I turned 33 last week - 33! I used to think this age sounded old? How wrong was I because I currently feel like quite a young whipper snapper. 😉 I remember my mom told me once that she still feels the same on the inside, now at age 70, as she did when she was in her 20’s. I try to remember that when I see older adults out and about. Their body may tell a story of a long life, yes, but they are still as vibrant on the inside as ever. And even more so, because of the rich experiences they have journeyed through. Because of the stories they have to tell! So when you younger readers read this, don’t pity me… I am spirited as ever (on the inside)!!!

I always get reflective on my birthday. Is this where I thought I’d be at age… 33? If I could go back and sit down at a coffee shop with my younger self, what would I tell her? Well, here are a few of those things.

There’s always time for what’s MOST important.

There isn’t time for everything. But there is time for what’s most important. As a solo-preneur & mom of young kids, I very often have a scarcity mindset when it comes to time. And it is SO precious! But a comforting truth that calms my busy mind is that there will always be time for what is most important. Now the hard work is determining what that is... but when I can figure that out, I can loosen our grip on the other things.

Perfectionism is robbing EVERYTHING from you.

Not trying to be dramatic - but I meant what I said. Perfectionism is ONLY holding you back. Perfection is a myth. Let that $#!% go. When you let go of perfectionism and people pleasing, you’ll be able to step into your fuller potential. You’ll fail. And you’ll even fail publicly. But you’ll learn. And you’ll get better. And you’ll be glad you did.

WHO CARES!!!

I had to throw in my phrase for the year, duh. Worrying about what other think, similar to perfectionism, is only holding you back. Try. Fail. Try again. Learn. Be yourself. Literally, who cares!!!

Find friends you can be HONEST with.

Letting go of seeking others approval will take time & practice. Good friends are a great place to work on this. If you can find loving friends, who are open to honest dialogue & even disagreement, you have struck gold. If you can’t be honest with them, how will you ever step confidently into other spaces as you are? Honestly & vulnerability will make your life & relationships so much more rich. Pursue this passionately.

Exercise is a GOOD use of your time.

It is not inefficient. It is not unproductive. It is good stewardship. Do it while you can. Your health, outside of your family & friends, is your greatest blessing earth side. Find something you enjoy doing to move your body & get to it!

Dress up when you get the chance!

TBH, as a mom of now 4 children, business owner, and fitness-lover, you don’t have many opportunities to dress up. Let’s be real! So whenever you get a chance, DO IT! Who cares if you’re “over-dressed" or if people think you’re “too much.” They probably aren’t even thinking about you period and if they are BOOOO them. Have fun, dress up!!! P.S. younger self, one day you’re gonna save up any buy a Celia B sparkly rainbow dress that you’ll wear on repeat when you have the chance, get excited bebe.

Read your BIBLE every day.

Whether you ~feel~ like it or not. ONLY good will spring from this. For you, your family, your friends, & the community around you. There are few better things you could be doing. Get a Bible reading plan, like The Bible Recap and just start.

What would you tell your younger self? Drop it in the comments. xo, Suzy