Yesterday, I turned 54 years old. I have to admit that I wasn’t excited about this birthday. It wasn’t so much my age as where I am in life right. I haven’t been in a good place for awhile on lots of levels which made me just want to ignore the day. I sorta did that but I also spent some time in reflection. This is not a hard thing for me. As an introvert I can easily travel inside and try to dissect life and what’s really brewing in my heart. I thought I would share some of those things that I’ve learned or enjoyed during my 54 years of breathing and taking up some physical space on this planet. Being human can be both beautiful and trying but always a learning and growing experience. I thought I would focus on topics that typically relate to my blog.
Since I started blogging I learned these things about fashion and style:
- It’s really easy for me to lose who I am and try to look like someone else style-wise.
- I love fall/winter style but lose interest in the summer because I only want to wear workout attire when I’m not at the office.
- I still struggle with body image issues and that tends to dictate what I wear or don’t wear.
- I’ve always loved clothes.
- I want to be a capsule enthusiast but I struggle with remixing the same pieces in different ways because I get bored with them.
- I love to get pieces of clothing on the regular not just at the start of the season. I’m not good at not shopping for long periods of time.
- Blogging introduced me to leopard print, polka dots and stripes. I’ve never recovered from my love of any of them.
- I want to love tall boots/booties but much of the time I just don’t…maybe 2017 will be different.
- I enjoy patterns but solids and basics are where I tend to gravitate to on a regular basis.
- I miss living with my daughter and being inspired by her style.
*Evidence of stripes and polka dot love.*
*Evidence that I love leopard print & Texas.*
What I’ve learned about fitness:
- It’s never too late to start a fitness journey.
- Exercise has given me confidence.
- I want to view myself as an athlete even if I’m not.
- I’m not really a runner but I want to be therefore I will run.
- I want to complete an obstacle challenge or competition one day.
- Some of best memories in the last few years involve a fitness challenge that I conquered.
- I love Beachbody and their workouts but I’m going to investigate Camp Gladiator because it meets right across the street from my house.
What I learned about food:
- The best decision I ever made (food-wise) was to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Each week my husband and I would receive a variety of vegetables and we learned to try, eat and love things we never would have otherwise. (Examples: Kale, Beets, Turnips…love them!)
- I wish I could grow my own vegetables but I really have a black thumb!
- The portions served by restaurants do not have to dictate to me how much I should eat or overeat. Don’t be fooled by the large American portions on menus which typically are 2-3 times a regular portion.
- Give myself a cheat day instead of cheating all time when it comes to sweets, chips, soda, etc.
- Buy local, organic and non-GMO when possible.
- Eggs and avocados speak to my heart and tummy almost daily.
- Bread has become harder on my digestive system with each passing year. Dairy is in that category too but I don’t miss it like I do bread.
- I never met a cookie I didn’t like…just to be sure I’ll usually eat more than one but the verdict is still the same. I never met a cookie I didn’t like.
- I have rarely met a pie I do like…except the crust. I adore pie crust!
- Chocolate and coffee make any day better.
- I don’t really like tea that much. I really don’t like iced tea at all…especially sweet tea.
- Aldi is a great little market…no shame in saying that all.
What I’ve learned about friendship:
- I’ve been blessed with some really great friends. Two of my best and favorites are my husband and daughter.
- I really do not take enough time to build friendships as I should.
- I relate best with friends when I spend time one on one or in a small group.
- A few of my dearest friends are those I met in high school. Although I seldom see them, I love them dearly.
- I never really had a bestie that is just mine. Sad but true!
- Friends have gotten me through some of my darkest moments.
- I have met some of the most fabulous ladies through blogging.
*Evidence of blogging buddies.*
*Evidence of hometown friends.*
What I’ve learned about my faith:
- I easily forget the goodness of God during a season of struggle.
- I easily forget the faithfulness of God in the past during a season of struggle.
- I know what I believe but fail at living it out much of the time.
- I know that grace is what meets us in the gray spaces of life.
- Mercy is a gift to be savored.
- Hope is an anchor of the soul and heart.
- The essence of love is shown through the Cross.
- What I dwell on is what I worship and mostly that is not God.
- I know the Lord is at work in and through me and I’m not finished yet.
- The Lord defines me, my life and my purpose are not what others say or think about me.
What I’ve learned about myself:
- I’m glad I’m not who I was when I was younger but on some days I’m exactly that person.
- I will always be a student and at my best when I’m pursuing something education-wise.
- I will always be a teacher at heart even when that career choice seems to end up at a closed door.
- I’m not a great traveler but I’ll road trip with my hubby any day.
- I enjoy reading but I cannot devour a book very quickly.
- Home and heritage are important to me.
- I’m a small town and Mid-West girl at heart but Texas is my home.
- Probably one of the most important lessons I’ve come to realize and articulate as of late: Hate is not okay but it resides in the trenches of our hearts. No one is immune. When I listen to the mantra of today in regards to hate, I can’t help but think this - It’s seems that when we hate haters we are still hating. There is always hate on both sides but sometimes it appears that hate on one side is okay but hate on another is not. Seems strange and hypocritical to me. But I know that I can be a hypocrite as can most people…if we’re honest. But the truth is this from the life of Jesus..
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ~ Luke 23:33-34
From the cross Jesus cried out to his Father in Heaven and asked that the {haters} would be forgiven. Maybe hate can be overcome with forgiveness first and love will follow. It’s hard to love someone you can’t forgive. As for me, I’m going to work on forgiving others and being forgiven so my heart will love.
Thanks for reading today, friends! It means a lot to me. And this is for you when your birthday comes around.
~Carrie xoxo
Where I’m linking up.
