25

I’ve been pretty busy the last couple days and blogging hasn’t been my top priority, sadly.

But today is my birthday and I wanted to drop in and say hi.

I wanted to say hi because you all are the best.

I’m not going to list 25 lessons I’ve learned, because despite having done that before I really don’t have everything figured out.

Since I’ve been blogging I’ve turned 23 and 24 and now 25. Wow. I’ve shared so much of my life on this blog, from my battles with depression to my love story and move across the world (and to Vermont and to Oregon). I’ve shared the amazing changes and the boring everyday things. Some of you have been reading and commenting for so long that I think of you as friends and think of you outside the blog.

24 was a really good year for me. Highlights for me were getting engaged to my bestest friend ever and finishing a triathlon. Those two things made me the happiest I had ever been and contributed to my 24th year being an amazing one.

I’ll be honest though and tell you that last night I had a five minute moment pity and sadness because “I’m still fat at 25.” It got me down to think that at 18 when I started this journey I thought I’d have everything figured out and completed by this age. But then I remembered that negative trains of thought get me nowhere. So I thought about how I’ve made huge personal strides, how I’m actually not as big as I was and have maintained a 40 lb loss, I have muscles that can lift weights, I can bike for hours, I’ve completed a triathlon, and I’m still working on the other stuff. It’s so easy to get down because of one thing, but I refuse to let that happen. I especially refuse to let that happen on my birthday.

Like I said, I don’t have everything figured out. Clearly. I’m just trying to do the best I can in life with what I’ve been given. I’ve been really blessed lately with the start of my wonderful new family, a new job, a place to live, loving friends, and so much more. Life is really good. I’m so grateful that I can share it with y’all and a few of you actually care about it.

I’ll be back later with tales of my birthday exploits. I just wanted to drop by and say thank you for being part of my life. It’s the best birthday present I could have. :)

I’m really looking forward to seeing what 25 means for me. I’m thinking more awesomeness.