April 4, 2017

Today marks the first day of my final year of my 20’s. I am so excited to dive into this chapter more beautiful, strong + daring than ever! I have changed so much over these couple of years + this morning as sip my #Starbucks I reflect on how far I have come. No, I did not make every perfect choice, I may not have done everything right, but I can say I have given it my best effort + every time I fall, I get back up.

I don’t celebrate 29 "perfect" years today, I celebrate 29 STRONG years. I celebrate the humility it takes to say sorry when you cause pain whether on purpose or accident. I celebrate the beauty displayed when you need grace, because perfection is a roll you play, not who you are. I celebrate the bravery it takes to be who you are, not who others need you to be. I celebrate the strength it takes to forgive a deep hurt. I celebrate the effort it takes to give each person, opportunity + day your best. I celebrate the balance of working hard to accomplish your dreams in this life + the peace you receive when you let go of things you cannot control. I celebrate the gift of true friends + the greater opportunity to be a true friend. I celebrate discovering who you are + what you are passionate about. I celebrate being given challenges + chances to grow.

More than anything I have learned to celebrate the process + journey, not only the result or destination. I am a work in progress + finally that doesn’t scare me, shame me, or bind me anymore. I love who I am + I love loving me. Yes, after 29 years, this is where I am + it’s only going to get sweeter from here! 30, I am coming for you, after I kick some major 29 booty!

Mel Marie xoxo