life is always about the journey...

Friday, May 2, 2014

What I've Learned...or not!



Tomorrow is my birthday.  Shhh I'm gonna be 40...I don't really like that number I won't lie to you about that.  YES, I hear all of you when you say "but at least you are alive and living to see it"...yeah, yeah I get it, I do.  BUT I don't have to like the number for the moment.  To me when my parents were in their 40's they were older than dirt hahahaha and that memory has never left me.  I certainly don't feel 40 most days...well in my mind I don't...my body says otherwise and sometimes my brain acts like its 90 too.  I think my main issue is that I REALLY LOVED my 30's...I grew up a lot, found out who I was and just really enjoyed that decade.  So I'm kinda-sorta celebrating my birthday with my family this weekend...I can't say I'm gonna be all out thrilled though ;)

But I figured it was a good time to self-reflect a bit on what I have learned and what I love about all my years on this lovely earth with you.  My way of reminding myself of what I'm thankful for and what I really appreciate in my life and about myself.  I'm definitely not saying I know all of life's answers or that I've done anything perfectly but its all about the journey eh?

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Now That I'm 40 I Still Know Less Than I Thought I Would
But I have Learned:

-to never count myself out...if I want to do it, I can do it
-to stand up for myself when it matters
-that actions speak louder than words
-to be secure in who I am
-to not give a flying-foo about what others think about me
-to accept compliments when given freely 
-to accept love for everything it is and can be
-that optimism and positivity never go out of style
-to get the toxic out both physically & mentally
-that I'm goofy & sarcastic and I don't care what others may think of that
-to choose my friends wisely & nurture the friendships continually
-being perfect isn't worth the time or stress..imperfections reflect better
-to have play days mixed in with the work days
-to appreciate the gifts around me
-to learn the art of compromise & to pick my battles
-to laugh whenever I want, however loudly I want
-to breathe, take a breath and just chill now and again
-great chocolate is worth giving up a meal for
-that not everyone is good, happy, honest & filled with integrity no matter how much I want them to be
-that my kids won't stay little forever & to treasure the here and now
-the grass is most definitely NEVER greener on the other side
-you can NEVER fall gracefully but you can make some awesome jokes about it on the way up
-that every struggle, pain and upset has made me stronger in ways that matter
-I'm a tomboy in a girly-girl package and that's ok
-I cannot please everyone
-to take the time to enjoy the things I love doing, not what others think I should be doing
-my time IS valuable
-Bigger isn't always better and More is sometimes too much
-time can run out and goes by fast when you aren't paying attention
-being healthy is worth more than winning the lottery
-wrinkle cream can be had for under $100 & it can be amazing
-Social Media is both an awesome & scary thing
-to love MYSELF unconditionally so I can reflect that back on those I love
-however online shopping is ALWAYS a GOOD thing
-I like things done my way and that may never change (HA)
-I eat ketchup on LOTS of foods...get over it
-Fresh is Best, Fast Never Lasts
-to give myself a break
-Great Sleep makes me very, very happy & pleasant
-I'm hard-headed and that is def never changing
-to want to dream big & bigger 
-Change can be worth it in the end
-how to face my fears & learn from them
-music makes me happy & to dance when the mood strikes
-that real butter makes me happier than margarine
-that life is good if I'm living it
-I can never sleep with socks on no matter how cold I may be
-if folks don't "get me" it doesn't really matter that much anymore
-that I'm a total pushover when it has to do with animals
-that crying can cleanse the soul

-that I got some mean Dougie skillz...bwahahaha
-that women are supreme beings...I mean c'mon ;)
-everything in moderation is ok...food I mean folks hahaha
-that E-readers may be one of my favorite inventions
-you can rock what you want that the Good Lord gave you
-that my closet should always have a selection of Spanx just in case
-I will never ever love Winter...ever...never
-but I can sing "Let It Go" & "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" all day long
-I'm a worry-wart and I hope that changes one day
-I cannot control everything no matter how much I may try
-that laundry never ends
-that dogs never smell good after the rain
-and the sun always comes up again no matter how bad the day before was.....

OH AND

-Age is Just a Number...right?????


Happy Birthday To All The Other Taurus' Out There!



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25 comments

  1. Have a very Happy Birthday Suzanne 😃

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  2. I had to chuckle at the item about chocolate! I feel the same way - too often, I'm afraid. What a great list. I'm 45 and I can't say my list of things I've learned would be as long as yours, but that's okay. I'm doing the best I can and that's good enough. Even though you're not too excited about it, I hope you have a great birthday!

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    1. Thanks so much! And chocolate is worth a lot in my book...I may be convinced to give up 2 meals for it...along with bread I could live forever hahahaha!

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  3. Happy Birthday, Suzanne. I know it will be filled with fun and giggles. That is you. I love reading this email.

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    1. Thank you Edie...it was filled with love & laughter, my fave way to celebrate!

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  4. I understand not liking the big four-oh! I hated it. Thirty was even bad for me. Ah, but 50? I loved getting there. And 60? I loved getting there, too. Each year that passes I appreciate being here even more. Not thrilled with what happens to my body as it ages, but my mind is still intact. Mostly. I think.
    Anyway, have a wonderful 40th birthday, Suzanne! Enjoy every minute of it! :^)
    Big hugs, Penny

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    1. Thanks so much Penny! 40, 50 & 60 will be rough I think...just trying to kick it as long as I can..its all we can do right? LOL!

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  5. Oh my dear dear friend, I absolutely loved this post. So much of what you wrote applies to me too and I'm sure a lot of us can relate to your points. :-) You know that I wish all the best and the happiest birthday ever for you. I just wish I could be there to give you a great big hug on your day. But since I can't I am sending a cyber hug for now until we see each other hopefully later on this year. You are a very special gal and I am blessed to call you friend. Happy Happy Happy birthday my friend. Will chat tomorrow to say it again. LOL Much love, JPat

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    1. Thanks bunches Pat..you are always so sweet & I love you for it! Glad to have you in my life and blessing me with your kindness and love...many hugs to you!

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  6. Happy Birthday! I'm sure it will be Great no matter the number......

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  7. I have to agree with all of these, Suzanne. Happy Birthday! I'll be by on your FB page to wish you the same tomorrow.
    Luv and Hugz,
    Cath

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    1. Thank you so much Cathy! It was a lovely weekend & very relaxing...I couldn't ask for me!

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  8. Happy happy birthday. You are a spring chicken! I'll be 47 in a few weeks!
    I love all the things you've learned!

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    1. Thank you so much! And Happy Early Birthday to you as well :)

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  9. Happy Birthday Suzanne! I'd love to be celebrating 40 on my next birthday, but mine will be 40 plus 30 more! Be VERY glad you're turning 40 :) It's a great number and holds promise for another great year of living :)

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    1. Thanks Carol & I'm happy to be alive and kicking actually. I may be 40 but I'm still gracing this earth so I plan to rock it for as long as I can LOL!

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  10. Happy Birthday, Suzanne!!! In twenty years, when you turn 60, I'll be turning 80!!! Oh, my, doesn't that sound old!!!! Your chronological age is just a number.........your true age is what's in your heart!!
    Have a wonderful day, hope your family spoils you, and that you have all sorts of lovely surprises!!!
    Hugs
    Darcy

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    1. Thanks so much Darcy! Well now we will not think about 60s and 80's ok...I can't handle that yet hahahaha!

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  11. Have a Happy Birthday!! and yes, it's just a number like all the rest;)

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    1. Thanks so much Maria! I keep repeating that to myself LOL!

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  12. to accept compliments when given freely
    that actions speak louder than words
    my favorite lines.....sooo true about actions and I really always battled accepting a compliment and find it interesting that that is a battle that you struggle with too! 40 is fun and honestly it truly just gets better....I can honestly say I love the 50's because if you made it that far you know you can handle pretty much anything! Now the 60's are creeping up on me and not happy about that but age is just a number and you are TRULY only getting better every day! Happy Happy Happy birthday my friend (and a friendship I truly cherish)!

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    1. Thanks so much Patricia! I have ALWAYS had issue taking compliments but nowadays I'm appreciative that someone takes the time to notice or even say so...very thankful for that. Hoping I don't fall apart too much in my 40's..working hard to keep it all in place & together LOL!

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  13. Happy Birthday Suzanne. Your blog is one of the first I started following shortly after I met rubber & Ink, and your blog is one of the few I follow after I put the rubber and ink away. (nursing student ='s no time for play) I wanted to let you know that you have been such an inspiration to me. I see you as such a strong willed gal, even though your body might not allow it you still persevere and that's truly living life to the fullest. 40 is not old! I know, i know I am not there yet so I should keep my trap shut, but I'm near there (37) and the fact that I am in school with a bunch of youngsters (20's) makes me feel plenty ancient! lol. Your quote "change can be worth it in the end" is golden. We can change and that's the beauty of life, just don't change too much cause I think you're pretty awesome the way you are!

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    1. Aww thanks so much Angela...that means a lot to me and I appreciate you sayings so! Congrats on going to school with those young things..I'm doing the same in the fall and I'm nervous as all get out but its something I've wanted to do for awhile! And enjoy the next 3 years cuz as I've heard it all goes to hell in your 40's LMAO...hopefully not though. I will keep you informed if it does here at the blog hahahaha!

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