This is my favorite month—my birthday month! How exciting that this year America celebrates it’s 250th Anniversary and I celebrate my 45th birthday! I’ve always loved the Fourth of July. When I was younger my mom, dad, sister, and I would go camping. Sometimes we stayed close to home, other times we ventured to places like Florida. We had a pop-up camper we stayed in and pulled it behind our car. We took that little camper on more adventures than you can imagine. Again, another blog another time. But for 4th of July we’d camp, swim and watch fireworks. I can remember one time staying in a hotel and we were able to see the fireworks from our room. Those memories are some of my best. Anyone who knows me knows I could go on for days about the great nostalgia of the 80’s and 90’s and how those times were just “better”.
I still adore the holiday, but I also get bummed on the years when I don’t have my kids with me. It’s tough not being able to share those moments every year and create new memories together the way my family used to. However, I’ve learned that it’s not always the exact day that matters most; it’s the time we do have to spend together. Usually, after the Fourth of July, when I do have them for the week, we try to go camping and see fireworks and do something fun. This year, I’m especially excited because I have the entire week off with them! Bring on the fun, family time and memory making. You know your girl will document it with 206 pictures lol!
When I was approaching and into my early 40’s I felt like I kind of dreaded my age and wasn’t quite as excited to celebrate. Why did I want to celebrate yet another birthday that I felt kind of lost wondering around. Now, with my 45th birthday just a week away, I thought it might bother me more since it marks the official mid-40s. Surprisingly, though, I’m feeling genuinely excited! Yes, it’s a little scary to think that life could potentially be half over or more, but all I know is that today, I’m here, and I intend to make the most of every day until He decides it’s time for me to go.
One thing you definitely learn as you grow older is that time goes by faster than people say, and you can never get those moments back. It took me a while to find my way, but that journey taught me more than staying still ever could. I’ve embraced self-care and self-love, learned to be less envious, and have focused on what I can do to work harder and reach my personal goals. I finally feel like I’m on a path that lights my soul on fire, making me excited every day to write something new in hopes that it touches even one heart reading this.
My mom told me last night, “Make sure you just keep writing. You’re so good at it, and I love reading it.” I can’t think of a higher compliment than a parent being proud of their child, even if that child is about to turn 45.
I hope this next year brings me even more time with family and friends, more focus on the things that truly matter, and the courage to let go of what doesn’t. I also hope that my passion for writing leads my family and me on special adventures.
XO
Angie
