Birthday Reflections: Older and Wiser

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!

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