This Wednesday is not just any other day of the week. It is also my birthday. I have always been the type of person who enjoys birthdays. I love birthday cake, balloons, cheesy cards, and spending the day with friends and family.

I am usually the first person to say that age is just a number. I refuse to feel old, whatever “old” is supposed to mean. Why is aging such a bad thing anyway? I wouldn’t trade all the things I know now just to be a decade younger. I am more confident in who I am now than I ever was back then. Not that I’m perfect.

The past year has been an incredible one. We traveled to Greece, Chile, London, LA and New York. We celebrated 11 years of marriage. Our careers are going well and I started this blog. I even jumped off a cliff -literally! It’s been a wonderful year and I’m so thankful to be surrounded by my incredible family, who support me in every way.

That being said, there are a few things I’d like to remind myself of as another birthday approaches. I have moments where I need to let things go, unplug, and remember to take some things in stride.

1 – Remember to say “no”

I am guilty of taking on too many things because I usually can’t say no. But it’s ok to know what you can handle and graciously turn things down every now and then. Until there’s human clone technology, I’m not going to get worked up over this. There are only so many hours in the day. Where are those human clones anyway? Oh yeah, probably behind the wheel of those flying cars we’ve been waiting on.

2 – Remember not to put forth energy with those who put you down

We’ve all been in situations where someone says something that is either a backhanded compliment or is just plain inappropriate. Just smile and remember that someone else’s words have no real impact on your life. The people who know and love you are the ones that matter. This is probably the biggest reminder for me.

3 – Remember not to take yourself too seriously

I have always been a rather serious person. Not that I can’t have a great time and laugh and joke around. But sometimes I’m a little too serious. Laugh at yourself more and don’t worry so much about everything. Who cares if you tripped walking UP the stairs, spilled coffee on your shirt, and stepped in dog poop. It’ll make a great story come happy hour!

4 – Remember to put the phone away

In my best Chandler Bing – Could we BE any more tied to our cell phones? Remember that the phone doesn’t control you, YOU control IT. It’s super fun to snap photos of your food at a restaurant and share that on social media, but you can always snap it quick and post it later. I want to mark my life with meaningful events, not status updates.

At the end of the day, I’m just happy to have lived another year on this planet with my best friend, my perfect person, and the love of my life…my husband. He’s always on my team and I love how he always makes my birthday so special.

How do you feel about your birthday? Do you try avoiding it like the plague, or do you embrace it and go all out? Do you think our feelings about birthdays change throughout our lives?

Thank you so much for reading!

xo- Erin