I turned 39 last Monday.

39.

OMG

There are a lot of days where I still feel like I’m in my 20’s, but wiser. Thirty-nine sounds like a blah number, but if you ask me there’s something significant about numbers ending in nine.

Nine, 19 and 29 have been pivotal years of my life. I felt as though I was on the cusp of something new and exciting at those ages, reflective of the decade soon to pass and eager to welcome a new decade.

I love the thirties! I’m convinced the decade of the thirties goes by the fastest in life, faster than the twenties. In the thirties one is constantly moving or on the go and juggling all the changes that comes with a shift in priorities.  The thirties is where the majority of my life was spent raising young kids (had Jonah at 29 and Baron at 35), progressing in and redefining careers, upgrading and moving homes, celebrating anniversaries, milestones, and a multitude of family and friends’ celebrations.

A clip from one of my favorite movies that ironically came out in my twenties.

 

Despite the excitement of another birthday, I must admit that with turning 39 there comes a feeling of …apprehension.  As I enter the final year of my thirties, I can’t help but reflect on where I am in life and what I want for my family and myself moving forward.

As we enter our late thirties, we enter a stage where we realize we’re still young and healthy enough to do the things we’ve always wanted to, to take risks, and to get out there and live life. It’s time to clear the clutter and bad energy from your life. It’s time to embrace who you are and make certain you do not live life in regret.

Each year I feel a little closer to understanding myself, finding my purpose and what I want from life and of course that evolves and changes over the years.

I have grown significantly as a person in my thirties. Life with kids will do that to you. You love deeper, you discover patience you never knew you had, you learn to survive on a few hours’ sleep and you have more money AND less money despite working harder than you have before.

My thirties have been full of life and all that it brings – love, marriage, death, friendship loss and gain, the birth of two beautiful children, sleepless nights, laughter, tears, and life changing health issues.

I know the forties will be no different with regards to highs and lows, joys and challenges, and I’m ready to tackle them head on.

As I celebrate my final year of my 30s, I recognize this life-changing decade draws to a close and prepare myself for a new decade full of life and all that it has to offer.

Birthday outfit and brunch look in black and leopard from Zara

I am eternally grateful for:

  1. The people in my life
  2. The love I’ve received and the love I’ve given
  3. The family who raised/guided me & gave me every opportunity in life
  4. The experiences I’ve had
  5. The cities and countries I’ve traveled to
  6. The opportunities I have been presented with
  7. The love and life I share with my husband
  8. The mistakes I’ve experienced that have helped me grow
  9. The honor of being a mother to my boys, loving them and teaching them kindness, compassion, and the value of life

There are so many more I could list, but one thing I ‘get’ about getting older, is that I can truly appreciate all of these things and more. Good and bad, it’s the perspective you gain as you age.  For all of this, I am truly grateful.