Checking a new box

me at 35

Yesterday I turned 35. I am halfway through my third life. I am checking a new box...that 35 to whatever age range on whatever form I'm filling out on any given day. What does it mean? My best friend and I often joke about not "feeling" our age. We don't know what it's supposed to mean to be this age. Yet, we know that we define ourselves and not our ages. For me, 35 means complete immersion in my passion work, deepening the connection with my husband and son, and, hopefully, more pleasure reading. The most profound thing it means is no longer glorifying busyness. I will no longer be bound by and in praise of the “full plate.” I will finally finish my undergraduate degree in the spring. From there, I will begin midwifery training. My spare time will be just that...time spared for engaging in activities that are not time constrained or simply doing nothing beyond meditating and relaxing.

When I set my intentions for 2013, quite ceremoniously among an extraordinary group of women I'm fortunate to be associated with, I stated that I release fear. Today, I receive confidence. Actually, I felt it spilling forth several days ago. It's a wonderful feeling to truly embrace that characteristic. This is not the loud certainty of my twenties but, a quiet self-assuredness that I never knew possible.

I could probably go on and sound obnoxious and as though I'm trying to make some profound statement on life. This is just some ruminations on my 35th birthday. I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2013. Be well.  

---