Today I celebrated my 44th Birthday! If you would have asked me a few years ago how I’d feel about turning 44, I probably would have burst into tears. Back then, I wasn’t excited about getting older. I had no idea where my life was taking me, and I hadn’t found that “something” that I was looking for. I just knew I was fast approaching midlife whether I wanted to or not!

Fast forward to today, April 23rd, 2017. I can actually say that I am happy to be 44, I’m looking forward to getting older, and I have found that “something” that I truly enjoy. Blogging and podcasting have given me a new leash on life! I am happy that I am embracing my “middle years”. There is so much more to learn, and I am eager to continue on my journey. In the last year, I have seen personal growth that I am truly happy about. Since my last birthday, I have accomplished a few things:

• Started my Blog & Podcast. Both, as I’ve said before are works in progress. I would have never imagined I’d be where I am today. I am glad I took the leap and decided to go for it. I have so many great ideas and things planned for my business. This has given me a new leash on life and provides me with the opportunity to be “creative”. At least that what I tell myself…..
• Starting to learn more about myself.… especially during the middle years. We spent so many years caring for others and putting their needs before our own. I’m learning that “It’s ok” if I don’t want to cook dinner every darn night. “It’s ok” to come home from work and put on pajamas and go to bed at 7, even if it’s just to veg in front of the tv. “It’s ok” to go on a weekend getaway with my girlfriends (this will be a later blog post) and not feel guilty leaving my family to fend for themselves. I am really starting to love the “middle years” freedom!
• Starting to weed out the dead weight in my life. This is a biggie. I don’t have time for DRAMA! My time and energy are already running thin, why would I invite any additional stress in my life? I can’t please everyone, and I’ve decided I’m not going to! I want to be a positive person, so I need to surround myself with positive people. In fact, I have had to unfriend people on social media. Let me tell you, it’s a FREEING moment! I told myself if these people are no longer an important part of my life, why in the hell will I keep them as friends on social media? Especially since you know they are only staying friends with you to stay in YOUR business? I don’t need trolls in my life. There is only so much you can do to salvage a relationship if it doesn’t work MOVE ON! Your sanity will thank you.

In retrospect, there are many things that I wish I could change about my life. I could be wealthy, thinner, successful, prettier,…But there are also things that I like just fine. My past mistakes are just that. Past mistakes. Life lessons. I am not looking back and dwelling on things that I cannot change anymore. Just looking forward to the future!

I have learned that I cannot depend on others to make me happy, or be fulfilled. I must do that MYSELF. I’m up for the challenge.

I am excited about what 44 is going to bring my way…

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Until next time…..

Crystal