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Tw2nty-N9ne and Feeling Fine!



Well....it really has been awhile since my last blog post!  So today, I figured I should commemorate another year around the sun with even just a small piece of writing, since I feel I've neglected the blog for some time.

If you haven't guessed, yesterday was my big 2-9 birthday!  I remember growing up always looking forward to turning 28, as this would be my golden birthday (August 28th).  Now that I've surpassed that age, it makes me somewhat humble, nostalgic (and if I'm being 100% honest) a little bit nervous for growing older.



But I can't complain about yesterday, because it was lovely.  I spent the majority of the day doing what I love - fighting off diet culture and being present for my clients.  (What also helped was picking out some delectable donuts to share with my fellow coworkers).  They were hot, fresh & made to order...but best of all they were DELICIOUS.  Definitely going to give Duck Donuts another visit!


On my drive home from work, I did my usual podcast splurge while waiting in traffic.  And to my surprise when I got home, my husband was preparing an amazing home cooked meal, complete with sparkling rose' and homemade apple pie for dessert. 



 
 
Like all couples, we may not be perfect.  We've had our ups and downs over the past 9 1/2 years...and parenthood has definitely been one of the most challenging and rewarding times in our lives.  But truth be told, I sure do love my little family, and I wouldn't change it for the world. :)



The night ended with us going on a walk, taking Eli to the playground, and finally watching the latest episode of MasterChef. (HA)!  Our lives may seem simple to some, but I'll echo what I said earlier...I wouldn't change it for the world.

Then today - I had no idea that some of my coworkers would continue the birthday surprises!  One of our nurses shared with me a hand-painted birthday card - Seriously, HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THAT!?  I really want her to show me how she makes these ASAP.
 


 
Then, during a 1-on-1 meal outing with a client, one of my absolute favorite therapist collabs (and of course, friend) bought me my own copy of The Body is Not An Apology. I was so ecstatic to finally have a hard copy so I could reference this book firsthand with clients.  I also 'splurged' and purchased this journaling/activity workbook for myself...(what can I say, there are definitely SOME perks to growing older and gifting things to yourself)!

So what has this last year of life taught me?? Well first of all, I've gained so much more confidence in myself as a residential eating disorder dietitian.  I've also unofficially garnered the title 'body image expert' from my coworkers due to being so passionate about the topic, and leading a weekly group for my clients.    There's also been so much self-reflection occurring behind the scenes in both my personal life and relationships...I've really honed in on spending most of my energy with "my people" and not foregoing self-care to appease others outside of this immediate circle.  While not to sound selfish, I've also come to realize that I just don't want to waste time, energy or money on people who do not meet my needs mentally, physically, or spiritually.  I'm so used to giving 150% in every area of my life, that I'm used to feeling emotionally drained with no time for myself.  My goal for year 29 is to set myself up for success mentally, so I'm prepared for a new life decade come 2020.

Until then - I do have a lot of topics up my sleeve for this blog.  One of my 2019 long-term goals was to post a blog 2x per month....while I'm slightly falling short of this goal, by checking in now, hopefully I can stay accountable the last quarter of the year. 

So cheers to 29 - let's hope this is the best year YET!
 
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