Yay, It’s My Birthday! + A Few Very Important Life Lessons

It’s finally here….IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Woohoo!!! Excuse me while I do a little birthday dance! ? I’ve always loved celebrating birthdays! When I was a kid, I would force my friends and family to dedicate the entire month of May to me! Lol! Nowadays, I only require them to dedicate one week for my birthday celebration lol!! #justkidding ?

This year is extra special because I feel like I finally know what it means to, “Live Your Best Life!”  And I’m not referring to financial or materialistic things…I’m referring to my mindset! I’m finally at a point in my life where I truly LOVE ME! And to me, that’s “Living Your Best Life!”

To celebrate my birthday, I decided to do a photoshoot! I’ve always done family photoshoots, but I’ve never done a photoshoot by myself! Let me just say…it was AMAZING!!! I highly recommend trying this at least once in your lifetime! Payton Grace Photography captured every vivacious feeling that this year has brought me! I couldn’t stop smiling because I was just so darn happy! ?

Back in the day…

Back in the day, I would’ve never done a solo photoshoot. I would’ve critiqued every pose and every angle; trying to cover up my fat rolls! And I NEVER would’ve worn such bright colors! Lol! I was all about blending in! Now, at age 35, I’m proud to say that those insecurities are a thing of the past!

A few lessons that I’ve learned over the years…

I know that I still have a lot to learn, but so far, I’ve acquired some pretty valuable life lessons! Here are a few of my fave:

• Stop saying, and start doing!

Have you ever said, “One day, I’m going to travel to an exotic place,” or “I’m going to start working out next week.” It’s okay if you have because I’ve done it too. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to put some action behind those words and make it happen! Start making plans to achieve those goals and I stick with it!

• Do what makes you happy!

This statement is definitely easier said than done! Life gets so busy that we get into the routine of doing what pleases others, instead of ourselves! We forget to take time for us. As a mom and wife, I’ve definitely been guilty of this, but I had to learn that it’s nothing wrong with saying no sometimes and doing what makes you happy! It’s okay to say no to watching Mickey Mouse for the 10^th time, and turning to your favorite game show instead…trust me, it’s okay!

• Stop caring what others think!

I often joke and say that I need to start living life like my 2-year-old, Caden! He’s completely care free! If he gets into trouble, he’s smiling and playing per usual the next minute! Or if he doesn’t like the music we’re playing, he starts happily singing and dancing to his own song! Why can’t we all be like Caden, lol!

Once you learn to stop giving so much power to other people and their unwanted opinions, you’ll notice that life is so much better!

Andy

I’ve spent so many years worrying what others thought about me…worrying if I hurt someone’s feelings…worrying if someone was making fun of the way I looked on the beach. You’ll be surprised how these petty thoughts can consume your life and bring you down. Once you learn to stop giving so much power to other people and their unwanted opinions, you’ll notice that life is so much better!

Most people make New Year’s Resolutions, but I like to make Birthday Resolutions! I like to reflect on the past year and make personal goals to achieve for my next birthday. I usually keep these goals to myself, but since we’re practically BFFs, I wanted to share them with you!

Birthday Resolutions…

I want to continue to work towards being an advocate for body-positivity and self-love. I want to encourage and uplift others to love themselves and to take care of themselves.

I want to take more vacations! And they don’t all have to be to elaborate and exotic locations. There are so many states in the U.S that I haven’t visited yet, so I would like to start venturing out and exploring!

Last but not least, I want to implement office hours. Running my own business is so awesome, but most of the time, I’m working over 12 hours a day, seven days a week! I want to give myself a set schedule that allows me to put away the computer and make more time for my family and schedule a few girl’s night out dates!

Be sure that you’re following me on Instagram for updates on my fun-filled birthday weekend!! XOXO ?

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