38

I have gotta say, ten years ago I thought I'd be freaking out and feeling all old and sorry for myself about turning 38.  I have to say "getting old" pretty much rocks.
  
Yes, I have more sag and wrinkles- but I have way more confidence than I did in my twenties.  I am amazed by how much more "I don't give a fuck" I have gained since 35! 
And I can't believe I am saying this, but I can't wait until 40.

I can go on here, but in a nut shell I was a shy awkward teenager.  I hated the teen years! I became more outgoing in my 20's, but I was so self conscious- always worried about what others thought, and I was pretty selfish too.  I think the 30's are mellowing me, mostly by having kids.  It becomes more about them, less about you.
And I have found my voice, and I am not AS scared to use it these days.
I still have my insecurities, I am still way too sensitive in many ways,
but I am much happier in my skin than I was 10/ 20 years ago.
I am grasping that whole "you only get one spin on this ride called life" thing more everyday,
so I have been trying to enjoy the ride more.
  
Today is like every other day, except it just happens to be my birthday.  
I also share this day with my niece and grandmother, 
and I think sharing a birthday is one of the coolest things ever.

 I see this day more as a "New Years Day" kinda thing. 
I like to look back and reflect, see what I want to do or change in the next year, 
and eat some cake and drink champagne wine or mojitos.

I woke up to coffee and some nice gifts from my husband (a new journal for reflecting and a getaway weekend to "our spot" in a few weeks). 
I also got some pretty cool presents from my kids:
Handmade cards, a new paint tray ("you like to paint things mom"- yes, yes I do.), "customized" bottle caps and rocks  and some re-gifted toys and markers.
Love it!

I am a lucky girl, and I wouldn't trade a thing.
38 is looking good.

xo
Danika

23 comments:

M said...

Happy Birthday! I'm so glad that you've fully embraced getting older and are so happy. I'm only five years younger but I HATE getting older. My friends are all getting married, having babies and moving away. It is SERIOUSLY bumming me out. Maybe I need new friends!

My Interior Life said...

Happy Birthday!! What a great post - so full of happiness and optimism. I'm 39 on the downhill slide to 40 so I'm trying to focus on my confidence now too. You're totally right about that. Oh, and I shared my birthday with my grandmother too - so special. Enjoy your paint tray (precious) and your gogo crazy bones!

Heather Peterson said...

Happy birthday!!!
I will be 38 in December and hope to have this same attitude. Mostly, when people ask me how old I am, I actually can't remember. So maybe the number gets less and less important.

So glad you're feeling good. Enjoy it!

Heather
loveyourspace.blogspot.com

eddielicious said...

I was just thinking this morning, getting older (and im almost 10 years older) hasnt been bad at all! But i also have wondered why in none of the blogs i read, and all y'all bloggers are so stylish. Why no one has blogged about RapidLash. The next WORST thing after the wrinkles (and tightening hip flexors) is the thinning of eyelash and eyebrow hair. Soooo aging..... After sseing a friends results i went out and got a tube (hint: Bed bath and Beyond lets you use their 20% off coupon) 2 weeks later my eyelashes look great! Yay i look 38 again :)

Tiffany Leigh said...

Happy Birthday! I hope I can find a little more of the peace you describe each year too!
Hope your day is amazing!!!

Hannah said...

Happy Birthday! Love that you see growing older as such a positive thing -- so refreshing, and something for me to look forward to! :)

Sarah said...

Happy Birthday Danika! I'm just a year behind you but definitely agree - the 30's are pretty fantastic! Wishing you all the best on your birthday!

Katie Waddell said...

Happy Birthday, your kids are so sweet! Trying to embrace that attitude more and more each day while I can.

Elizabeth said...

Happy Birthday!!! 35 was my best year so far and 36 (I am three months in) is better and better. I love getting older and knowing myself more and liking myself more. Yay to aging gracefully and getting better every year!
xoxo -e (modern24seven)

LindsB said...

What an awesome post- I'm going to save this and read it on my birthday when I'm feeling sad and realize the best is yet to come!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

therelishedroost said...

Oh to be 38 again! Happy Birthday, I think 38 is a great year, you know who you are and where you are going and yet you still have young energy! AFter 45 you really dont give a:)! Enjoy these years.. believe they go by fast!
Karolyn
The Relished Roost!

Sharon@house58blog.com said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! It only gets better, believe me! Have a great day/year!!!

PP@pimpmybricks.wordpress.com said...

You know, you don't come over as shy. You come over (here) as confident, energetic, generous and independent. May your years keep getting better and better.
PP

Lisa Mende said...

Happy Birthday!!!

The Pink Pagoda said...

Happy Birthday, Danika! I completely agree about getting older and stronger!

Danika Herrick said...

Thank you all! I had a great day!

Stacy CUrran said...

Happy birthday! Loved this post. Those homemade gifts are the best :)
Stacy

kayce hughes said...

Happy Birthday! I turned 47 on Monday and I agree with your thoughts on age. I share my birthday with my monther in law!
xokc

Carol@TheDesignPages said...

I couldn't agree more. Turning 40 is definitely even more empowering so look out. Happy birthday to you. I just had one last weekend and my very favourite thing is the cards and hand made gifts from the kids. I adore them!

Bia said...

And here's the thing...in ten years it will be even better. Just wait for the bifocals - if I don't want to see it, I just take off my glasses! Here's to being 38...48...58...

Unknown said...

I'm coming up on 38 too and am so glad to hear you say that! Happy birthday! I hope you had a great one!
Hooper

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, hope you have an amazing day.

Houndstooth and Nail said...

Amen sister!!!!!
Happy Birthday! My 36th was just the other day and I couldn't agree with you more.
:)

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