It's OK to own your age. Happy You, Happy Birthday Me 🎈

A reflection of life, work, balance and being ok being older

I just hit a milestone age yesterday. March 29, it was my birthday. I thought I was going to literally pass out, going through this birthday. Was I going to feel old, over the hill, done, over? Birthdays definitely remind us of our age and time.

But this round, I actually felt completely the opposite. Invigorated, renewed, wise, full of energy and totally excited. Wow what a complete flip.

It had everything to do with my perception of myself and my attitude. I realize that while i’m traveling through the years, I reflected that I have done so much, and achieved so much, and that’s something to celebrate.

This time of year will, however, going forward bring intense sadness too. So I will navigate Easter weekend with some sorry. This time last year I lost my mother to aggressive stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It literally changed my entire 2023 and into 2024. I have really taken a hard look at my mortality, and what is important in my life, let alone the additional focus and attention on organizing matters back in Australia. It has also led me to intense joy and closeness with my dad, as well as appreciation of the life I’ve built with my husband and 2 kids. Family is everything.

But back to the birthday. I can’t remember the last time my birthday fell on Easter weekend, but here it is, and therefore, with the sadness, comes also incredible joy and appreciation of “who is Gilli today”.

Have you ever had both emotions at the same time? Joy and sadness? Happy but bittersweet? Yeah… tricky huh?

I feel like I was a little girl just yesterday. When I look at my 10 year old daughter, and the life she lives, she reminds me of the little girl in me. Filled with carefree fun, joy and laughter. Dancing, sporty, playful, adventurous, creative, ready for the world.... just… pure joy.

And then I look at myself today and say, “has she left the building?” The answer is:

Hell no. She is right here.

Creative, adventurous, dancing, sporty, playful, ready for the world. Gilli is still here everyone.

I’m so excited for what may come, and so appreciative of everything I’ve done. Bring it on!

More on me and theCrea8ve

Lessons learned:

1. Give Yourself a Pat on the Back: Take a moment to celebrate your wins, big or small. Whether you've conquered a major goal or simply managed to keep your houseplants alive, it's all worth acknowledging. Jot them down, make a mental high-five list, or treat yourself to a little victory dance. Recognizing your achievements can give you a confidence boost and keep you motivated for whatever comes next.

2. Count Your Blessings: Life can get crazy busy, but don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Take a sec each day to think about what you're grateful for. It could be your goofy dog, a killer sunset, or even just a good cup of coffee. I’m definitely on the hunt for the best cappucino these days. Practicing gratitude can totally shift your mindset and help you see the silver lining in every situation.

3. Roll with the Changes: Getting older means change is inevitable. Instead of freaking out about it, embrace it as an opportunity to grow. Think about how you've evolved over the years and all the cool stuff you've learned along the way. Every wrinkle and gray hair has a story, so own it and rock your wisdom!

4. Live in the Moment: While it's great to reminisce about the past and dream about the future, don't forget to enjoy the here and now. Take time to do things that light you up, whether it's jamming out to your favorite tunes, hanging with your crew, or just chilling with a good book. Being present and soaking up the moment can add some serious zest to your life.

5. Stay Connected: Life's way more fun when you've got your squad by your side. Make time for the people who lift you up and make you laugh. Share your wins, vent about your struggles, and lean on each other when times get tough. Building strong connections with others is what it's all about.

6. Be Kind to Yourself: Cut yourself some slack, friend. We're all works in progress, so don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go as planned. Celebrate your wins, learn from your mistakes, and give yourself a little TLC along the way. You're doing the best you can, and that's pretty awesome.

7. Dream Big, Take Action: Got big dreams? Heck yeah, you do! Take some time to think about what you want out of life and go after it with everything you've got. Set some goals, make a plan, and take small steps toward making your dreams a reality. You've got this….

Remember, aging is not a limitation but a privilege. Each passing year brings new opportunities for growth, wisdom, and self-discovery. Embrace your power, celebrate who you are, and approach life with a sense of curiosity and wonder. You are capable of creating a life that is rich, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling. So go ahead, own your power, and live your life with purpose and passion. The best is yet to come!

xo

Gilli

P.S. Some of my favorite posts at theCrea8ve this past year for your weekend reading:

Sharing some of my favorite posts this past year

One of your thoroughbreds

Grit and Joy. The formula to success.

Disrupt.

There is no “I” in Team

Finding the Stillness: A Pathway to Success and Abundance

Getting clear with who you are and what you want: you're half way there