Happy Birthday to Me: 38 Things I Know to Be True

I haven’t blogged in ages, but my 38th birthday today has me thinking about the things I know to be true. So I tried jotting them down.

1. You’re stronger than you could ever imagine, physically and mentally. 
2. You can make thoughtful, big changes to your life and work—and find success doing them. 
3. It’s totally OK to cry when something bad happens…then to put on your big girl panties and handle it, while still crying. 
4. Life is not fair, and adulting does suck. Thank goodness for insurance!
5. It’s not enough to know what’s right and what’s wrong—you have to stand up for it. 
6. Nobody’s body is ever perfect, and you’ll always nitpick your imperfections. Find the positives instead. 
7. There’s nothing quite like the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains unfolding in front of you. 
8. Cake with chocolate mousse in it is always a good idea. 
9. My Big Grammy may have been gone for decades now, but every time I eat her chicken and dumplings or read a book, I think of her.
10. Stop being so tied down to—and bothered by—clothing sizes. Even a fit body won’t always fit in the smaller sizes. #HelloQuads
11. It’s totally OK to slow down and take care of yourself. In fact, it’s essential. 
12. Family over everything. Always. 
13. Reading is the key to overcoming many challenges, even if you’re reading fiction. 
14. It is possible to keep going even with a broken heart. And yes, sometimes you can physically feel that broken heart. 
15. It doesn’t matter how much time passes, some memories—and some people—will still be in your heart. 
16. Screaming at sporting events is a great stress reliever. But when your team is really not good, it might also raise your BP.
17. I’m not perfect, but God’s got me. 
18. Days that start with prayer run more smoothly than those that do not. 
19. God doesn’t care if your prayers ramble, pause, or even don’t make sense. He’s listening to your heart, not always your words. 
20. Your health is vitally important. Take care of it. 
21. There’s nothing quite like time spent with your mama.
22. Watching the world through the eyes of a little one is the BEST. 
23. There are people in your life who will stick around no matter how much you throw at them. Love those people. 
24. Kindness is always the right answer. 
25. A long walk can solve many problems, or at least calm your soul. 
26. A sister is one of the biggest blessings God gives out…and a sister’s baby is, too.
27. I will never outgrow Disney.
28. I will never be someone with the thermostat set high in the summer or low in the winter. I’m good at 68–70 degrees, year-round.
29. You don’t have to apologize for the things that make you unique.
30. You are way harder on yourself than is necessary.
31. You have to make yourself a priority…so take the time to exercise, to eat healthy, to get plenty of sleep, to read, to re-energize, to pamper yourself, or just to sit quietly.
32. There is value in sitting in silence.
33. Someone you’ve known all your life (like an auntie) may become even more important later in life—seize the joy that comes with that relationship.
34. If something bothers you, turn it off or turn it down.
35. Find sources of joy and inspiration—and turn to them often.
36. Burnout is not a necessary component or requirement of work today. Take time to rest, recharge, and reset. Change jobs or paths if you need to.
37. A daddy’s love can’t be beat. Even if he plucks your last nerve sometimes!
38. Everything is going to be OK.

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