Healthy Chicks

This past Sunday, I turned 28 years old. I enjoyed my day to the fullest, complete with some window shopping in Saratoga Springs, purchasing two new crystals, and spending the evening relaxing at a charming, utterly relaxing B & B (topped off with a lakeside Italian dinner with the hubby). All in all, I’d say it was a pretty darn fabulous birthday.

Each and every year, certain feelings come up for me around my big day: a mix of anxiety, wonder and inspiration. I find that birthdays are the perfect time to celebrate what’s going really well in your life, and re-evaluate the things that aren’t really working anymore. You know, the “stuff” that no longer serves you, that you’d prefer to leave behind in your past.

It’s funny how much changes over the years; our outlook on life shifts and our wants & needs evolve. When I turned 5, all I wanted was the best Barbie doll — the one with the prettiest hair and accessories. At my 11th birthday party, I desired to be popular and invite all the “cool kids” in class, gossiping with my girlfriends all afternoon long. Life was carefree.

At 16, I remember being concerned with how I looked, mortified that my crush was at my surprise party and I had a big pimple on my cheek. 21 came around the corner, and it was all about the boys, the booze and the never-ending college nights. All I wanted more than anything was a boyfriend (and to shed 10 or so pounds!)

At 25, things started to fall into place with me; my relationship, job and friendships were pretty rock solid. I dreamed of new trendy clothes, new stuff for my apartment, new things to support my “more mature” lifestyle.

Now at 28, I feel a whole different level of new-ness. At a time in my life with so much transition and so much up in the air, on my birthday this year I was naturally forced to look inward and appreciate the here & now.

I no longer want the Barbie, the boy or the booze. The hotsy totsy clothes, the “dream job” and the longing to fit in are no longer desirable to me. This year, more than anything, I want to focus on me and how I want to feel. (Danielle Laporte’s really been getting to me lately on this whole feeling stuff!)

Instead of writing a wish list, I decided to write out some intentions & positive mantras to carry with me through the next twelve months of my life. Here goes:

I will focus on myself, and trust that the universe has my back.

Another woman’s success does not make me weaker. Stop comparing. Now.

I will continue to say no to the things that no longer light me up.

I welcome abundance into my life, and open up my willingness to receive.

Give love, and spread positive vibes daily.

Do what lights up my soul. The money will come if you continue to do what you love, with love.

There will be good days and bad days; cherish the good days and learn from the bad days. Sometimes all it takes it a simple shift in perspective.

I live a delicious life full of bliss.

As I enter the first week of my upper twenties, I am optimistic about what lies ahead for me this year — the year of me, the year of magical surprises!

How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you set intentions, make wishes, have certain rituals?

xoxo,

Rachel