Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday.

Another year older, perhaps a little wiser, who knows!

What I do know though, is that I’m very lucky to have reached yet another birthday in good health. It’s something plenty of other people wish for and are sadly denied.

Anyway, serious part over, and onto the fun stuff!

In my life I believe I have achieved many things. Naturally I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but that’s ok. That’s how we learn, grow stronger, and move forward in life.

I was very lucky to find the love of my life when I was 18, and even luckier that I married him at 25 and we went on to have two beautiful children together.

I was also lucky that, that man already had three children, who have since become wonderful siblings to our twins. I love you all very much.

I also feel incredibly lucky to have a wonderful twin sister. Although I didn’t always feel that way growing up as my sister would often pinch my clothes, sing the same song on repeat (Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On, Cher etc, just to name a few!) and generally annoy me, but now that we’re grown up I know how lucky I am to have her in my life. We speak every day, see each other often and always have a laugh together. I love you sis. Happy birthday to you too!

I’ve also surprised myself in many ways too. Although I enjoyed cross country at school, I never thought I’d end up being one of those people who wakes up early so they can go for a run, nor did I ever think I’d become one of those annoying people who shares all of their runs on social media, but I am!

However, in doing so I am reminded of just how far I have come, and of how much money I have raised for charity over the years. From struggling to run 1km when I first started running in March 2017, to now having completed numerous 5 and 10k’s, as well as two half marathons. This year will see me take on an even bigger challenge that is the London Marathon on Sunday 28th April. I have no doubt that with enough training, focus and motivation, I’ll cross the finish line. Nothing in life is easy, and I like a challenge!

Being in my thirties has also seen me make new friends, and enjoy spending time with old friends. What was it Carry from Sex and the City once said?

“Enjoy yourself…That’s what your 20’s are for. Your thirties are to learn the lessons. Your 40s are to pay for the drinks”

Well, I’m not quite in my forties yet, but I’ll be sure to pass the message onto my own daughters. There’s nothing quite like living life to the full with a good bunch of friends. Don’t take it too seriously, but also make sure you work hard. A contradiction? Perhaps, but I’m sure there’s logic there somewhere!

This birthday also marks another anniversary. It will be the 14th year of my life in which I haven’t had my mum here to celebrate it with me, but that doesn’t mean she’s been forgotten about. She’s always on my mind, and I always make sure that I talk about her to my children and show them photos so that her memory lives on through them.

Anyway, I won’t ramble on anymore!

Here’s to being another year older!