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I have this friend. You know the one. She's outspoken. She does her own thing. She doesn't really worry about rules that are silly and she'll tell you that. She's beautiful. That balance in life between work and home? She has it. She seems...at peace completely with who she is. So naturally I pose this question...How does she do it?!?
She told me her secret. Today I'm going to tell it to you.
(Lean in here please...it's a secret!)
In My Best Whisper Voice: She turned 37.
Yep. That's it.
I've been reflecting a lot on wisdom and aging. Not because I feel old, but because I'm watching the young right now. The ones emerging from their parents' nests. And more than once I've had to bite my tongue from screaming out, "You Shouldn't Do That!" "You can't afford that!" "Don't do that either!"
And then I stop and wonder, how did I get so sure of myself?
Truth: I'm not. I'm quite sure I don't know anything.
But since I've turned 37 I find myself feeling at peace with some things myself. My Beautiful Friend told me that when she turned 37, she too became at peace with some things. Here are mine:
My running. I'm so thankful I still can. It has been a winding road, but I've learned that a time does not define me. Just keep running.
My household/stuff/things. Some are awesome to have. Truth is--we don't really need much of what we have at all! We have plenty. This one took awhile, because geographically we live in an area where people have financial wealth. Stuff is everywhere. I actually spent spring break trying to throw out 1/2 of the 'things' we have. (Except the books. Let's not get crazy here.)
The need to be heard/perceived as right publicly, especially in work. We are all wired so differently with our life stories, and they all matter. When we see things differently, it's okay. We keep doing what's best for kids in the end.
My Faith and Sharing it with People. Don't worry, it's not my intention to start pushing. But I'm more comfortable with just telling my story and praying people know how much they are Loved. My parents came to Faith later in life (a slice for tomorrow) and so I know it's a journey.
I'm comfortable with who My People are. Who gets my time and energy? What is important to spend time on? What makes a difference? This one was hard, because it meant saying "No" to lots of 'stuff'. It felt lonely for awhile and I felt like I was missing out. But when I get to say "Yes" to a committee/extra stuff/etc. it's so much more fun!
My Body. I am 37. Hormones get weird at this age. (Weird is my medical term...see yesterday's post.) But I take care of myself. I sleep, I am active, I eat pretty well. I'm doing the best I can. I know what I need to improve on. I can do that.
If you are still here, thanks for reading this lengthy post.
Let's celebrate 37!
Joy!
Kendra
You are amazing, beautiful, & talented all rolled into one fabulous little 37 year old! I ♡ you! I loved reading this!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing, beautiful, & talented all rolled into one fabulous little 37 year old! I ♡ you! I loved reading this!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm way older than 37, but there does come a time when we settle & are pleased with most of what we believe, but also are willing to try new things without worry. I like your words, Kendra.
ReplyDeleteYour writing style is so welcoming! I enjoyed following throughout this post, leaning in to learn, and listening to you process your own learning. The sol challenge has allowed me to "feel" so much closer to slicers, as they pour out their hearts. It is a beautiful, bittersweet process, that I am sad to near the end of. I wish you all the best on your running, your faith, your writing, and your weirdness ;) And I look forward to following your writitng (hope you continue to post frequently), as well as new collaborative writing adventures! Joy to you!
ReplyDeleteHappy 37! The last thing you wrote about taking care of yourself is quite important. It may not be all fun and games but it's important to be around to enjoy the happy moments.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing so much of yourself. Enjoy 37! You make me want to go clean our my closets. I'm getting that spring cleaning itch. ;)
ReplyDeleteLove your attempt to throw out 1/2 of the things you have (except the books)! I gave away lots when I reorganized my kitchen stuff, and it's a pleasure to find things instead of going through stuff I never use. Happy 37!
ReplyDeleteCelebrating 37 with you Kendra-37 seems so long ago. I was a young mother with two children and a decision to return to teaching or not. Back in the day, teachers could stay home to be with their children and then make a decision to return or not.
ReplyDelete