20 Things I’m Celebrating + My Birthday Recap
happy birthday to me!
1. Moving my body
Sometimes I forget that being able to move my body in all the ways it can is a miracle in and of itself. I am so grateful that I can run, walk, lift weights, swim, dance, and do anything else I want to do! Spending 4 hours running on my birthday reminded me how lucky I am to be able to move my body like that, and I’ve been feeling extremely grateful since that reminder. (:
2. Yummy foods
I’m so thankful that Nick and I are able to buy the foods we want, usually when we want them. It’s a huge blessing to be able to make our favorite meals every day.
3. Feeling confident in myself
Lately, I’ve been feeling even more confident in myself, and it feels AMAZING. It is so freeing to have enough love for yourself that you don’t rely on others’ validation. Of course, sometimes I overthink things and get caught up in what other people think of me, but I feel I’ve been a lot better at not listening to those voices in my head lately. (:
4. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone
Comfort zones are the safe and normal routines that we are used to, but don’t be afraid to explore what else is out there. If you never push yourself, you’re not going to be where you want to be. It can be terrifying to do something new or something you’re unsure of, but you don’t want to think back on it later in life and think “what if?”!!!
5. Being married to my favorite human ever (:
Nick makes every single day better, and I’m already pretty good at having great days. (; I love coming home to him after work or classes, or when he gets back after practice and we eat dinner together. (: He even makes me dinner pretty much every night – how awesome is that???
6. Having the best family and friends in the whole world!!
I’m sorry, but I have the coolest family and friends ever. No argument necessary.
7. Laugh attacks
One of my most favorite things to do is laugh, and I have been laughing a lot lately… last night I have a full-on laugh attack at absolutely nothing… I was just that happy. (:
8. Having everything I need
I have way more than I need, and I am so grateful for that.
9. Being able to work
Even though I might not enjoy every second at work, I’m really glad I have the ability to earn money to spend on lots of fun stuff. (:
10. Making it to my 20th birthday
20 years is a long time, so let’s hope I make it through the next 20!
11. Going to school for something I feel passionately about
I’ve been loving school lately, so I’m very thankful for that!! Public heath major for the win.
12. Living in a place I love
The town Nick and I live in is super cute and cozy; I love it so much. We’re both obsessed with the trees for some reason (weird, I know).
13. Travel plans!!
We have major travel plans coming up that we have been planning, and we’re so excited!!! I’m also very grateful that we were able to book them, get great deals on flights and stays, and all because of the money we received as wedding gifts. Again, my family and friends are the bestttt.
14. Straight-up jams on Spotify
Spotify has really been pulling through for me lately. I’ve also tried Spotify group sessions and I’m kind of obsessed for some reason… even though my friends and I just skip each others’ songs and add random things to the queue?? Let me know if you need any recommendations!
15. Mini dance parties
Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I do after I turn my alarm off is grab my earbuds and start playing my favorite songs. While I get ready, I have a little dance party with myself, and then I carry it on in the car. I will admit, it probably doesn’t look like much dancing because I’m sleepy, but in my head I am GOING OFF.
16. My cute car
Just a little appreciation for my car because I know how much it sucks to not have a working vehicle… let’s hope that doesn’t ever happen again.
17. Birthday gifts (:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… my family and friends are the best, and therefore, they buy the best presents.
18. Technologyyyy
Even though sometimes I want to go on a week-long strike from my phone, it’s not really that bad. I find lots of funny videos on social media that I laugh at, and I make some of my own that I also laugh at, so I guess it’s okay. (;
19. BOOKS
Send me book recommendations… I just finished The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks and it was SO good.
20. & last but not least… I’m celebrating TODAY!! ((:
It’s FRIDAY!!!! And it’s basically FALL!!!! Celebrate however you please. (:
now for the birthday recap…
Nick and I both got up pretty early (around 5:30) to eat and relax for a while before we started running. Nick left way before I did and came back right before I left, so after I said goodbye to him, I headed out to start my 20 mile day. I finished 11 miles before coming back to the house for a snack and water break. After about 20 minutes at the house, I went back out for another 4 miles. After I was done with 15, I had to rinse off and get ready for class, so I didn’t run between 10:00 that morning and 4:00 that afternoon. But after my classes were over, I got back into my running clothes and headed out to finish the last 5. Soon after that, Nick came home and we ordered Dominoes for dinner and ate while we watched Bachelor in Paradise. He had also made me a cake, so we ate that after dinner. (:
Throughout the day, I got to open presents from my family… Nick had picked up a card and flowers at the store and wrote me a super sweet note. My parents also sent flowers and treats, plus an ornament for the Christmas tree they had given me as an early birthday gift.
It was such a fun, special day!! The weather was amazing – which was great for my run – and I had so much fun hanging out with Nick. (: Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday and cheered me on while I ran; you guys are the best! ((:
