Another year, more reflection...

At 18 I swore I knew it all.  I didn't need help or assistance from anyone.  At 18 I am officially an adult so therefore I can take care of myself, right?  If I only knew then what I know now.  Isn't that always the way it goes?

Life is pretty simple at 18, well at least it was for me.  Go to class, go to practice, party on Saturday, study all day Sunday, rinse and repeat.  Sounds amazing, right?  My parents are greatly to thanks for this cushy life I lived for 4 years.  Not a care in the world other than taking care of ME.  Wow, how selfish was I?  No wonder I find most of my first year students to be a huge pain in the ass.  They are seriously  living the dream.  And so did I, for four amazing years.  It was the best time in my life.  Again, thanks Mom and Dad for your support and affording me the opportunity to get a great education and meet some great people along the way.

Looking back now at the time that followed my college years, I would have to say life was pretty good as well.  In a job that I loved, earning money and spending it frivolously, (again, thanks mom and dad for allowing me to be debt free out of college) connecting with other young professionals and meeting my now hubs, Aaron, which I would say was the highlight of my early 20's.  We wined and dined, we traveled and we took on new and exciting job opportunities.  We bought a house, we got a dog, we got married, and we grew together.  We visited Europe, and Mexico, we saved money, we met amazing people, I ran four half marathons, and all the while we continue to grow as individuals.

What I learned about myself as a 20 something year old was that:  My parents are amazing (I am really boosting their egos today) and set a great example for me in regards to what it takes to be a great professional and hard worker in all aspects of life.  While I love to teach, the classroom setting was not for me and that is OK.  Who knew there were so many other ways to still call yourself a teacher and not have to be in the traditional setting?  I am so narrow minded in my thoughts at times. Well, as a 20 something I was narrow minded- you know what you know and at that time I didn't really know how to ask the tough questions or how to think outside the box when something was slightly abstract. an. I learned that even though your closest and oldest friends are miles and miles away you can still strengthen your relationships with them, and keep forming new friendships, that's OK too.  Champagne and I do.not.mix.  There should be a warning label on Champagne that says, "Those who drink will feel like hell the next day."  Why does Champagne rock my world so?  I avoid it like the plague... well a mimosa (splash of Champagne) here and there I can handle, nothing straight up. It was after nights of drinking Champagne that I brought the term "fountain soda" back to life. It's my hangover beverage of choice. Works like a charm every. single. time. I'm not a scientist so maybe someone who is could explain my reasoning to me. Placebo effect? Maybe. But it works. I also learned that my metabolism is not as good as it once was, and my gray hair that surfaced in my late 20's is distinguishing. Since I tend to look like a college student at time, the gray hair started to validate my actual age.

Now, in my 30's (while only two years in) I have to say these are some of the best days yet. While I can't tell you the last time I required a fountain soda other than for a sugar rush, I can tell you life is exactly what I hoped it would be. I am asking those questions that I didn't always ask when I was younger, I'm a mom which is what I always desired, and I am surrounded with an amazing family and large network of friends. I'm continuing to learn and grow in my career and adding new, exciting opportunities that fit my lifestyle, I'm taking take of my health and setting a great example for my son and influencing others, and I'm focused on helping others and hoping to make their lives a little easier (will blog about this later, and it's not about Beachbody).

As I experience new things I find myself able to strengthen my relationships with my parents- I get it now. Parenting is hard and full of difficult choices, financial strains and time constraints, but at the end of the day it's ok, we are heathy and to me that is the greatest blessing. The same is true with my sister. While we have always been close, we are finally caught up to each others life experiences. For the past 6 years I was spending frivolously and she was raising 3 amazing children. We were in different places in our life, but now we are both focused on raising our children. I love this place I'm in and I love experiencing it with her.





The phases and stages of my life have lead me where I am today. Focused on my family and finding meaning and purpose in everyday life. No longer living for the weekend but embracing everyday. I think 32 is going to be a great year!