Yesterday was my birthday (yes, I proudly turned 24, I mean 34…) and I got to thinking a lot about my 30’s. It’s one of the decades of my life that have learned the most, especially about myself. My 20’s was all about having fun, being carefree, trying new things, but my 30’s have so far been exciting (and a lot more tiring, but so worth it).

What I have learned:
I have become a lot more at peace with just being me. For example, my body and how I feel about it. My arms used to be a total weakness of mine, but I’m done trying to hide them or wear long sleeves in 90 degree weather. I just have to accept that I will never have super toned arms. It is what it is! I will continue to workout, balance my meals and take care of myself. My body has given me one child and another one the way, what more can I ask? Now, do I have my moments?! Yes, of course. But who doesn’t?!

I have also learned that not everyone is going to like me and I’m ok with that. I used to be much more of a people pleaser when I was younger, but I just don’t have the time or energy anymore. I think motherhood has helped with that. If people don’t like me, I will always be nice and civil in return. At the end of the day, we are all human with feelings that get hurt. But not everyone is meant to be best friends, but it’s how we treat each other is what’s most important. Being nice is the easiest route I can take, no matter the feelings people might have about me. To be mean or get involved in drama just takes too much effort. So basically, I’m just trying say is I try to be nice! Really, it’s that simple.

What I haven’t learned:

Still, to this day, I try to do everything. My day to day life is run by my to-do lists. Like I convince myself I can be Superwoman. I have always been like this, but I go, and go, and go, then crash. It’s a cycle. Is this a women thing? I feel like it might be. I try to the best mom, wife, still work part time and blog consistently.  I want a clean house, dishes and laundry done, dinner ready, and so on. It’s maddening sometimes and with another one on the way, I don’t really think it’s going to get any better. But, I recognize it, and I have tried to slow down, meditate, do yoga here and there. It helps, but I am still a work in progress.

I would love to hear from you guys! What do you think? Anything you have done differently than in years prior?

And as always, thank you for reading. If you would like to sign up for weekly blog post alerts, you can do it here.

Until next time,

Christine

Photos taken outside the Lincoln Park Zoo

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