will, by far, be one of the hardest things you ever will do in life, and the scars will always be there, but one day you will heal. And when you're healed, you're heart will finally be ready to love again, and the wait will be worth it.

5. Always be grateful for the small things in life. Doing so makes even the darkest of days bearable.


My birthday was seriously so amazing this year. To kick it off, I got a great package of gifts in the mail from my family, then some of my students sang "happy birthday" to me on Friday. I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers at work (also from the fam). Saturday (my actual birthday), I slept in until 11, skyped with my beautiful momma, relaxed around my apartment, went shopping, then got pampered at DryBar with Erin to go out for the night. My cousin Jim, his wife Erin, and my friends Lauren, Michael, Amanda and her boyfriend Carlos helped me ring in 25 years of life with dinner and a champagne bar afterwards. I got amazingly thoughtful presents and cards.

But the best gift I received was Sunday morning as I checked my mailbox (which I of course hadn't checked in almost 2 weeks...whoops!), and saw that I had a slew of birthday cards from family and friends from all over the country. I didn't even get through opening half of them before I started crying. The fact that so many people had taken time out of their busy lives to actually write a card and mail it meant the world to me.

After several really bad dates, I did start wondering when I would find "the one" or just any good guy. I started thinking "when will my life be complete?" But after an amazing 25th birthday surrounded by loved ones (in person and through cards), my mind has totally changed. When I got about half way through the cards, I cried happy tears because it hit me that my life already is complete. My family, my friends, a rewarding job, a place to call home, food on my table...oh the list could go on. I am so abundantly blessed. I don't think at 25 years old, many people today can say that. My life is good, and anything or anyone else that comes into my life is just an extra cherry on top!

Thank you to all for the birthday wishes, blessings, and love. I have a feeling this is going to be an amazingly wonderful year!

xoxo