Thursday, February 6, 2014

33

Today, I turn 33.  I think I've written enough posts over the past year summarizing how difficult this year has been, so I am not going to go there today.  It was not my favorite year, but I am determined to make the year to come a better one.

I think if I had to pick one thing that I learned over the past year, it's that I'm stronger than I think I am.  There have definitely been times when I wanted to just collapse under the weight of everything I dealt with.  But I got up every day and kept putting one foot in front of the other.  Many days it felt I was trying to walk up an escalator that was going down, but I kept going. I look back now at all the things that happened in the last year, and I am proud of the fact that I persevered. 

When I look at what is to come in the months ahead, it stresses me out big time and I have been dealing with quite a bit of anxiety related to work and my job search, but I am trying to believe that things will work out and that the year ahead will contain better days.

I am actually on a business trip today which I am OK with.  I don't think anyone on my team knows it's my birthday, so it would have felt like a regular day at work for me anyways. Luckily I fly back in the mid-afternoon which is good as Alli was thoughtful and planned a virtual birthday party on Google hangout tonight with some of my most favorite people who are scattered across the US and Canada!  I can't wait to catch up with all of them and eat some macarons!

Tomorrow I fly to Austin to spend the weekend with 2 of my best friends, one of which recently had a birthday.  It's going to be so much fun to be reunited and I just love Austin so I am really excited for this getaway!

It's your turn - tell me 1 thing you learned in the past year. 

25 comments:

Becky said...

Happy Birthday!!!!

I would say I agree with your sentiment about being stronger for myself as well.

Hope you have a great day!!! xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day and an even better year. Keep your head up and keep looking forward to bigger and better things! :)

missris said...

Happy birthday! I hope you have a good birthday and an amazing time in Austin!

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Happy Birthday! :) 33 is a fun number so I think it's going to be a good year for you, hopefully all the work things come together quickly so you can enjoy it starting now!

Abby said...

No doubt 32 was a tough one. I have a feeling that this is your year to shine though! And I knew all along you'd persevere....but only You can prove it to yourself. And you did. And that's amazing! As I did worry at times, when I would put myself in your shoes. In fact, there was a few times I was shedding tears with you, wondering "how can this be?"

You are such a strong role model, Lisa! Have fun this evening. I so know that weird feeling of no one knowing its your bday. I almost want to wear a sticker on my shirt like we would in elementary school....but that's probably not acceptable in the professional world ;)

I learned this year about living on my own - and feel I gained a lot of independence. I learned how to operate our pool pump, change a tire, and learned how much I value quiet time!

Marlys said...

I have learned from your Aunt and my sister-in-law, Betty, to live life to the fullest every day, and to quote a note we found recently that she had written, "Choose life in this moment, not to live forever. Not choosing to take on the challenge of life is to fail." I have her note on my wall next to my desk so I can refer to it often.
Have a beautiful year and I just know it will reap rewards for you! I am so proud of what you came through this year, and know you can make it through another year of uncertainties!

Linda said...

Happy birthday! Maybe we can do a coffee if your schedule permits!

Jeanie said...

Hey, Birthday Girl! Sounds like you are having a good day with better ones to come. I wish you so much happiness for a good "new year." And a wonderful time in Austin! Celebrate!

Nora said...

Can't wait to see your shining face this evening :) I have stripes on in your honor!

In the last year I've learned the power of family and love... nothing can beat it or stop it, even during the really tough times. xo

Leigh said...

Happy birthday Lisa! I hope you have a wonderful day!

San said...

Happy birthday, girl!

A virtual birthday party on Google Hangout! Why has nobody ever thought about doing this for me? LOL
That is a fantastic idea if you can't personally see the people that are dear to you! Have so much fun, Lisa. And I hope the coming year will be a wonderful year for you!

Amber said...

Happy Birthday dear friend! Can't wait to "see you" tonight and I'm SO GLAD you planned this weekend in Austin to follow up your birthday - it will be so good for your soul! Love you! XO

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

As difficult as the past year has been for you, I think there will be a time in the future when you will point to this year as a turning point in your life. Good can come from bad if we're patient enough to outlast the bad stuff. Your strength and will have amazed me on more than one occasion this past year.

If I have learned anything over the past year, it's learning to accept my new body. Major weight loss led to some of that acceptance, as I feel more like myself now. But, I'm definitely NOT exactly like I was, pre-baby. I doubt I ever will be. And that's ok. It's also ok that I don't workout in the same way, with the same intensity nor with the same frequency as I once did. That part of transitioning to motherhood has taken some time, but I'm finally at peace with where the journey has taken me.

Carolina John said...

Happy birthday! Have fun in Austin. One thing I learned a long time ago was to avoid texas. Get some BBQ while you're down there.

Stephany said...

Happy birthday, Lisa! I know 32 was not a great year, but you HAVE proven, time and time again, how strong and resilient you are. Cheers to an amazing 33!

That Google Hangout idea sounds like so much fun. How thoughtful of your friend to arrange that. Have a great time!

J and A said...

Happy Birthday!! Hope you day is great and next year is your best year yet!!

Cherry Blossoms said...

Sometimes in life you only need one blessing to be thankful for.

Can't wait for weekend! Cheer to 33 beautiful friend.

Sue @ SimonsSistaSaw said...

Happy birthday! I think 33 will be a great year, and in four short months, you can again celebrate, this time for your 33 1/3 (best said in an Irish accent of course, tirty tree & a tird). It's a milestone a few of my friends have marked, for the fun sound of it and that it's 1/3 of the way to 100. IUt's about a year off for me but I sure plan too. Fingers crossed that by then, you will be in a place that feels like home.

I've learnt a lot of the last year, one of transition, but am struggling to put some of it into words. Sayings like trust your gut and to have patience with yourself sound cliche but they're really very true. Often we treat others and put others before ourselves and sometimes we need to just focus within for a bit.

again, happy birthday (a bonus one if you made it all the way through my rambling comment!)

Shoshanah said...

Happy Birthday Lisa! And I know what you mean about being stronger than you'd expect. There's all type of things that you think you never could handle, but when it happens it don't have a choice, so you have to. It's definitely a feeling that makes you believe you can tackle almost anything if necessary.

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

Have fun this weekend!!!

Mandy said...

Have a wonderful birthday friend.

I have learned in the past year that the saying "we get by with a little help from our friends" is absolutely true. If it weren't for my friends the last few years would have been miserable.

Enjoy your weekend away!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Happy belated birthday!!!!

One thing I've learned is that misery loves company. I've tried to distance myself from miserable people.

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

What a fun way to get to see friends from all over the country/world on your birthday! Technology is pretty amazing that way. I think 33 will be a good year for you as you will hopefully have a few exciting changes in the coming future. I hope you're having a great time in Austin!

We are under a blanket of snow/ice here which tends to give you a little cabin fever, even if you're able to get out in it. Pete and I braved the roads and went out to breakfast this morning downtown (just a few miles from our house), but I'm studying the rest of this afternoon.

The one thing (or maybe two) I've learned in the last year is to be easier on myself and that even if I'm not where I want to be, I'm moving toward it (easier said than done sometimes as I do find myself pouty about it at times). I'm also learning that I need to just let myself be me and not try so hard to fit into other peoples' molds for me. I'm hoping that by doing this, I'll allow a few new friendships or opportunities to grow so that I don't stay so closed off to opening up to new people.

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

You have really tested yourself this year and you have come out ahead, so bravo! I hate to piggy back on your realization, but I think that I too have learned that I am stronger than I think I am. I have also started to not sweat the small stuff and to not try to control everything...

Elizabeth said...

HAPPY BELATED!!! and what a great weekend it was in Austin :) So proud of you for toughing out this rough year and I hope a great job surfaces soon. You are so right that these tough years make us realize our strength though--definitely do teach us things. Much love to you. PS LOVED the john legend song and so glad to read that you had a lil bit of a run in :)