I am turning 48 years old tomorrow. Every year is a gift and a blessing, and I am honored to turn 48 tomorrow. It’s been another wonderful year of life and I have learned so much. I love to reflect on the year and think about what I have learned and what I want for the coming year. Birthdays are always a time of introspection and gratitude, and this year is no different. Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned:
I decided that this was the year I was going to focus on my health. I finally got on the scale, and I wasn’t happy with what it said. It was heavier than what I thought I was. It almost always is when I don’t weigh myself regularly. I need to monitor my weight and I need to eat healthy. It has been almost 5 months of focusing on food and health and I am so proud of myself. This is something that I decided it was time for. It doesn’t matter how much success I have in every other area of my life. My health is much more important, and I am so happy that I finally took control of myself. Having control of my weight and my food is a wonderful and amazing gift to myself! I am going into 48 so much healthier than I was when I entered 47! What an accomplishment. 48 lbs. gone as I turn 48 years old. 48 pounds healthier. I’m going to keep going and this time there is no end to it. This is my lifestyle. Every day I challenge myself to see how healthy I can eat. I am enjoying the challenge and the journey.
I have a very different view of mistakes. I used to be so hard on myself when I made a mistake. Now I have seen how much I learn from each and every mistake that I make. I will never be perfect – none of us will. We learn and we grow every day. I am teaching this to my children too. I am so much easier on myself and what a gift is that!
I have totally fallen in love with reading this year. I have always loved to read. Now I don’t let a day go by without reading. It is my nightly routine before bed. It is how I unwind and calm down from the day. I also plan to make a lot of time for summer reading during the day too. Reading is something that I do for me every day.
I don’t feel badly about buying myself stuff anymore. In fact, I bought myself sunglasses and a necklace for my birthday. I am proud of myself every time I buy myself something. I didn’t used to be like this. I used to only buy stuff for my kids. I see the value in myself, and I respect myself more than I used to. Respecting myself more has helped me respect others too.
I am much more assertive than I used to be. I used to be more passive and afraid to speak up. If we don’t advocate for ourselves then who is going to? If we don’t advocate for our children, then who is going to? You have a voice. I recommend we use the beautiful gift of our voices.
I’ve learned to value people more. I value and appreciate my husband more every year. I value my children and my time with them. I don’t take it for granted because my son will go off to college soon. I value my parents and my friends. I value people the most. Connection and time with loved ones are what my universe is all about.
The little things aren’t so little. I have a new appreciation for smaller things. I used to want a big grandiose plan for my birthday. Swimming with my family and going to dinner sounds wonderful. When my family is sitting around the dinner table together, I soak it up. I love to sit on the couch with my husband and watch a movie. I love to take a walk with him and hold hands. I loved running errands with my daughter today. These little things are not so little. They all mean so much to me. I value my time with my people doing whatever it is we do together. When my daughter gives me a big hug goodnight that means the world to me. The small, everyday moments often hold the most beauty. These are the moments that create lasting memories.
I’ve fallen in love with travel this year. We have been looking at colleges with our son. The whole family has been doing long travel weekends to check out colleges. We have gone to Boston, NYC and Ithaca, NY. I love exploring cities and colleges. I am finding this whole experience so much fun. I’m excited to explore Pittsburgh next. It has made me realize how much I love new cities and how excited I get to make travel plans. I would love to take my daughter to see Taylor Swift in London this summer, but I think her theater summer program won’t allow us to do that. I’m also not so sure how long it takes to get a passport. Ella and I are going to look at what cities Taylor has left to decide which concert we want to go to.
I learn and grow as a person every year. Every year I get wiser and every year I appreciate life more and people more. My people and my connections are what it’s all about. I can’t wait to see what I learn this year. Cheers to another year. I feel blessed to celebrate my 48th birthday.
Thank you for being a part of my journey and for allowing me to share my experiences with you. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and celebrating the beauty of life.
Laughing, Learning, Loving,
Rebecca Greene, LCSW-R
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