Birthday Musings

Another year around the sun

It’s my birthday today.

I had many times last year where I didn’t think I’d make it to this birthday, so I’m grateful.

I’ve never really been big on organising parties or having grandiose celebrations, so this year, I’ve taken myself on a little trip to Montreal and am doing some reflecting on what I’ve learned/how I feel/what I love being 42.

• I have never looked or felt more confident in my body than I do at this age.

• I am so able to stand firm in my decisions and my ability to deal with the consequences of them.

• Sometimes things don’t happen for a reason. Sometimes, shit just happens. And it’s fucked. But that’s OK. And you’re OK.

• Being child free by choice is honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

• There is no timeline. There is no rush. You don’t need to have hit certain life milestones by certain ages. Just do things whenever the fuck you want.

• Make your own rules. It’s 2023, as women, we do not need to comply. Comply with what, you ask? Any-fucking-thing. Do what you want, sis. Live your life.

• I no longer prioritise romantic relationships over my relationship with myself and my female friendships.

• With age, you are so much more able to adapt and adjust to whatever life throws at you.

• On that note - always be willing to adapt, adjust, change, flow.

• Invest in yourself; therapy, courses, that massage you keep forgetting to book.

• Have a hobby (and no, scrolling on Instagram isn’t one)

• Being consistent in your habits is a life-changing, game-changing power moves.

• Do something every day for your mind, body and soul.

• Boundaries are beautiful.

• Everyone has their shit. When someone is being shitty, their shit may well explain it, even if it doesn’t excuse it. You can be understanding, while still saying ‘that’s some bullshit though,’ and maintaining a boundary.

• You are not your mother’s 42, or your grandmother’s. You get to write the rulebook on what 42 looks, feels and acts like now. You do not have to do what the generations before you did.

• Starting over takes courage. But you have that. So you can start over whenever you need.

• You are not too old. It is not too late.

• There is no ‘right time’, there is only time and you choose what you do with it.

• Go where you energy flows.

• What you neglect emotionally will manifest physically.

• You teach people how to treat you.

• Challenge yourself to keep learning.

• It’s in the unknown that you find yourself.