Something New

So you know how everyone some people who turn 25 celebrate the entire year, month or 25 days until their birthday? Or have 25 goals or something to achieve and blah blah blah?? Ok well, add me to the list!

I'm doing a combination of personal goals and exploring adventurous activities every month before my next birthday. Are these "goals" practical or achievable? Heck yeah they are! There are a lot of things I want to do and maybe should have already experienced by this time now. Finally, I have come to realize and accept that I am not getting younger & need to live in the moment of every day as if it were my last.

To get things started, I went kayaking this past weekend! As exciting as it sounded, I was low key nervous. This was not just about getting to do a recreational activity but instead learning to conquer the fear of trying something new and actually enjoying it. For someone who is a non swimmer and not too fond of anything aquatic (other than drinking or bathing in water) I was proud of myself for going through with this.

I came, I saw....

For those who truly know me, I am not much of a deep thinker but I was able to internalize this adventure with some things I've been experiencing lately. Pride. Many of us struggle with it.

I remember at one point I barked at my kayaking partner to not help me paddle against the slight current. I was beyond confident that I could log my little self and his 200lbs of muscle around that reservoir. As I struggled to maintain a decent speed, and by that I mean getting no where, I realized this load was a lot and I needed some help. I struggled getting anywhere without asking for help or by turning it down as he insisted on taking over.

My after thoughts made it very clear that I do not like to ask for help. Some people don't. Especially those of us who feel we can overcome anything on our own. But who said you had to overcome on your own? No matter how hard the obstacle is, no matter how much I may need a little assistance, that ounce of pride and independence did not want to budge. After looking around and viewing this amazing back drop that God had painted, I had to check myself. I may not need help ALL the time, but when you are struggling, ask for it! Have no shame. Nor embarrassment. That's the point of having a support system of family and friends. We all need help...in one way or another : )

Needless to say, my friend definitely paddled back the WHOLE time because my unconditioned arms were tired and pride was no where to be found on the way back. I just sat back, relaxed and took in the sights. Definitely a great moment of conquering something new.

Always,

J

Quarter of A Century....already?

It's almost 2am est and 25 years ago on this day  (9/3), I was on my way into the world (around 4ish I popped out). Wow, I am witnessing 25 years of life. That is amazing in itself and beyond a reason for me to be grateful to still be alive. Wait, I have lived a quarter of a century?! Ugh, I'm getting old. On the flip side, I don't feel like it! Where has time gone?? I may be a little behind on that plan I created some 15 years ago....lol.

According to my ten-year old self, I should have been in my 2nd year of marriage to the man of my dreams, making at least $40,000/yr as a young professional, planning for kids, traveling the world, and cruising on cloud 9 without a care in the world. So you ask, how's that going? Yeah, I got nothing. Nothing! But that's okay. I have no obligations as of now, eventually that will change, so I will savor these moments.

I'm not here to complain maybe vent sometimes, share my perception of things, share some beauty/health/hair tips etc....you know, stuff people blog about (as if there are not enough bloggers already). I guess that's what birthdays do to you, [especially this quarter life crisis age] you set new personal goals, figure out the meaning of life, perform self-assessments, do some soul-searching and most importantly, discover your purpose.

Well I may not be where I want to be, I just know I'm not always going to be here :). It's all temporary. Hard to grasp and accept at times but it's so true. I am ready to move onward and upward with whatever God has waiting for me to discover. In happier news, I shall celebrate my young life with family and friends tonight with a festive dinner party I planned and I will enjoy every moment of it.

Happy 25th Birthday

Always,

J

Birthday girl :)