40th Birthday!

We each only get 1 beautiful, messy, difficult, joyful, & precious life & TODAY I turn 40!!!

It is funny that as I went through my day and announced my bday everywhere I went (I am SOOO THAT person bc sometimes you have to be extra.... and by sometimes I mean always) so many women said "oh no, 40!" or "just say you are forever 29" etc. and I replied with the same thing each time, "No WAY- I love that THIS is my life and I embrace 40!" I am a better version of myself at 40 then I was at 29- with of course so much room for growth & grace. I am not ruled by other's opinions of me & I am less afraid to take the risk or make a mistake becuase I know that is exactly where I learn and grow. I dance in the street with my husband and laugh WAY too loud because YOLO! I'm learning more about being vulnerable because everyone is struggling and struggling alongside one another helps us pick each other up on the tough days. Friends, let people in to your mess & discover there is healing there for you and them. 40 is fabulous and I celebrate that my life is full of family, friends, & community.

I'm ok not knowing exactly what is next because I know I serve God who does & I've seen God's faithfulness more and more in my many failures & shortcomings. My husband & kids are such a gift and this morning they loved me so well with words of encouragement & coffee & money to buy big earrings (bc #extra) & my heart was exploding. And then just when I was tearing up they also started fighting so I knew this was real life and not just a dream and I am here for ALL OF IT. This adventure is so worth taking together with dear ones. Life is abundant & I am so grateful for all of you to share it with and I pray I can return some of the love you continually pour into my life.

                          

This is 40 & it is pretty fabulous!