Another Year Around the Sun with Gratitude.​

As I approach the end of another year around the sun, I want to focus on the beginning of something new.

As cliché as it sounds birthdays, New Years’ and anniversaries have a way of making you reminisce on the past. What you have and haven’t accomplished. And that’s not always a good thing depending on how you look at things.

For example, I have a birthday coming up on September 30th. And as I reflected about turning a year older #34, my thoughts automatically went to the lack of accomplishments in my life. It sounds silly, but it really bummed me out.

Because according to my younger self, I wasn’t where I was “supposed to be in life. But in the process, of feeling bad about myself because of all the things I didn’t accomplish, I realized I was negating all the dreams I had fulfilled this past year. 

So, I pulled out my journal (as I often do) and started writing out my thoughts and feelings surrounding my upcoming birthday. And I quickly realized how unfair I was being to myself. And at that moment something shifted. I went from feeling down about my lack of accomplishments to being grateful for all the things in my life. 

And then it hit me, “oh my gosh” I did some pretty amazing things at 33!

For starters, I married Drew the love of my life who I can’t imagine living without. Our wedding was a dream come true. Not to mention, we were able to bring our families together for the very first time. And I was able to introduce California to my family. Big life goal check!

Another big moment for me this year was getting rid of all of my debt! Seriously I had been working towards a debt-free life for the past four and a half years. And it finally happened at 33, and I couldn’t be happier. No more student loans, car payments or credit card debt. I mean if that’s not #adulting I don’t know what is. 

And in the midst of getting married and paying off debt. Drew and I were still able to travel and check off a couple other things from our bucket list. Our first year of marriage has been great so far. We have continued to deepen our connection and build upon our foundation. And I really can’t ask for anything else. 

Looking back has been a great eye-opener for me. I know if I keep focusing on all the positives in my life and I keep investing in myself things will continue to grow in the right direction. And when the next year around the sun comes to an end I will look back at 34 with gratitude. Grateful for all the achievements thus far in my journey through life.   

Thank you for sticking with me this past year. I promise I have a lot more content coming soon. In the meantime, let me know what’s your favorite birthday tradition.

Sweet Blessings,

Yaritza