I know that everyday we’re bombarded with new face creams and surgical procedures to look our best, while the Kardashians and many others appear to be aging backwards…but I’m still thrilled to be getting older.
The never ending media onslaught is why many women spend years being 29, while I being the odd duck out have been telling people I was 35 for a couple of years. I have no idea why, other than I’ve simply always enjoyed being older!
Interesting to see how I’ll feel at 40 because I always felt older than my age growing up and I have to say my 30’s have felt like sinking in to a comfortable skin.
In fact, here’s what I said at 32 that still holds true:
Why on Earth is everyone playing down their age?! Isn’t the whole point of life to keep on having birthdays?? I am happier, healthier and a whole lot smarter every single year. Plus the alternative to not getting older is well…umm…not of interest to me!
Of course, I know with age can come health issues and slowed recovery, but I’m going to do my damnedest to keep on enjoying every year that I’m given because not everyone is so lucky.
What I Wish I’d Known
This year, as always I can look back and think about how much I wish I’d known.
Which lead to pondering…what will I wish I’d known at 35?! I decided to look to many of those that I respect for advice tI can mull over to help make 35 exceptional.
“To loosen up about so many things. Aging has given me the perspective to understand how much “small stuff” there is in life–it truly is not worth sweating over. Relax and find the joy in what you do. And if something doesn’t deliver joy, dump it from your plate!” – Amanda Loudin of Miss Zippy
At 35 I had already opened a boutique training studio, made it into a success, sold the business for profit and was gearing up to launch yet a different career. I was exceedingly comfortable in my own skin. I was confident. I knew everything I needed was already within me.
47 is realizing all of those traits and facts and feelings can still exist but they don’t mean I don’t need a tribe. I wish I’d known at 35 the importance and value of weaving together a safety net of women I love and who have my back no matter what.
I had friends. I had networking acquaintances. But I didn’t have a tribe in the same way I do now over a decade later. — Carla Birnberg {Carla is totally speaking my language here!!! Part of our decision to move to Colorado was me wanting to create roots and deeper lasting friendships and we are kicking off today hiking with some we have already made! }
At 35 I wish I had more faith in my ability to succeed and would have taken more risks — Jeff E.
{One of my long term mentors, as he has shown me the right way to treat people, to enjoy each moment and absolutely to take risks.}
“I wish I knew how to remind myself, “this too shall pass,” because this powerful phrase can get you through most things and reminds you that nothing is permanent.” Aileen, a woman who seriously might look 21 forever, beautiful inside and out.
You cannot be everyone’s friend. You cannot make everyone like you. My DISC profile is high D, high I. I love people. I crave for people’s approval. I used to get very upset when I think some people do not like me. I have even tried all sorts of way to please them hoping that by doing that, I can “buy their love”. Violet Lim
Happy 35th Birthday to @runtothefinish - go share one of your favorite life lessons with her! #joy #life Click To TweetWhen you’re just starting out, it’s so easy to take every client that comes your way and put up with clients who aren’t a good fit for you.
As you grow, you realize that when you shed relationships that aren’t serving you, you open up space on your client roster for someone you really love to work with. Jules Taggart, one of my smartest and most amazing entrepreneurial friends {also my Matron of Honor!}
A Few Things I Learned
Just reading their words of wisdom, I realized that I did learn some great things last year and I don’t want to forget them. What better way to remember that of course putting them in a blog!!!
- Life will end. Don’t take that for granted and don’t live in fear of it.
- Life will change. Find ways to be flexible.
- Friends come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. But there is a difference between a convenient friend and a true friend.
- A good book is never a bad idea
- Kindness is the key to every great interaction with yourself and others
- Anger/Judgement are just a manifestation of fear
- Think beyond the dollar, what is the life you want
- It’s ok to spend the money you’ve been saving, enjoy what you’ve earned
- It’s fun to let your personality shine through, stop tamping it down
- You won’t get every opportunity, but you can still genuinely be excited for others
- Success can be redefined at any time, by you.
- Travel doesn’t have to be far away, sometimes a weekend trip is every bit as rewarding
- BUT international travel will break you open, surprise you and help you connect to others
- We don’t all need to speak the same language to communicate
- Pick up the phone, have actual conversations
- Vegan cake is every bit as tasty, but without the later stomach issues
- If it doesn’t bother them, don’t let it bother you
- Meditate. Even when it sucks, do it.
- Studies come and go, do what makes you feel healthy, strong and happy
- Running still brings me joy
- Running on trails is way harder
- Nature is healing
- You don’t have to be the best to inspire
- Sometimes life sucks…but even then it’s still pretty good
- It’s not just ok to be silly and goofy, it’s a requirement.
26. If you don’t feel like writing 35 things and it really won’t matter to anyone else…stop.
A few more fun one’s on age:
Never too old to run – tips for running over 50
Experiences over gifts
34 Secrets of Adulthood
What would you like to tell your younger self?
Do you worry about getting older?
Other ways to connect with Amanda about Running!!
Twitter: @runtothefinish
Instagram: RunToTheFinish
Facebook: RunToTheFinish
Marcia
Happy Birthday Amanda! 30 was no biggie for me. Neither were 40 and 50. I don’t lament getting older because I know my 90 yr. old self would kick me in the behind if I did. My motto is Go Boldly Forward!
sarah@creatingbettertomorrow
I don’t worry about getting older, like you I have come to enjoy it! I have become such a bigger, stronger, more amazing version of myself each and every year. The memories I make each year make aging worth it.
If I could tell my 21 year old something (now I’m 31 years old) I’d say forget trying to please everyone and please yourself…TRULY not in the fake sort of way. only please you!
Blair
Love this! Getting older doesn’t always have to be BAD! I agree that my 30’s have definitely been better than my 20’s, and I bet the 40’s won’t be too shabby either. :)