A few days before my 25th birthday I was a nervous wreck—which isn’t unusual, but I was excessively worried. I was so afraid of the number 25. What have I done in my 25 years on Earth? Not nearly close to what I had expected to do. The 13 year old me would have been shocked that the current 24 360/365 version of myself appeared to be far from the standards I had set. I have an ideal vision of myself--I think we all do. I think we all have set standards of WHO we’d like to be someday. Well, if we want to be that person or accomplish those goals, we have to start somewhere. Most of the inspirational quotes basically sum up the same thing: follow your heart and passions; don’t give up on your dreams; you have to be the change to change the world. We’ve all heard it; we’ve probably said it to someone who was feeling blue. But let’s be honest, it’s way easier said than done! But I’m telling you with my own experience, that if you do start off small, you won’t feel as overwhelmed. You won’t feel stuck in a rut or that you’ll spend the rest of your life at the crappy job. You will eventually see a shore in the distance while floating—surviving in the murky waters. You will get closer, a little at a time. If you’re unsure of the direction, that’s okay. No one knows for sure what path is best. If it seems like it’s not a good fit, you can assess and redirect yourself. Back in 2013 I suffered from what I call, my “quarter life crisis.” I think I’ve narrowly missed part 2, but only because I changed my attitude. During the days leading up to the big 2-5, I began a 30 day yoga challenge (with Yoga with Adriene), I spent quality time with my sister, and we discussed our true passions and dreams. All of which led me to a healthier and happier quality of life. Somehow, during my transition from 24 to 25, my negative attitude shed and I felt reborn. (I don’t know who has more “rebirths”, me or Jesus! I have Easter transitions at least 7 times a year)! I began to realize this on my 25th birthday. I felt like I slowly understood, like when you look at a math problem that stumped you for weeks and then suddenly on the day of the test, you miraculously understand the concept of the equation. If you’re more visually inclined, think of those ink blot exercises, where everyone sees a duck while you see a bunny…and then you are able to see the duck and not the bunny, until you close your eyes, shake your head a bit, then see both and are blown away! I say this now, reflecting on my birthday; there have been more positive days than negative, and I try to make my mornings bright! When you have a harder start, sometimes you need to come back to Earth; stop freaking out; feeling down; caring for those who don’t care for you; and realize that you are alive! When you absorb this, relish in the moment and take it all in: laugh, smile, breath in the liveliness and feel better! I really can’t remember what I wished for but I hope that as I ate my slice of mousse cake that I wished for better and brighter things to come; I felt peace knowing that I can choose my own path this year and encourage others to do the same. So, whether it’s your birthday and you turn 5, 25, 60 or 85, or an ordinary day, let today start a new way of thinking for you. As long as you have today, you have time to change your life. ☺ Don’t forget #getyourdreamon Holly xo
2 Comments
Heidi Williams
2/4/2016 07:31:16 pm
A truly beautiful piece written by a warm, kind-hearted, beautiful person. Xx
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Mary
2/5/2016 07:24:21 am
Too true of thoughts! We find ourselves in "Easter transitions" quite frequently. I have learned that dejection (or disappointment or whatever term you'd like to use) stems from where your expectations do not match your reality. But you make a good point: true success comes from small changes day-by-day. Keep up the good fight!!
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