Things I Learned While 28

Today is my birthday, I turn 29.
Having a birthday so close to Christmas can be cool in some ways and not so much in others. I usually get one set of gifts instead of two but the entire holiday season feels like a celebration for me. It also presents the opportunity to reflect on life in a happy cheerful setting. I’ve had some time to think about what this birthday means to me and my past year of being 28.

I’ve said it many times to my friends and family: this has been the very best year I’ve ever had! I’ve fit so much life into this year there isn’t one thing I can complain about. I am blessed and I’m thankful for it. I wanted to make a record of some observations and choices I’ve made and how they’ve impacted my life. They’re my little life lessons and I’d like to share them here. 

Fall in love with yourself. I don’t mean that dreamy, self indulgent love. I mean the kind of love that moves you to act, to care and invest in you. A love that shows a real commitment to yourself, that’s the kind of love you should have for your body and your mind. It takes time and patience to do that but it could be the very best thing you will ever do for yourself.

Don’t wait to lose weight to live life. That’s not how it works. You have to live and your body will adapt to the life.

It’s ok to be a little selfish. Actually taking time to care for yourself is not selfish at all. It lets you recover and be mindful so you can in turn take better care of others.

You will never regret a workout. The same can’t be said about skipping one. Even if you’re not feeling it, go. Showing up is half the battle.

Sexy is not a number on the scale. I’ve come to learn that the ideals of beauty I’ve had imposed on me have been all wrong. Not just because they are unrealistic but because they blind you to the beauty of diversity. The fact is you can be fat and sexy! The word fat should hardly be a source of shame to begin with, everyone has fat.The importance is that you own the uniqueness of your body and how it pairs with all the beautiful things about your personality. That’s what makes sexy happen.

See that cute guy over there? Don’t be afraid to chat him up.

When people compliment you BELIEVE THEM. We grew up learning that humility means undervaluing ourselves. That is so backwards. When someone says you are smart, kind, strong and beautiful believe them because they believe it themselves and IT’S THE TRUTH!

Tell your family you love them and your friends that they make you life a treasure.

When in doubt, chose kindness. Taking the kind road and choosing to empower rater than bring down will benefit everyone 10 times over.

Vulnerability is power. You might think showing vulnerability is showing weakness but it is really a display of raw courage.

Don’t go too long without a hug. Human contact is essential to keeping us grounded an happy.

There will be days that absolutely SUCK, and that’s ok. It will always pass and your greater virtues will always win out.

If something scares you, you should probably try it.

Read something longer than a tweet. Don’t let your brain get rewired to a short attention span. READ!

WRITE! It doesn’t matter what you write, just do it. Be it a list, a poem, a story, a sentence or a book. Write for yourself and have something to look back on in your life.

Don’t underestimate prayer. Prayer doesn’t have to be about God or religion. Prayer is a means of seeing  your life and how it connects to your world. It provides you with gratitude, hope and humility. Prayer teaches you to love and it’s power shouldn’t be undervalued.

You matter and you make a difference. You never know who you will touch in life, so do everyone a favor and live a life that makes you happy.

The truth is nobody has this whole ‘grown up thing’ figured out. We’re all just trying to figure it out as we go along. The best advice is to know your values and trust your moral compass to lead you in the right direction.

YOU.ARE.BEAUTIFUL. Believe it, internalize it, live with that truth in your heart and it will bring you happiness.

HOT DAMN LIFE IS GOOD! I’m having a fantastic birthday. Looking forward to making 29 even better!

Thank you all who read my blog. You inspire and motivate me!

With all my heart, Jos