This past weekend I celebrated my 27th birthday. We had the sweetest, simplest celebration. I posted a few photos from my birthday at the end of this post.
Friday night – the night before my birthday, my mom came over to spend the night so Anthony and I could take a little staycation. We went to the waterway in The Woodlands (I linked a google pic)… it’s a bunch of restaurants set on a small waterway; I just find it so beautiful and love eating there.
We were going to go to this nice seafood place but per usual of us… we arrived and instead wanted to pig out on 10 different items so we went to more of a pub place and ordered a bunch of appetizers and entrees to share.
We spent the night at a hotel on the waterway, had breakfast in bed in the AM (my absolute favorite!) and then rushed home. As you know, I’m a new mom and truly just couldn’t way to spend the day with my little man.
It was a day of hanging at home with the family – lots of snuggles, giggles and we made a new chicken chili recipe. My boys did send me away for a massage and facial (that was amazing!).
Anywayssss, this morning (Sunday), I was meditating and after, I was flooded with gratitude for all sorts of things I learned in my 27 years. I’ve experienced birthdays where I wasn’t all that content with where my life was at. This year, I finally feel so at peace and wanted to share some of my thoughts this AM…
1. Gratitude is essential.
If you cannot be thankful for what you already have, you will never be satisfied with whatever you achieve and acquire.
2. Life can suck and feel unfair.
Life is not a series of perfect moments and embracing both the good and bad gets you through the tough stuff. I feel like the phrase “it’s okay” that everyone is quick to shove down your throat is the wrong response to difficulties. Sometimes I doesn’t feel okay. You just have to feel it and let it move through you.
3. Respect yourself.
It becomes the standard for how others will treat you.
4. Make your bed every morning.
Seriously. If you want to feel productive, in charge and positive each day, begin by making your bed. It sets the tone for the entire day.
5. Health is more than looking good on the outside.
Health is about feeling good. Health is your body functioning optimally. It’s about having a healthy mindset and outlook. My great grandparents used to say “your health is your wealth” and I find that so true!
6. Even the best friendships can fall apart.
As we grow as individuals, sometimes we grow closer with certain friends and unfortunately, sometimes we grow apart.
7. Learn to love your every day life.
Extravagant trips, amazing concert tickets, fancy dinner dates… all of that is great. Yet, we spend the vast majority of our time in the day-to-day grind. I’ve learned to love that everyday, ordinary grind and boy does life feel good when you don’t need all the “extras” to be happy.
8. Family is everything.
Period.
9. …and friends can turn into family!
My best girlfriend is truly like a second sister.
10. There’s always a reason to smile.
It may not be blatantly obvious. You may have to look hard. But, it’s there.
11. Being alone isn’t lonely.
I love spending time by myself. Honestly, I feel lonely when I’m in a room full of people I don’t care to be around. I think loving yourself leads to loving time alone.
12. Grandparents… if you’re lucky enough to have them around, cherish your time with them.
Make a point to call and visit. My heart feels so incredibly happy when I get off the phone with my Nana and Papa and they tell me “your call made our day.”
13. College actually isn’t the best time in your life.
College can be a good time but the good times don’t end there. In fact, I wouldn’t trade a day of my life now for those college days. I think life gets better after college!
14. Believe in miracles.
A common theme in many of the personal development books I’ve read the past few years was to keep a belief in miracles unfolding in your life. I always try to believe something good is right around the corner.
15. You don’t need a plan.
You don’t have to have life figured out. You don’t need a plan at every moment. It’s okay to not know what’s going to happen next. Actually, it’s kind of exciting when you really think about it!
16. Quality > Quantity
Whether it’s a pair of shoes or friends, I rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies. Quality. Quality. Quality.
17. Work your a$$ off for what you really want.
You know my dental school story… I spent my whole life committed to getting into dental school and becoming a dentist. I got accepted to dental school and realized I wanted to have a health and happiness brand (what you’re reading right here!) and own my own business.
I worked my butt off to make that happen. I went to school during the day and worked a retail job until 10 pm. I woke up at 5 am to workout (and take pics/blog my workout). I stayed up until midnight to put together my first workout program that I was going to sell (and studied in between the work breaks). It was a grind and wasn’t always enjoyable but the pursuit of your dreams is something you’ll never regret!
18. Some people may not like you.
It’s not your job to please everyone. I feel like the younger me would try to morph myself to fit into a situation or a group of people. I was liked for being someone I wasn’t in fear of not being liked for who I am. That’s an icky feeling. Be you and if someone likes you, amazing and if someone doesn’t, that’s okay too.
19. Treat everyone with equal respect.
This is something that I got from my dad. My dad would walk into a building for a meeting and treat a CEO the same way he treated the person emptying the garbage or the person serving lunch in the cafeteria. We are all people. Our jobs, our titles, our socioeconomic status – you can shove that… treat everyone with respect.
20. Get organized
I think part of adulting is organizing your life. Make a budget. Clean out the junk drawer. Keep your car tidy. Have a planner. Color coordinate it (kidding but I do do that haha).
21. Inner peace = success
Because a life that feels good on the inside is a heck of a lot more important than a life that looks good on the outside.
22. Enjoy a weekend night in.
I feel like when I began enjoying a weekend evening in, my life shifted in ways I cannot describe other than by using the word: contentment.
23. Be kind (especially to those who are unkind to you)
This one has been difficult for me over the years. “Be kind” goes without explanation but I always go back and forth with my husband as to why it’s even more important to be kind to those who aren’t that way toward you. I definitely have a few of those people in my life (people you can’t simply cut out.). Sometimes I feel like “why try?!” but I know it’s people who are unkind that are the most in need of love.
24. Have pizza once in awhile!
As a health and fitness enthusiast, it’s important to remember to treat yourself and indulge in moderation. Just eat that damn pizza haha.
25. Laugh! A lot!
Don’t take life too seriously. Smile. Laugh. Be silly. I feel like a teenager at heart and I hope that never changes.
26. Don’t compare.
As cool as social media can be, I think it’s a trap for comparison. When you want to compare your life with another person’s that you’re viewing in squares on Instagram, refrain. Comparison really is the thief of joy!
27. SIMPLICITY.
Perhaps, the most amazing thing I’ve learned in my 27 years is something I’ve shared before on simplicity. My dad’s family was a family of farmers. My Grandpa Gleisberg told my Dad who often repeated to me: “a simple life is a happy life.” When I was 15 and dying for the new pink razr phone, another color of Ugg boots and worrying about homecoming, that didn’t make much sense. At 27, I realize less is more and a simple life sure is a happy life.
In my 27th year, I hope to really embrace #27. I’ve been on a huge organizational kick. I’m decluttering my house. I’m letting go of stuff like little resentments. I’m buying less stuff.
I am slowly but surely finding that my happiness comes from the simple, everyday life.
Thanks for always showing so much love to both me and my family. If you ever want to follow our adcentures, we post more at:
Instagram:
@laurengleisberglately (family account)
@anthonyl920 (my husband)
@leolococolately (my baby boy whose account we run lol)
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