What I learned during my 34th year!

Last week was my birthday and I have had some time to reflect on what I should take away from my 34th year on this planet.  I am hoping that even if you are not 34 years old, you can take something away from these life lessons.  They are applicable to everyone, no matter your age 🙂

*GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND

When I was in elementary school, one of my mom’s friends told me that as an adult “you will be lucky if you have a handful of good friends.”  As a once popular kid in school, I couldn’t believe that this would be true.

I have found that through success, illness, differences or simply growing apart, friends come and go.  However, the good ones stick by your side with unconditional love.  Those may be hard to find but I am so lucky to have a handful of them.  You know who you are and I love you.

*I should note that I am blessed to have family members who also fit in this category 🙂

*THE IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING TO YOUR BODY

Our bodies are incredible machines. Our heart beats without us telling it to, our eyes blink, and our lungs breathe.  And if we listen closely enough, our bodies tell us when something is wrong.  In the past, I probably would have ignored the signals that my body was sending me.  This year, I learned to listen and to fight for my body. Thank God that I did!!

*I AM STRONGER THAN I EVER KNEW I COULD BE

Being diagnosed with Lyme Disease was one of the most difficult things that I have had to deal with-both physically and mentally.  During the first few weeks of research I was terrified by all of the life changing stories on the Internet and found myself crying myself to sleep on more than one occasion.  It’s amazing what this disease can do to a person; however, if I can get through this, my strength can get me through anything!

*LOVING MY BODY

In the past I have dealt with body image extremes: from bouts of such body hating where I wanted to hide in bed to orthorexia and unhealthy workout addictions.  Although it is still a struggle, age 34 was about embracing my body for (not despite of!) its imperfections.