Birthday Reflections: Older and Wiser

Birthday Reflections

This post really isn’t about fitness but rather a personal entry of reflection as I enter the final year of my 20s. The thought of being anything other than a 20-something is somewhat horrifying, but when I think about it, getting older hasn’t been so bad. It’s actually been great.

Actually, when I really think about it, I’m smarter, I have a better body (inside and out), I know how to better take care of said body, I make better choices and I am more sensible about my spending. The same can be said for my amazing group of girlfriends … and even the men we meet! Well, some of them!

In the last nine years I’ve learned a thing or two and hopefully in the process have become not only older … but wiser too!

  • Don’t be lazy. Wake up. Get out of bed. Do your chores. Grocery shop; don’t just order food or go out to eat. Cook for yourself. Make a to-do list. Check off your to-do list. Improve your own quality of life by doing things you can control.
  • Make time for friends and family. The early and middle years of my twenties were consumed with work, either behind a desk or behind a microphone. I regretfully neglected relationships, friendships and family members putting work first and my job at the epicenter of my happiness. It took a few hard lessons for me to learn that people are what matters most.
  • Establish your voice. Have an opinion and stand by it. It’s OK if people don’t agree with it. Develop your own point of view.
  • Prioritize your health. Work out and eat right. Invest in a gym membership and fresh produce and protein. Don’t ditch a workout because you straight up don’t feel like it or because something else came up — get your workout in, no matter what. Your body is the only true asset you have, because it’s the vehicle in which we live our lives. It’s seriously important.
  • Understanding what being healthy means. Being healthy isn’t about having abs or toned biceps. It’s about internal health and treating your body with respect: exercise, work out, eat well, and be mindful. Listen to your body, know when you can push yourself but also know when you need a break.
  • Money management and spending. I know I’ve learned something … give me a second … oh yes: Don’t buy every handbag that graces the shelves at Nordstrom — it won’t help you in retirement.
  • Kick FOMO to the curb. Don’t stalk social media trying to figure out what you’re not a part Enjoy the people who you’re with. Savor the present moment, even if you’re by yourself.
  • Unplug and reset. Step away from technology, social media and your phone. It’s OK. You’ll live. Take time off work and plan a vacation. You’ll be more productive when you’re back in action and more inspired than ever. Admittedly, I’m still working on this.
  • Be fearless. If you never take risks, you never reap rewards. Don’t remain complacent, because you’re afraid to make a move. Every change, even a change for the better, is accompanied by discomfort. Embrace the challenge and acknowledge your natural resistance — it’s how we grow.
  • Be better. Always learn, always improve, always work to be a better version of who you already are.
  • Be happy. Choose to be happy.

Here’s to being 29! Cheers!

Please click here to donate to my future Botox efforts. Hah, just playin’.

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  1. Wonderful advice! I love all of it. Its a nice reminder to hear that being healthy isn’t just about how you look. It’s hard to remember that when we get in the grind of our workouts and eating healthy. It’s how you feel and how you make others feel that really counts 🙂