One thing.. I’ve just celebrated my 35th birthday over the weekend and I’m done thinking I’m old. No, seriously, for years I have this thing about not having a big celebration for birthdays for fear that people will know how old I am in the future. Like I am worried for the future me, just in case I need to hide my age in the future.
Somehow this year, something clicked. I feel alright being my age and I’m gonna embrace that from now on.
Talking about embracing. Lauren, Georgia, Nick, dad, sis and bro, watch out. There will be more hugs for you people this year. Literally and metaphorically. Since we (my dad and siblings) are not logistically close to each other, hugs will come in the form of whatsapp messages, skype and phone calls. Yes, turn off your phone if you get tired of me… coz I’m ready to give lots of sugar this year.
So what triggers the sudden flowing of love, you ask?
Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, a girl lost her mom to asthma at 34 years old. Her maternal grandmother passed away at around the same age too. This girl grew up thinking she might live until 34 years old only too. So all her life she has been fiercely independent, living her life exactly how she wanted to a point when she’s been called self-absorbed and she didn’t even mind it. Because life is short. Then one day, she turned 35. She had a sudden realisation that she had outlived her mom and grandmother. She looked around and noticed that her life hasn’t worked out exactly the way she wanted. She spends her day looking after others but she couldn’t be happier.
I’m grateful and happy as of this moment, being 35, happily married with 2 super adorable girls. I will strive to wake up every day excited about the day ahead. For days when I don’t feel so great, I will think of all the things I’m grateful for.
I say this because sometimes I lament and complain about things. Life gets crazy sometimes – with so many articles out there telling you how to be a good parent and I lose it. I forgot how to be a fun, happy mom, wife, daughter, sibling and friend.
Maybe it is the chilly weather today or maybe the house is a little quiet at the moment (although this may change at any moment’s notice when a child wakes up from nap), I feel that this year, in order to gain some equilibrium, I should also start listening to myself. Listen to my gut feeling. If a social invitation or blogging opportunity comes up, and I don’t immediately go, “Hell yeah!”; I would just say no. This way I could focus my time and energy into things that really matter. Doing some educational activities with the kids, for instant.
I want to manage my time better too. I will get rid of time-robbers activities like watching TV, shopping unnecessarily or killing time on the computer. Maybe not entirely, but it is a work in progress.
And finally, I want to look after myself well, so I can look after my family. It is time to take out those bottles of supplements from the kitchen cabinet and actually eat them on a regular basis. I also need to sleep earlier than my usual 1am sleep time.
So I ended up with 9 things instead of just 5. When you are ready to make changes in life, it is hard to contain yourself. These changes are not just for 2015. It may change or it may evolve as time goes by. These are just the beginning towards a better me.
As an Infant Teacher by day and mommy by night, Ashley spends most of her free time at home, occasionally taking off for ‘me-time’. Ashley, a mother of one spends her time typing away for her blog, Mothers’ Avenue Singapore and she shares raw emotional views on parenting and marriage related issues.
PS: 9 habits of fit moms.
Gosh Michelle, you hardly look 35 at all. All the best for achieving these 9 items.
Gosh Michelle, you hardly look 35 at all. All the best for achieving these 9 items.
Hope that you do get the 9 changes that you are working towards this 2015.
Hope that you do get the 9 changes that you are working towards this 2015.
Thanks Susan. It is funny how we all have an image of how 35 is supposed to look like. Perhaps it is time to break the mould!
Thanks Susan. It is funny how we all have an image of how 35 is supposed to look like. Perhaps it is time to break the mould!
Thanks Dom. I guess if I break it down, it is really about my attitude towards life. So yes, I will make it! Start positive, right?
Thanks Dom. I guess if I break it down, it is really about my attitude towards life. So yes, I will make it! Start positive, right?
Hey pretty mummy, I love how real and honest your post is. Happy turning 35 and all the best to achieving what you wanna achieve in 2015! 🙂
Hey pretty mummy, I love how real and honest your post is. Happy turning 35 and all the best to achieving what you wanna achieve in 2015! 🙂
I'll be rooting for you!
By the way, I know the feeling of thinking that we're "old" I like your take on it…Happy birthday!!
My family is far away from me too, and we are ALWAYS on what's app!!! Isn't it the best?
Thanks, Summer!
I will strive to wake up every day excited about the day ahead. – that is a great one! What a great goal or intention. 🙂
I will strive to wake up every day excited about the day ahead. – that is a great one! What a great goal or intention. 🙂
Hello there! I just happened to chance upon your blog, so thought i'll say Hi and that I can resonate with how real your post is. Way to go!
Hello there! I just happened to chance upon your blog, so thought i'll say Hi and that I can resonate with how real your post is. Way to go!
Hi Adeline, thanks for commenting . 🙂
Hi Adeline, thanks for commenting . 🙂