This is 37.

Last Friday I turned 37.  Most days I still feel like I am 21 so I have a hard time comprehending the fact that I am rapidly approaching 40.  But as the saying goes you are only as old as you feel right???  I don't mind getting older,  in fact I love my thirties so much more than my twenties.  I know everyone says that but it really is true.  You learn so much about yourself the older you get,  and take less bull shit from people.  You realize what is important and what is not.

The truth is 36 was a tough year for me.  As many of you know I went through a separation from my husband Matt.  There is nothing easy about separating especially when kids are involved.  It has been a heart breaking experience and has made me question so many things. We all have an idea of what we want our life to look like in our head and when it doesn't turn out that way it is sometimes hard to process.  

What I have learned is life is short.  It is way too short not to be happy.  Sometimes you have to go through a lot of shit to even see a glimmer of light.  Sometimes you have to make your own light and convince yourself things will get better- and they will.  We only get one life and you have to make the most of it.  I am trying to embrace this messy and unknown time in my life.  I am fully relying on my family and friends who have lifted me up and shown me so much love and support it has blown me away- that is true love.  When you go through something like it becomes very clear who your true friends are.  

I am hopeful for what the future holds.  We have to be don't we?

I am also so incredibly thankful for all the blessings in my life, especially Sterling and Frances Moon.  They give me a reason to strive to be the best version of me I can be.  

I recently read a new book that was amazing and resonated with me in so many ways, called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.  I posted this quote on my instastories and so many of you wanted to know what book it was from and this is it.  I highly recommend it.

I wanted to share a few things I have learned at the ripe old age of 37.

- Quality over quantity when it comes to friends.  I have a small circle of good friends who are my life line these days.  Once you have kids it is hard to maintain friendships because you are so busy.   That is why I have a small handful of friends that I can give my all. 

- That being said time with girlfriends is good for the soul.  It is so important to carve out time with your girls.  

- You can't trust everyone.  This one was a hard one for me.  Be careful what you share with others because not everyone has the best intentions.

- It is ok to say no.  This was another hard one for me to learn.  I used to feel like I had to yes to everything.  Every event I was invited to,  every company that wanted to work with me,  I felt like I had to say yes.  Once you start saying no more often it becomes easier and easier and it is so liberating to do what you actually want to do.  I wasted so much time in the past trying to make others happy and not myself.  

- Hot sauce makes everything taste better.  Total personal preference but I love hot sauce on everything. 

- It is ok to buy store bought treats for class parties.  I used to bust my ass trying to make homemade stuff for the kid's class parties but it doesn't matter.  The kids could care less.  

- Peeing alone is a luxury.  It is still rare that I actually get to pee alone,  someone always needs something the moment I sit down to pee or shower for that matter. 

- Spanx and high waisted jeans are always a good idea.

-  Make a point at the end of day no matter how hard it was to remind yourself of the blessings in your life and all the good in your life.   

- It is good to have alone time.  I had a really hard time with this one.  I like to have company and be surrounded by people.  But I am learning to be alone and appreciate the quiet and time to focus on myself.  

- Your parents are usually right and if they are not right they always have your best interests at heart.

- Netflix and wine are a pretty damn good end to a day.

- Exercise is crucial to mental happiness.  I feel so much better when I leave the gym not just physically but mentally.  

- Age is just a number. 

A few quotes that I love.

Have a fabulous weekend! 

xoxo