Things I have discovered and rediscovered in my 40's

It's 2018 and I will be 42 this year. FORTY-TWO. I have loved and lost (including myself), went through career lows and highs, lost friends, gained new ones, took more risks than I ever would have expected, and risen like a phoenix out of tragedies that some people may not have mentally survived.  As a way of returning to my blog, I want to share 20 things I picked up along the way:

1. I am strong.
2. I am beautiful and it is okay for me to say that out loud...to actual people.
3. I have a voice and I am not afraid to use it.
4. Being a better friend to myself has drawn greater opportunities.
5. Everyone can't go with you.
6. It's okay to say 'no'.
7. I will continue to wear red lipstick, jeans, chucks, glitter, a tutu and anything else I please. I do what I want.
8. I'm not a quitter, but I know when to stop.
9. Everything doesn't require my attention or a reaction.
10. If you don't like something, change it.
11. Anyone who tries to discourage you from doing something they aren't brave enough to do is not worth your joy. Fear is not wisdom.
12.  Listen.
13. Trust your intuition.
14. Fear is a waste of the imagination.
15. I don't want kids and I'm not less of a woman for it. Society cannot and will not determine my worth.
16. It's never too late to try new things.
17. I'm a nerd and that's awesome.
18. Stay calm.
19. Appreciate where you are instead of longing for where you think you should be.
20. Breathe. 

I plan on exploring each of these things and sharing how what these lessons mean to me. I hope you enjoy.

Sprout!

I can't believe it's been two years since I've written on my blog. Especially since I really enjoyed writing on it and the feedback I received from friends, family and strangers. Many things have happened since then, but it has all happened for the purpose of growth. Aside from exploring with make up and skincare, I started a yoga practice and began a journey to take better care of my mind, body and spirit.

Last month, I read an article about growing food inside of your home, particularly celery.  I read that cutting the base of celery and adding it to a bowl of water will produce a brand new celery stalk. I thought that would be simple enough, so I added the base of a celery stalk to water. Low and behold, about one week later Sprout was born.

Watching this plant grow from water is amazing to me. I've never had a plant of any kind before. What amazes me is how this plant is thriving solely with water, and my love of course. I admit, I talk to Sprout everyday and tell it how beautiful and strong it is. That's how impressed I am. To me, Sprout is a lesson in strength. This plant is not thriving in it's natural habitat, which would be outside in soil and the sun. It's thriving in a bowl of water, indoors. I've faced some challenges that have definitely taken me out of my comfort zone and forced me to show myself what I'm made of. I was challenged to grow with what I thought wasn't going to be enough. That's when I realized I had exactly what I needed.

Sprout is a month old now and it just dawned on me that it's going to get bigger. Much bigger. Of course I'm going to move it to a bigger bowl or pot or something when the time is right. This is just another lesson in growth and preparing to move to bigger and better places as you grow. Who knew that celery would become one of my teachers?