Happy Birthday to Me!
41 and
fabulous
It’s official … I am 41 today
Yup… you heard that right. I know I don’t look it …
I brought 41 in with a bang - retuning yesterday from Sedona, AZ where I spent 3 days surrounded by business owners looking to take their lives and careers to new levels. It just feels different when you surround yourself with like-minded people who share your vision for what the future is going to look like - a successful business, a happy life, a thriving family and all that comes with it!
So…back to my birthday. Now I must say that strong reactions are common with getting older. I know I’ve had them..I’m guessing you may relate? Getting older is hard. We feel and see it in our body, our mind and people don’t forget to tell us we’re getting older!
This may result in feelings about aging that may not be useful or serve you well
In Sedona, we spent a lot of time getting super clear on how our mindset impacts so much of both our personal and professional life and can be a difference maker when it comes to our own success and happiness. Ultimately, we are responsible for this, other people don’t have the ability to determine our success or happiness - this is our job.
During the retreat, we used Brooke Castillo ‘s Life Coaching Model (which I also use with ALL of my clients because it is pure gold!) - we worked through how our thoughts and feelings impact the actions that we take, and ultimately the results we get.
Without having our thoughts and feelings locked in, we don’t always get the results we’re looking for. So you might ask,
how do we get the results we want?
Great question - I start by having clients focus on what they want the outcome or result to be. Then we often work our way up from that - if you want that result, what steps do you have to take to get there? Now that you’re taking those actions, now that you’re taking strategic action, what are the feelings that are now coming up by getting the work done, and how has that changed your thinking or mindset.
Being a solution-oriented person (I’m all about getting results!) it’s my job to help you understand how our mindset is the main catalyst for getting the results you want.
Ok.. now let’s bring this back to getting older. What’s the result want to get from getting older? Maybe you’re thinking more financially stable? A consistent schedule? Less work? More travel? Feeling healthy? Whatever it might be, I want you to think of the action steps to get that desired result - once you take the action steps - now start thinking about the thoughts and feelings that are coming up as a result. If you start with the thoughts and feelings, you’re likely going to get caught in that mindset of “getting old sucks!”
So let’s talk strategy.
Implementing strategies to manage your thoughts and feelings can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. Here are some strategies for dealing with the emotions that arise with birthdays and getting older!
Embrace Change: Aging is inevitable, but how we approach it can make all the difference. Instead of resisting change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Recognize that each passing year brings new experiences and wisdom.
2. Practice Gratitude: Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life. Cultivating a daily gratitude practice can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment.
3. Set Intentions (My fav!) Use your birthday as a time to set intentions for the year ahead. What do you hope to achieve? What areas of your life do you want to prioritize? Setting clear intentions can provide direction and purpose as you navigate the next chapter of your life.
4. Connect with Others: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who uplift and inspire you. Share your hopes, fears, and dreams with trusted confidants, fostering deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
5. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, indulging in hobbies, or prioritizing rest, prioritize activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul.
6. Seek Professional Support: If feelings of anxiety or sadness become overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek support from a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can provide invaluable insights and strategies for managing difficult emotions - if you need this - ask me, I’m happy to help you find one.
7. Embrace Your Authentic Self: Celebrate who you are at this moment in time. Embrace your strengths, quirks, and imperfections, recognizing that true beauty lies in authenticity.
8. Cultivate Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs, but resilience allows us to bounce back stronger than before. Cultivate resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, learning from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook.
9. Embrace New Beginnings: Age is just a number, and it's never too late to pursue your passions and dreams. Embrace new beginnings with enthusiasm and optimism, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Remember…Each Year is a Gift
