So much happened while I was 28, and yet on the surface, almost everything appears as it did a year ago. Underneath, though, change has happened. Something silent started happening a year or two ago, unintentionally and un-intrusively. I am not sure what exactly - a metamorphosis? I'm still me, and yet, I've changed. I'm more comfortable in my skin and body and shoes than I have ever been before. I own my life and my choices and I feel more like... me. I am who I am. That's not much, but it also might be everything. I'm not saying it's the meaning of life... but it just might be. Being who you are.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how 28 started (gloriously!) as my brother proposed to his longtime love Kelly two weeks after my birthday. I jumped for their joy.. and for my own. I bridesmaid-ed and toasted and celebrated.. and eagerly awaited their wedding day this fall.
I traveled. To Italy! And St. Louis, and New York, and Los Angeles, and New York again, and of course Iowa. (Always Iowa!)
I celebrated love. My own, and the love of my friends, and of people I don't know at all. I hosted an engagement party, a bachelorette party, a bridal shower.
I ran more than ever before. It calmed my fears and stoked my confidence. It released me. It ignited me. I ran for hot chocolate, Summer Shandy, and my own pride. I ran 5Ks, 10Ks and a half marathon. I ran up a mountain - twice. I rode a bike for thirty miles on Lake Shore Drive.
I cherished my family, my cousinfriends, my girlfriends, and my freedom.
I thought about motherhood. I thought about family. I thought about life.
I turned inward, and contemplated the future. I turned outward, and lived in the moment.
I exhaled and inhaled and rinsed and repeated. I wanted more and embraced less. I smiled, I laughed, I prayed, I thanked.
I exhaled and inhaled and rinsed and repeated. I wanted more and embraced less. I smiled, I laughed, I prayed, I thanked.
28 was a spectacular year. But I think (hope!) 29 can beat it.
Here I am 29. Let's do this.
Here I am 29. Let's do this.
I loooooooove this recap. 28 WAS great, and I can't wait to read about all the awesome things 29 has in store for you!! We're at such a fun stage of life where a lot of stuff starts to pay off I think...
ReplyDeleteThank you! And I think you're right about the fun stage of life - solid observation.
DeleteGreat post! Gave me goose bumps!!
ReplyDelete