Friday, March 31, 2017

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



19 comments:

Tess said...

Happy birthday girlfriend. Cheers to a fresh year filled with great things!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post, Mama! Thank you for sharing your heart. It's very uplifting to others going through tough/weird/growing times, too. You make 37 look good girl!

Unknown said...

What a great post and I agree with you. I have only been married 13 months but we got married later than most, in our 30's and I feel like we are both so strong willed and independent people that it can be challenging at times. Marriage is no doubt a full time job. You are doing a great job with your littles. Its none of your readers business but they seem to be with you all the time, so I was wondering if Matt is involved anymore. Keep doing you girl, your doing a great job! Happy Friday!

Taylor said...

Love this post Natalie! Happy happy birthday again! I hope 37 is your best year yet and I'm sure it will be. Those quotes are such a perfect mindset and important reminders, and I need to get my hands on that book. Have a great weekend!
xx Taylor
The Sarcastic Blonde

Unknown said...

Happy Belated Birthday! I just have to say, you're absolutely fabulous and your outlook on things helps me keep things in perspective. Cheers to getting better with age!

Unknown said...

I love your blog. A Charlotte friend shared it with me in 2014 and you're the only blog I try to make a point to read daily! Here's to keeping it real. Your honesty, encouragement and healthy perspective are refreshing! And you have great style (thank you for keeping me current with the trends)! Marriage, Kids, Jobs, Health, just plain Adulting is no joke and takes work! Just know you're not alone in your challenges and we're all just taking it one day at a time! Keep on being you and all great things will follow! Thank you for keeping it real, sharing your heart and your family with us readers! I'm not one to normally post a comment! But I love your blog! Happy Birthday lady!! Here's hoping this new year rejuvenates your spirit and great things happen for you and your family!

Heather said...

Thank you for sharing with us. I have a feeling 37 is going to be a fabulous year for you!

Jane said...

Happy 37!! Love following along with you! You are such an inspiration. Happy weekend!

Unknown said...

Natalie you are such an inspiration, God bless you girl! I am so sorry you are going through a separation. I do know though you will come through this and everything will be worth it in the end. I'll be praying for you and your beautiful family! I cut back on a lot of blogs because, to be honest, everyone posts the same crap! Lol You are honest and stay true to yourself! Always fun to come here and see what you have to share. Keep up the great work and no that you have all our support! Xo

Christina said...

awww natalie i love you! happy birthday. i hope this year brings you a lot of light and happiness. :)

Nickie said...

Another great post Nat!! Hang in there b/c this is just another season to your life. You are growing from this experience which means you are going to come out of it A-OK. And one more thing.....your 40's will be ever better than your 30's. ;)

natasha {schue love} said...

So many great insights! I'm a firm believer that wine solves everything! Haha!!

Kathy Olson said...

I'm so sorry you've been going through this rough time. I hadn't seen your blog in a while, and I didn't know. I will be praying for peace over you and your kids:0

Mommaof3 said...

I've been reading your blog a long time and love your honesty and especially your recipes! I have to agree - your 40s will be even better! Mine sure have been. You will be in my prayers girl.

CourtneySue15 said...

Oh man. I love me a real & honest post. Thanks! Happy 37!

Michaela said...

Happy belated birthday, Natalie! I didn't know about your separation-- I'm so sorry for this tough time. I'll be praying for you and the sweet kiddos! Loved your fun insights :)

AA said...

Love your blog, how you write and especially the recipes! I am so sorry to hear about your separation and will be sending thoughts and prayers your way!! I hope it all works out the way God intended!! PS learning to say no was a hard lesson but has made my life so much easier too!! Well done!

Unknown said...

Thinking about you Natalie and your sweet kiddos! I always love keeping up with you on Instagram and FB. It had been awhile since I had been to your blog so I didn't know about what you had been going through the last year. You are a beautiful person inside and out and the next year may bring some trials and tribulations to your life but you will shine through them all and come out winning on the other side! xoxo

Courtney {a thoughtful place} said...

Sorry I am so behind in reading but I just adore this. The beauty of getting older really is all of the lessons that present themselves. I so admire you and think you are an amazing woman. Wanting nothing but the best for you, Nat. Love the lesson about your parents. So true, isn't it. xoxo Frances Moon and Sterling will say the same about you one day.