12 Reasons Why Turning 36 is Reason to Celebrate

In celebration of my birthday this week (October 11th) I thought it would be fun to share some reasons why I’m celebrating turning 36. This will be a fun way for you to get to know the girl behind Miss Sue Living.

1. 36….is so much closer to 40!

Ok, so really I do think about how much closer 36 is to 40 and that freaks me out a little bit. But I’m going to celebrate turning 36. Taking one day of the year to reflect and celebrate YOU is fun! A choice dessert, a night out with your hubby or friends is a great way to celebrate another year of life.

2. Health

I’m thankful to be healthy and active. I can run longer and further at 36 than I ever did at 26. With age I now know the importance of keeping my body healthy and living an active lifestyle.

3. Family

My people are reason to celebrate! I’m blessed to be the momma to 3 kiddos and wife to my husband, Nathan.

4. Finding joy in the little things

The older you get the easier it is to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. A cup of hot coffee ( yes new momma, one day you will be drinking a cup of hot coffee again!). A child’s laugh. Flowers on the side of the road. Waiting for a butterfly to emerge from its chrysalis. You notice the simple things and they bring a smile to your face.

5. Knowing where my worth comes from

In my younger years I would look to family, friends and my husband for recognition and worth. But now I know where my true worth comes from. It’s from the living God who created me! Zephaniah 3:17 “He will take great delight in you…”

6. Free food and drinks

You need to sign up for all the free birthday drink and food offers! I’ll be enjoying my free Starbucks coffee and doing a little shopping with my $10 Birthday Kohl’s cash. This post from dealnews.com has a round-up of birthday discounts and freebies.

7. Sleep

I actually listen to my body now and go to bed at a reasonable hour. No more staying up till midnight and then rising at 6 am. Nope-this momma needs her sleep. And occasionally I may take a quick power nap during the day.

8. Friends

I now have found my forever friends. These are the friends that I do life with. My kids are growing up with their kids. We look out for each other and encourage one another. These friends I can count on to tell me the hard things – like when I mess up, they will let me know lovingly and point me in the right direction.

9. Doing it scared

Trying new thing even when I’m scared. Putting yourself out there with the chance of rejection is scary. But holding back and not trying something new leaves you wondering “what if”. So I’m doing new things scared and skipping the “what if”. For example, starting a blog! Putting my words out into the world wide web is scary. I’m doing it scared because I know someone out there will be inspired by my writing and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to encourage a fellow mom.

10. Having an opinion

There were the days that I would play it safe in social settings. I was the listener, not the talker. Now I’m OK sharing my opinion in a conversation. Enjoying a little debate now and then and not worrying if my opinion will be inline with all “the people”.

11. Doing the hard things

You know what I’m talking about. Doing the things you don’t love to do but you know they will have a positive outcome. Like exercise; it’s hard to get out of bed early to go for a run or workout. But afterwards you feel great and are charged for the day. Or going to a job you don’t love. You continue to do it because you are supporting and providing for your family. Educating your children from home. It can be hard some days to be your child’s teacher. They push your buttons or don’t want to do their school work. But you press through the difficult days and focus on the big picture. You are providing the best possible education for your kiddos.

12. Dream

Dreaming again. Actually planning to full-fill a dream. A dream of writing, traveling or exploring. In 2016 I was able to full fill my dream of traveling to Paris. I used to think I would only see the Eiffel Tower in pictures. But my dream came true and I was able to view it in person!

Life is reason to celebrate and I am looking forward to another year to grow, dream and inspire those around me.