I remember turning 21 like it was yesterday (well, it was only 5 years ago). I woke up early, excited at the prospect of legal drinking awaiting me and joined my dad on a walk with our black lab Kennedy. We discussed how it felt to be 21, and he jokingly said “well, it’s all down hill from here!” which is something my uncle firmly believed in and would tell anyone approaching the age. For me, it was a milestone that only meant I was beginning my transition to the real world. But, being a young 21 year old, I didn’t think much of it at the time. Not to go into details, but I certainly enjoyed myself that weekend!
Anyway, it’s crazy to look back and think I turned 21 FIVE YEARS AGO, today! That’s right, I’m officially 26 as of this morning. There was definitely a point at about 23 where I started to stop wishing my birthdays away. Growing up you’re so concerned with what’s coming next – when you’ll be old enough to drive, to drink, etc., that you miss all the milestones in between, until they’ve already passed. I guess you can say I’m at a point now where I want to stop and smell the roses. I’m thankful for every moment – good and bad, and look forward to all of them (the good just a bit more than the bad, though!).
My twenty-fifth year was my most memorable yet. Sure, I didn’t get my license, become a legal drinker, or graduate from college. But, I ran my very first (and second!) marathon, I spent the year working on my fitness and joined a fabulous group of likeminded people at FitFluential, my blog has started to find it’s grove, I finally finished my teacher certification, and I’ve enjoyed my time with friends and family, celebrating their milestones and each other’s company.
So, how could I top 25, you ask? Especially now that I’m over a quarter century old, and officially on the wrong side of that quarter? Well, I have big plans, people! Aside from trying to figure out just what it is I want to be when I grow up, I’ve got plans for my third and fourth (and possibly fifth) marathon this year, as well as celebrating a lot of marriages of close friends. I’m sure there will be much more in-between, and I’m looking forward to it. But first on my list is to devour some ice cream cake!
How do you celebrate your birthday?
Did you ever reach a point where you became thankful for each birthday, rather than expectant?
Happy birthday! I celebrate my birthday just by doing what I feel like doing. It doesn’t have to be a big celebration, just being with my family makes me happy! I am very grateful for being given another year; that’s the best present!
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You’re so right – I think it takes some time (at least it did for me) to be thankful just for that year, instead of dwelling on what you did or didn’t get from your birthday wish list. Ahh, growing up!
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for some reason Im so so so excited about mine this year (july).
and Im at that place where Im thankful for each MORNING I see–let alone year.
bring on 43.
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Getting excited for birthdays is so fun – hopefully I get it back ASAP! Summer birthdays are the best 🙂
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Happy Birthday! I love birthdays, even after celebrating 40 of them. I still love them. I’m a summer birthday, too (August).
Gorgeous wedding!!! Congratulations on that.
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Thanks! Summer birthdays are the best 🙂
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After I turned 21, I wished my birthdays went in reverse. 22 was okay and this summer I’ll be 23, it’s unbelievable to think how fast I’m growing up. But every birthday is just a celebration of another year of great accomplishments 🙂
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So true!
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Happy Birthday, Youngster!
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Happy Birthday! I was told that its all downhill from 21, but I disagree! Hope your 26th year is better than the previous 25!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I am definitely appreciative of all birthdays now rather than wishing for the next one. I hope you have a fabulous year!
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Thank you!!!
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