Turning 30...

This, blog took a huge backseat the past few several months but I'm back
and energized so this post will hopefully make up for my lengthy
absence.

I have definitely had a little, (okay) slightly major, midlife crisis
with turning 30 a couple weeks ago but I have regained perspective and
am dedicating the next four posts to what turning or being thirty means to me!
My girlfriends here in Ottawa gifted me a book titled "30. Things To Do

When You Turn 30" and I must admit, when I first got this book, I

looked it up and down and didn't dare open a page... I then
proceeded to put it in a far corner so that the big 30 didn't stare me in
the face. Today, for whatever reason, with a deep breath, I opened the book to page 1.

A must read!!! 

In the last ten years of my life I have experienced peaks and valleys and
have had a mix of personal challenges, career struggles and lots of soul searching. 

A decade is a long time and so I decided to spend a moment to reflect on what this decade has taught me and some of the valuable lessons that I have learnt.

Follow your heart..only you know what's best for you..
You have no idea what your creativity, charisma, perspective,
determination, identity and willingness to be yourself means to those
around you. Embrace who you are and listen to your gut.

Heartache is a good sign that the heart works.
I have had my share of heartache and while that intense anguish takes
over your mind, body and soul and leaves every bit of you aching, it
also means you are vulnerable and willing to let people in. That's a
good thing!


The most important things in life are not things but people, and
relationships take work.
Value the people in your life, take the extra time to make them feel
important. We live in a society where materialism and wealth supercede
the most important human need, to be loved. Relationships are work and
if it's not working, take a moment to reflect and make a change!

Don't rush, slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy every moment.
There is beauty all around us, we often are too busy to notice it.
Look at the small child on the playground living life carefree, take a
moment and gaze at the pretty flowers on your way to work, admire the
senior couple who still holds hands while talking a walk. Life is
Sweet!

Appreciate more...
Wake up every morning and say what you are thankful for in your head.
I usually spend the first ten minutes reciting my thanks. It sets the
tone for your day.


You have the power to change what you want in your life, seriously,
so stop making excuses.
Change comes from within, so fuel your fire and go after your dreams


Get outside of your comfort zone, meet someone new, travel to an
unknown destination and have as much fun as possible doing it.
Don't worry about what the person beside you is going to think when
you attempt something you have never done. Give it your best shot and
have fun. I  moved to Ottawa dammit, so if I can do it, so can you!


Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"
Those two words have the ability to change everything. I can think of
examples in my life where, I didn't dare utter those words for fear of
being wrong. It's not about being right or wrong. It's being able to
put your pride aside and apologize for your contribution to the
situation. As I like to say, just go and hug it out ;)


It's okay to feel dissatisfaction with where your life is as long
as you can reflect and reevaluate and let it re-energize you to regain
control.
It's okay to not always have all the answers but there are always
things you can do to regain control of your life and take a step in a
positive direction. Set goals and WRITE THEM DOWN! It honestly makes a huge difference mentally when you look at them countless times throughout the day.


Maintaining an open unobstructive heart and sound mind are of utmost priority.
Do what makes you happy. For me, journeling, yoga, going for long
walks, traveling, being crazy with my husband and friends, facetime with my loved ones at home and dancing get me going, get me energized and keep me happy!!

So this last decade, or should I say the last thirty years has taught me a

lot but I'm pretty amped for what this next decade will bring. The
first section of the book I talked about in the beginning of this post, talks about giving back to the world.  I'm hoping that in this next decade, I can blog about some really cool experiences that have enabled me to become a better person and make a difference in the world. First stop is hopefully Africa this Fall

Until next time :)