Well as of tomorrow this blog will no longer be the reflections of a twenty something but of a thirty something....and I feel really really good about that!

If my thirties are half as much fun as my twenties (and I have a feeling they will be) then sign me up! And not only will they be as much fun but I will ready for all that is thrown my way. I feel so much more self assured, confident, grounded, clear, and ready to take on these next ten years!

I feel so blessed to have everything in my life, especially the people. I am wealthy in love, family, and friends.

Mary and Cheryl helped me get a ticket to nyc as my birthday present so I will NYC bound in two weeks and I can't wait to see NYC in holiday fashion and all my dearest friends. I really do miss that city so much. The Romanian and I always talk about it- it is so fun, exciting, always something new to see and do, rich with food and culture and art...and some of the most amazing people I know!

I feel very loved at 30.

thanksGIVING

Last night I went to see the Blind Spot with my cousins and even though it was a long two hour movie I was more than inspired by its message. This true story is about a white christian republican family that takes in a homeless african american boy, Michael, who has never found his way because he was never given the chance. This family gives him the chance, the love, the faith, and the support to turn his life into an NFL championship kind of life.

What I loved the most about this story however was that as much as Michaels' life was shaped by his new family, he too shaped them. Their former ideals, beliefs, and social personas' were all pushed and pulled until beautiful transformations took place...and more joy was invited into their home and hearts.

It made me take pause and ask myself, if I were in her situation would I do the same thing? Would I be too scared to have someone I hardly know sleep in my house with my kids? Would I be brave enough to venture into the projects in search of this boy's mother in order to be his legal guardian? I would like to think so, I'm sure we'd all like to think so...

Overall it was a great reminder to me, especially during this time of year, when we all stop and give thanks for all that we have, that it really is in the giving and not the receiving that makes you a better person and creates more happiness. That when one steps out of their comfort zone and does something that maybe others don't understand or like in the benefit of another...your life becomes richer and more joyous because of it. It is in the giving that you get everywhere.

I often hear many people in my life complaining about what they don't have. Not enough money, too much time working and not enough playing or doing what you love, not enough from their relationship or friendship, too much to do too little time etc etc...and it is this time of year (and especially during these economic times) that we are asked to really silence all of that thinking and focus on what we do have. And more often than not we are living in abundance without even taking notice and TRULY giving thanks.

My Thanksgiving wish is that we all, together, take this next month to slow down and stop the voices in our head telling us to acquire and do "more more more" and replace it with "thank you thank you thank you." To take stock of your life and appreciate all that we have. The family, the friendships, your cozy 1 bedroom apartment keeping you warm, your beat up car that still gets you to work, your health, your pets, your ability to go after your dreams...whatever it is....be grateful and in your gratitude share with another.

Be thankful. Be giving. Be changed.

The closing a decade

In less than 9 days I will no longer be able to consider myself a twenty-something and will continue my blog from the perspective of a thirty something.

I am both excited and happy about this new chapter and clean slat that I am embarking upon. I feel that this next year is going to kick some serious ass in terms of making decision to create my life into one that better defines who I am. I also love how much stronger, wiser, more aware, and better looking (if I do say so myself!) I am getting every day!

I no longer care about what others thinks, only how I feel and what makes me happy. I only invite those experiences and people into my life now because I simply just do not have time anymore for negative influences.

There is still a little twinge of anxiety when I think about this...manly because I can't believe that I have lived 30 years of my life and it makes me think how quickly the next 30 will go. I am more aware of time now and the importance of appreciating each moment and all the incredible gifts being alive can bring.

I think these last 30 years have been amazing and the up's and down's and all around's have really shaped me into being exactly who I was meant to be.

I am excited to turn 30 and have a whole new decade to play with; to create and shape any which way I decide. That is empowering.



HAPPY almost BIRTHDAY TO ME!!