Tough Talk Thursday: Embrace Where You Are Right Now

Today is the last tough talk Thursday for me, dear. Let's talk about being here, right where we are, right at this moment, in this place, with these people, in this situation. I'm now 53. In my head, I am in my mid- to late-30s. My body feels like it's 120. For me, here is good. Like all of you, getting here has been a process. My teens were tumultuous. In my twenties, I described myself as a wrecking ball. In my late 20s, I began to feel the shift into adulthood, settling in and coming into my own. In my 30s, I grew. In my 40s, I blossomed. In my 50s, I feel settled, deeply rooted, content, and happy. 

I look at my daughter and my friends who are in their 20s; yes, I have very good friends who are in their 20s. I feel like a cool aunt. I repeat to them, this does not last forever. Someday, you will look back on this and laugh, or you won't even remember this, or you will learn something from this. It's true. What seems monumental at one moment will not be even a blip on the radar years from now. 

I watch my friends in their 30s grow. It's exciting to see them come into their own. Watch them develop into women who feel their purpose and have the drive to do something grand. They are figuring out exactly what they want out of life and going for it. It's amazing. 

My friends who are in their 40s are digging in, setting those roots, standing tall and strong. They've weathered the storms, they've been around the sun enough times to know what is what and call it. 

In my 50s, what sent me over the edge in my 20s and 30s barely gets a response from me. I like it that way. By this time, I know what deserves a response and what needs just to be let go. My reactions aren't as big. My feelings aren't as big. I have better control. I feel more in control than I ever have, and it's a good feeling. I don't mean in control of, like, my fate or I-can-conquer-the-world kind of control. I mean, I feel in control of my emotions, my boundaries, and what I allow into my world. I guess I finally feel like I know exactly who I am, and I am good with it. 

Wherever you are in your journey, embrace it. It doesn't last forever. I don't know what the future holds, but I look forward to finding out. I hope my 60s are filled with fun and adventure and so much more laughter. With The Bibbed Wonder by my side, I know for a fact laughter will be involved. My unsolicited advice: enjoy where you are in this moment, at this time, with these people, because it doesn't last forever. 

On this grey winter's day, stay safe, be smart, embrace the journey, and keep washing your hands.