Ever since my 20th birthday, turning a year older has had a bittersweet element to it. As much as I love celebrating birthdays, there’s always been a kind of looming dread to it. Thoughts like ‘shit, is that a wrinkle by my eyes?’, and ‘I can’t believe I’m x age and haven’t achieved x goal’ pop up.
Today I turned 27, and for the first time in 7 years, felt nothing but joy. During my final days as a 26 year old, I realized that age didn’t really matter to me. If I could turn back time, I wouldn’t. At 27, I’m perfectly comfortable and content in my own skin. I know that I look and feel better than I did when I was 21, proving that age is just a number and it’s the effort we put into wellbeing that matters. I have less anxiety and don’t put unnecessary pressure on myself. I’ve trained myself not to sweat the small stuff, and am on track for my career goals. Though there are a ton of 27 year olds who have achieved twice as much as I have, I’ve learned to be happy for them and allow them to inspire me, instead of comparing myself to them.
At 27, I’m no longer looking to find myself, I know who I am. Learned to love myself in spite of my flaws. Recognized the relationships that matter. Prioritized happiness over all else.
Today, I’m aware of the clothes that look best on me. How to make a bomb salad bowl. I’m grateful to be a small business owner who never has to write another cover letter again. Have traveled to 28 different countries and learned that in order to grow, I need to keep traveling. I know the science behind serums and eye creams and love my skin without makeup. FOMO no longer exists, and life without it is a beautiful thing. Am comfortable with my decisions even if they don’t make me cool. And have made peace with the bad decisions that I’ve made in the past.
I may have a lifetime of lessons to learn and goals to achieve, but today, I’m one year older, and the happiest I’ve been.
So cheers to getting older. Cheers to celebrating life and our accomplishments. Cheers to women doing badass things, no matter what age we are. And cheers to knowing that age really is just a number.
So beautifully written, especially this part “I may have a lifetime of lessons to learn and goals to achieve, but today, I’m one year older, and the happiest I’ve been.” Anyway, happiest birthday to you dear! Wishing you all the best.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com