As I approach a big birthday milestone this month, I’ve been thinking a lot about the challenges I’ve faced, the work I’ve done and what I’ve accomplished so far. Looking back, it’s so much easier to see how silly certain situations might have been or how I might have really made a mountain out of a molehill at times. New experiences in life can be so scary, but we all have examples of taking a big leap and actually landing safely on our own two feet.
Okay, I know that many a time you might have stumbled, tripped or fell flat on your face as well. Then you want to kick yourself in the butt for having taken such a risk. I can think of a few situations in my own past that follow that sequence. But I think that equally as many times, I’ve also succeeded in battling through something difficult. We all have little moments as well as big experiences that fall into the category of taking a big leap, something that was oh-so-freaky-scary, only to realize it wasn’t that bad in the end. You succeeded, you got through it, you made it…you DID it! I’ve been thinking a lot about those specific scenarios in my life…those pivotal milestones where I have grown up a bit, advanced just a little closer to my dreams and how much I’ve learned.
I guess, I’m feeling proud and trying to give myself a pat on the back. In turn, I want to use that confidence to tell myself that it’s okay to take another leap or two moving forward. I mean, new things always seem scary when you are looking into the jaws of it all! From experience, I should have learned that when I look back, it’ll be another notch in my stick of life (however, you want to put it). I am telling myself that now…so that I can push myself even farther…even closer to my ultimate goals and dreams. How do you motivate yourself to step outside your comfort zones?
As you can see, I’ve posted some awkward photos of myself, since I’m going to hit the big 3 decades of life milestone this month. Wow… I feel old and young at the same time. Old because there’s so much I want to do and feel like I should have finished by now…young because there’s still so much to do and I have it all in me, energy waiting to burst out. I know, weird ambivalent Linda am I. Anyway, those are my thoughts on this lovely Friday. I’ll be heading into the weekend to chill out a bit with my hubby and perhaps work on a special scrapbook I’m creating for the big occasion. Another sort of scary event coming up…but I know it’ll all be fine and dandy. In the end, age is just a number, right? Let’s leap away…
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10 Comments
Happy, Happy Birthday Linda !
My daughter turns 16 today! so yes i’m quite a bit older than you
You look very pretty. And yes age is just a number, take care of your health and you’ll feel young for a very, very long time.
Have a great weekend!
Hi Carmen! Thank you for your early birthday wishes
I’m just a week after your daughter… and I know what you mean. I’m super young to many and still so old to others…hehe. Perspective!
Happy (early) birthday! I think those photos are lovely. You should see *my* awkward photos!!
Whenever I need to motivate myself to step outside my comfort zone, I try and find a link/connection between what I am already doing and what I *want* to be doing. Some common denominator that links to do, so I can draw parallels and it doesn’t seem so brand new and scary.
For instance, if I want to do a REALLY long distance swim, I just tell myself that I already swim two miles on a daily basis, and all I need to do is get into the water, start moving, and I’m off. And also, that I can stop at any time. There’s very few situations we are in that we can’t pull out of, or pull out of at the last moment. So it’s worth just dipping our toes into the water, just to see what it feels like to *approach* doing something a little scary.
Thanks, Chel! I love to take photos myself, so rarely have photos of me…then they always turn out funny. Maybe I’m just not used to seeing myself, you know? Great tip on finding that link. It’s true that when you put something in its perspective, it might not be scary anymore. Thanks for great advice and for sharing!
Dearest sweet linda, you are so beautiful and i am so proud of you for all that you have accomplished. Such a beautiful and very inspiring post. Changes are scary at times but changes could also bring us biggie opportunites. I would be walking along side with you as we lead towards biggier and better things. Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
Oh, thanks so much Jacqueline! *blush* Have a great weekend and as always, thank you for your support and cheeryness – it’s wonderful!
You don’t look awkward, you look so cute
And from someone who’s preparing for her 40th birthday in few months time – you look so young! 
Thanks, Veronika!
Happy Birthday!!!
Please don’t feel old at 30….you have a L.O.N.G. way to go before you catch up with me!
Keep taking those leaps! I am trying, but I think you leap much more easily than I do…. Keep inspiring me!
Thanks Pam…yes, I know after another 10 years I’ll look back and realize it was nothing…haha…