31 - A New Year, Part II

Today is my birthday (you could probably tell by the modest pictorial post before this). I usually want to down play this day, not because of the age thing (seriously, 31 is still quite young) but because I don't like the fuss. But for some reason, I feel like I need to celebrate this day more for how rich my life is with family and friends, and how far my life has come, even in the last year alone.

To that end, I came up with a list of things I have learned in the last year. Hard to believe I knew anything at all before it!

In the past year:

I learned that “everything happens for a reason” is more than just a neat little saying you give to friends who are going through a tough time and you are not sure what else to say. Things really do happen for a reason – it’s just that sometimes, that reason isn’t always clear, so we must be patient for it to show us.

I learned that my favorite power bar is Go Lean Rolls, mostly because they taste like candy.

I learned that too many Go Lean Rolls, particularly when not training = just plain rolls…on my belly.

I learned that five hours on a trainer is really like seven on the road.

I learned that two-hour treadmill runs aren’t that bad.

I learned how to study for a licensing exam and survive the actual thing.

I learned the indescribable, heart-choking-the-wind-out-of-me joy of passing, and thus finally being done with school.

I learned what it means to be on my own- emotionally, physically and professionally- and that it did not, in fact, kill me.

I learned that bangs are GENIUS when covering a large forehead.

I learned that living with your sister and her fiancé for five months might sound like a good idea…but not so much.

I learned that I can be a bridesmaid for my best friend wedding’s, attend it as a single girl, and make it out alive (and sober, and not regretting it the next morning).

I learned that a floor-length seer-sucker bridesmaid’s dress is not as awful as it sounds, especially with a kick-ass tan – Holla!

I learned a lot of valuable lessons working for a narcissist, the most important of which are that I am more than a dollar sign, and how to stand up for myself.

I learned what it’s like to later work for a boss who gives you a “free day” just for working hard.

I learned that the journey can be better than the finish.

I learned that I need goals to train, or I simply don’t train.

I learned that I may not always be the most accessible friend, but I am always, always thinking about you. And I am working on the accessible thing. Daily.

I learned that a biweekly pedicure is more than just a treat – it’s a necessity for sanity.

I learned that my new favorite color is pink.

I learned that my siblings are adults, and I need to treat them like that.

I learned that my siblings love me despite this.

I learned how to just let it go and mind my own beeswax.

I learned that my family wanted me to learn that a long time ago.

I learned how small a studio apartment really is. Yikes.

I learned that I am an aunt, and a darn good one.

I learned that I am a sister, and a darn good one.

I learned that training is the best excuse to procrastinate just about everything – and it’s healthy, so who can argue?

I learned how to make peace, mostly with myself.

I learned that this peace, sometimes, is a work in progress.

I learned how to start a website, and use Instant Messenger.

I learned that sometimes you can make friends that you never see.

I learned that I have a lot to say, and sometimes it funny, and sometimes it’s a complaint, but I always have something to say.

I learned that not everyone actually wants to hear it.

I learned that sometimes we can only plan so much, and then we just have to let someone, or something, else take over.

I learned that I have an addiction to country music, and if lovin’ it is wrong….

I learned the multiple uses for a Swiss ball.

I learned how much coffee is now needed to stay up all night.

I learned how to sell a house.

I learned that sometimes even the most difficult situations can turn out more wonderfully than you could have ever imagined.

I learned that there are multiple ways to love one person.

I learned that I can let myself be loved back.

I learned that decisions often will make themselves.

I learned how to forgive, but still can’t grasp the “forget” part.

I learned the joys of owning the Gooch, the gift that keeps on giving.

I learned how to start a private practice and sell myself.

I learned how to recover from an injury and fix myself.

I learned how to gain a few pounds and love myself.

I learned to set limits and respect myself.

And finally, but of the utmost importance on this list:

I learned how to be grateful.

I am so grateful for my life, my family, my friends and my growth.

There is nothing else in the world I need.

Here’s to the next 30 years.