Dear 35…
It’s my birthday this weekend. I’ll be thirty-five.
I was going to write a witty statement to follow that revelation, but honestly, there’s nothing funny about it.
It’s SO adult. It’s OFFICIALLY mid-thirties.
But here’s the crazy part… age doesn’t frighten me.
If anything, birthdays are a timely reminder to have cake.
I’m writing this from our holiday villa down in Yamba – a sleepy, coastal surf town here in Australia where the rat race is non-existent and the days are slow and sunny.
I wondered if I should pen 35 things I’ve learned, but that’s too… predictable.
Besides, I’m in the mood to write something rich and meaningful.
Something for YOU.
It’s a letter not only to myself, but to any of you badass bitches looking to make these next 12 months your absolute best…
Dear 35,
Life can be a bitch.
But you already know that.
In your next year around the sun, I want to remain well.
Healthy.
Happy.
Hungry.
I want you to revel in the challenges, and soak in the pleasures.
I want you to keep growing, learning, and evolving.
Question others often. Believe in yourself always.
Demand the absolute best from yourself.
Stand up for yourself; but more importantly, for the voiceless.
Be still.
Seek inspiration everywhere.
See the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Remain committed to the big picture.
Focussed on the end game.
Remain gracious; but don’t falter when you need to stand your ground.
Don’t be afraid to sink your heels into the earth when your gut calls for it.
Always choose disappointing others over yourself.
Ache for more change in the world – continue to demand more from those who hold authority and power.
Be present. Forge connections.
Give more. Consume less.
Or at the very least, make greener choices.
Love hard and love often.
Laugh hard and laugh often.
Stay steadfast and cutthroat when you need too; but know when to show empathy and compassion.
Foster your creativity with savage ambition.
Continue to try new things. Fail. Get up and try again.
Murder your comforts.
Live outside that comfort zone as much as you possibly can, for mediocrity is the killer of all bright sparks.
Be scrappy.
Know when to go another round.
Say no to submission.
This past year broke your back, but it gave you a spine.
Keep going.
As a mother, as a wife, as a friend, as a creator, as a business owner, as a writer, as a wannabe comedian, as a shit chef, as an average artist, as a pathetic tennis player… just keep going.
Stay open and completely focussed on living a life you’re proud of.
Show no mercy when it comes to your happiness.
Life is a gift, not a promise.
Remember that your ‘hard days’ will one day be your ‘easy days’.
Here’s to another year around the sun for us all.
Let’s party.
