I want to thank everyone for the warm birthday wishes. It’s always nice when people reach out, especially when you haven’t seen them in a while.
My celebration began over the weekend with a small dinner at STK followed by a festive evening at a club. I don’t go out the way I used to, but when there is a celebratory occasion, it’s always a fun excuse.
My actual birthday was a bit more low-key beginning with a carb-filled breakfast, followed by a boxing class. As the evening came around we went to a bar to eat burgers, truffle fries and watch the Cubs win. This was followed by a visit to one of my favorite dive bars and lots of pop a shot. I wrapped up the day with a blizzard from Dairy Queen and the movie Dope on the couch. It was pretty much perfect.
I am now officially in my late 20’s and for the first time in a while I wasn’t afraid of turning a year older. I think it’s because I am past the years of confusion. When you are growing up you can’t wait to turn another year older. And then as you hit your 20’s getting older begins to get daunting. You hit 25 and you have officially hit the mid-way point between 20 and 30. And that is scary… or is it?
I hear my friends start freaking out a little as each new birthday arrives. And I’ll admit, I’ve had these moments as well. They say things like, “when I was little I thought I’d be married with my first kid by this age.” Well you know what? When you were little you also thought butterfly clips were cool. Things change. Times change. This year I really contemplated the types of things that last year on October 13th would have made me freak out. This time around, I took a positive stance.
Some food for thought…
On Age. I used to be afraid of getting older, as if I had some sort of expiration date. But that is certainly not the case. I see 22 year olds out now and think “how fun” but don’t envy them. They still have a painful road to figuring themselves out. I wouldn’t say I’m excited to turn 30, but I definitely see it as a super sexy age. A year or so ago I was amidst a champagne toast celebrating a co-worker’s 30th birthday. She is stylish, strong, had just gotten a promotion, and was very sure of who she was. It was is in that moment that I thought for the first time: wow she is a real woman and that is so attractive. And as my father put it, you are no longer a baby and growing up is a good thing.
On Aging. Everyone gets wrinkles. I’ve started seeing fine lines appear and have had my freak-out moments. But you know what? You slap on an SPF during the day, Use eye cream at night and drink a ton of water. And get over it. Wrinkles happen. Instead of focusing on just your physical appearance, focus on the inside. Be sweeter, smile at strangers and chill out a little. Worst case scenario, there is always botox 😉
On Dating. It’s important to stop putting so much pressure on yourself to find someone. So your friends from high school and college are getting married or look SO happy on social media. Things aren’t always what they seem so try and stay away from the “grass is greener” mindset. Focus on yourself and stop comparing yourself to others. It’ll happen for you too.
So here’s to a new year. Cheers!
xx
A
