Well…it’s something that I like to do every year…run my AGE in MILES! It has become quite the tradition over the years and one that I really enjoy. It also helps me to reflect upon years gone by. So, I took time off from work on my actual birthday (which was this past Friday) and ran a bunch of loops in the ‘hood. It was quite enjoyable and a lot to look at for hours upon hours!
Every year I kind of end up picking a different place to run too. Which is nice to kind of change up the scenery a bit!
Things got extremely hot towards the end so I made sure to stash my car aka makeshift aid station with all of the goodies. I had mini muffins, a huge jug of ice cold water and CHOCOLATE MILK on ice to fuel the day. The chocolate milk actually was quite incredible and gave me a nice little carb/protein boost.
If you’ve been reading you know that every year I also like to share some life lessons I’ve learned – 35 years on this beautiful earth! Here are some lessons that I’ve picked up along the way during this incredible journey. Hopefully…just maybe…you can relate.
1. Celebrate others. Always. It is good to put those good vibes out into the universe. You always should get excited about celebrating the ones you love. It says a lot about who you are as a person.
2. Have courage to step away from relationships that hurt. Things that no longer serve you.
3. Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.
4. Always carve out time for yourself in the mornings. Whether you use that time to reflect, meditate, prayer. Get centered before you step out into the world.
5. Communicate with your parents as much as you can. Schedule dates with them! I go on a brunch date with my mom and dad every Sunday.
6. Make a name for yourself and build your career. Even if you’re married. Be your own person and have your own independence.
7. Have some wild/fun/thrilling stories you can take to your grave.
8. Forgive easily. Oh so, so easily.
9. Kiss slowly. Kiss in the rain.
10. If it terrifies the mess outta you, it’s absolutely a great idea to do it.
11. Eat the icing first. Hey…this may not be that popular of an opinion. But I like it.
12. Feel pain. Feel joy. Feel all of the emotions. Don’t block ‘em out. Feeling the extreme ups and downs and being able to ride the wave is healthy for your body mind and spirit.
13. You are someone’s favorite notification.
14. Discover your love language. Mine is quality time. I am also NOT a words of affirmation person?? No idea why. I like time spent. And physical touch.
15. Moisturize! Sunscreen is your friend even on cloudy days.
16. Ask questions. Seek clarity.
17. You don’t have to share all of your opinions on social media. RESIST.
18. Slow down. Nothing requires that much of a rush. Pump the brakes and live a content life.
19. Decluttering matters.
20. Words are powerful. Choose them wisely with ones that you love.
21. Love people, use things. The opposite never works.
22. Live YOUR version of a delicious life.
23. Who empowers you? Who inspires you? Spend more time with them.
24. What fires you up on the inside? Hold on tight to that passion. Cherish it as if it was your first born child.
25. Not everyone was raised/grew up/had the same background or upbringing/values as you. Consider that when dealing with people.
26. Success is pretty amazing revenge. It also requires you to say absolutely nothing.
27. Spend time in silence. Every day.
28. Eat things that nourish you and make you feel satisfied and not depleted.
29. Move your body. It is good for your body and for your brain.
30. NO is not a bad word. Neither is “I have a prior commitment”, Even if simply taking care of YOU is the prior commitment.
31. Take on as little debt as possible. Don’t let it rob you of your freedom and limit your options.
32. SHOW UP. Make your word your bond.
33. Don’t be a flaky person. I like my pastries flaky, not the people I surround myself with.
34. Experience things fully. Be so present and soak it all in.
35. Continue to learn, to love, to share. Life is for living. Embrace it.
And there you have it!
What are some lessons you’ve learned in your years of living?
thedancingrunner 
What a terrific list. You won’t need to add much of anything to this list ever again. Happy birthday!
Thank you so very much!
Happy Birthday! Great post
Thanks!!!
Wow! Beautiful post!! Love all of your reflections, all of them so on point. Congrats on your 35 miles (WOW!🤩) and Happy Birthday to your 35 years! (YAY!🥳)
Woohoo! Thanks, fellow April baby!
Ummm not kidding but this literally made me tear up! “You are somebody’s favorite notification.” I. Love. That.
These are beautiful and I’m obsessed, that’s all!
AND. Happy birthday, lady ❤️
I am actually blushing! Thank you. I always enjoy your posts, lady!! Great to be able to relate to a fellow writer! Keep on blogging the goodness 🙂 🙂
14 and 17- yes! Hope you had a great birthday!
I did! Thanks, Fallon!
35 pieces of widsom right there. I’ve loved reading your posts (even when they aren’t about running haha). Happy Birthday 🙂
Life lessons and running go hand in hand, my friend! Thanks for following along and being a faithful reader!!
This is great! What an accomplishment to run 35 miles! How do you get your hydration and nutrition on those really long runs?
Park close or makeshift an AID STATION to where you have access to it! That definitely helps especially when you are doing loops. 🙂 I also love hydration backpacks, anything lightweight that does not weigh me down.
I LOVE this tradition to run your age in miles- genius!! Happy Birthday, Chelsea!! This is such a phenomenal list. So much wisdom, truth, & inspiration. Thanks for sharing I’ve been meaning to publish a post like this myself for 25 by 25.. it’s been sitting in my drafts since January so this motivates me to finish it up.
Yay girl!! Get after it!!! 🙂 🙂