While fall is a busy time of year, it’s also the perfect season to reflect and be thankful.
My 35th birthday just passed — a milestone that seemed so surreal.
When I was 20, 35 seemed so old.. That means I must be ancient now, right?
There are times I still feel 13, but the crows feet that have made their mark around my tired orbs tell me otherwise.
Despite having to swap my skincare routine from acne prevention to anti-aging — okay, I still get pimples too — this is the first time in my life I’ve honestly felt comfortable, dare I say it…even happy, in my own skin.
And no, it’s not some miracle cream or workout video that has given me a fresh new shiny outlook.
I have my two girls, Molly, 7, and Zoe, 5, to thank for this internal paradigm shift.
Prior to entering my 30s and having a family, I felt more lost and confused than any point in my life. Like most 20-year-olds, I was busy with building my career, fretting about my figure (oh, how I wish I had that tiny waist now), having fun with friends and worrying about what my future would hold.
I used to stress over everything, especially when life didn’t go as planned. And patience? I didn’t comprehend the definition until I was forced to watch The Wiggles on repeat or nurse a cluster-feeding newborn for 48-hours straight.
Honestly, I don’t think I ever took a moment to savour my success — to press pause and really take it all in.
Time always seems to go so slowly when you’re young and then makes up for lost time when you grow up.
When I became a parent, I assumed the role of the teacher. What I didn’t realize was that I was about the one about to be schooled, big time.
As my girls sprouted from toddlers to children, I quickly discovered I could no longer get away wit my hurried lifestyle, nor did I want to.
Well, except for the witching hour; bedtime can never come soon enough.
Whether it’s to count the spots on a lady bug that has landed in our garden or a mid-afternoon snuggle, just because, my girls force me to press pause and enjoy the little joys in life.
Now that I’m a bit older, and hopefully somewhat wiser, the proverbial speed bumps on the road of life don’t seem to bother me as much.
As long as my family is happy and healthy, I don’t sweat the small stuff.
Okay, I’m still not digging the lines or dark circles around my puffy eyes, but I’m hoping the 40-year-old me in five years will have a much bigger bank account to to take care of it. Bring it on!
This Thanksgiving, I look forward to celebrating gratitude, family, friendship, good health and prosperity with those I hold near and dear.
I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving as well and thank YOU for subscribing to and supporting this blog xo
~ also published on page 12 of Urbanique Magazine.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.thevalleymom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/13621326_10154196499215359_2104428602_o.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]One of Vancouver’s top Mommy Bloggers, Kristyl Clark resides in the beautiful Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada surrounded by lush countryside, urban shopping centers, wineries and parks. This work-at-home mom of two little Valley girls is proving there is nothing bland about the burbs. This adventurous family seems to always be out on some sort of crazy quest, from helicopter rides and wild river rafting, to top-secret paranormal investigations and living the high-life sampling the fine wines and foods of the Fraser Valley region. Kristyl also publishes a monthly column in Black Press publications throughout Metro Vancouver titled ‘Pink Laundry’. The ValleyMom.ca blog inspires her loyal fanbase through the trials and tribulations of suburban family living, guiding readers to local hotspots and hidden gems in her Canadian backyard.[/author_info] [/author]
