Stay Golden // What I’ve Learned in 27 Years
But guyyys! It's my golden birthday tomorrow! And I love my birthday. Not in the sense that I want surprises or gifts or attention but because it gives me the chance to do WHATEVER I want. Go out of town for no reason at all? Yup! Eat an entire Portesi's cheese fry in one sitting? No shame in my game! But I also love it because it gives me a chance to look at my life, celebrate what I've accomplished, and evaluate what I want to work on for my future.
This year I've really been working on loving myself, learning more about myself and what I want, and being unapologetically myself. I really thought that getting closer to 30 would leave me with a sense of dread. But I've been feeling the exact opposite. I'm becoming more myself every day, crushing goals, and most days I honestly feel like I am flourishing. I might not know everything but I have learned a couple things in the past 27 years.
1. Not having a flat stomach doesn't make you any less loveable.
This might seem silly but let's be honest I spent waaaay too much of my life having an unhealthy relationship with my body. And it's completely ridiculous because it's not even the part of me I want people to love. Also my body has climbed through mountains, swam in oceans, carried me all over the world, and made another human being. So I'm gonna stop being so critical of it.
2. Gray hair isn't as scary as I thought it would be.
I legit just do not care! Besides silver hair is in right now right?
3. Be careful who you surround yourself with.
It took me a long time to figure this one out. I'm glad I have people in my life who support me and speak truth in my life. I have no room or time for unhealthy relationships.
4. It really doesn't matter what other people think.
Once again, I legit just DO NOT CARE. People always say you stop caring the older you get and it's the most liberating feeling in the world. When it comes to my career, my relationships, my body, and my style I'm gonna do what makes me happy.
5. You get what you give.
You work hard and you get results. You give love and you'll be loved. If you're a positive, happy, driven person you'll attract like minded people.
6. Don't settle.
When it comes to your career, your relationship, your friendships, your goals, your life in general, just don't settle for anything mediocre.
Alright. Now I'm gonna spend the rest of the weekend hanging out with my favorite people, eating Mexican hot chocolate cake, sipping on bourbon, and sitting around a campfire. Happy birthday to me. Happy Memorial Day to you. Stay golden. (Bonus points if you can name that reference!)
Also shoutout to my main boo Hannah Mae Toldt for these awesome pictures and Emily Olson for that bomb makeup!