41 is here and I could not feel more excited about what is to come this year!
Last year at this time I was getting ready to turn 40. I had a wonderful time celebrating with some lovely friends in Scottsdale at the Andaz Resort. We chilled in the pool (one of my most favorite things in the world to do) and enjoyed some tasty drinks, nibbles and conversation. It was so special!
Rewind to today and another year has passed. Honestly, 40 did not feel much different than 30. And, 41 is pretty much feeling the same. I used to feel sad at the idea of “getting older”.
Society teaches us that getting older is a bad thing.
It’s the only way to sell more facelifts and anti-aging remedies. Even though I am definitely into taking care of my body and skin I’m not into trying to cover up my age or hide from years past.
I believe aging is a huge blessing. By placing the focus on my growth each year instead of the number I have completely changed my perspective on aging. A number truly is just a number. It means nothing! It’s all about how you feel. And, I feel better at 41 than I have my entire life!
This amazing healing journey (from more than just ankylosing spondylitis and chronic iritis) has brought a focus of self-development and self-growth to the top of my to do list. I have immersed myself so deeply that it has become a part of my every day.
My struggle with autoimmune disease has continued to lead to growth I never would have experienced otherwise.
Each year I have the opportunity to continue to work on myself and share my experience with others.
So, to celebrate 41 I thought I would share 5 things I have learned this past year that have made an impact on my life. These things have contributed to my continued growth and healing and I think they will help you too!
THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS I LEARNED THIS YEAR
1. CHOOSE TO FIND LOVE IN ALL INSTEAD OF FEAR
Fear and worry used to control my life. This past year I have really opened my heart to choose love over fear and it has been life changing! It has allowed me to truly be in the present moment as well as embrace uncertainty. Both of which has opened me up to curiosity and possibility in all. Fear is no longer controlling my decisions. Leaving my full-time position at Target was scary, I’m not going to lie. But, through the entire process I trusted my intuition and heart. I feel so much gratitude for my time at Target, the beautiful people I met there and for each and every experience. Finding gratitude in leaving vs. being scared of the future made the entire process a beautiful experience.
Focusing on love in all instead of fear has also grown my faith and trust in God and his plans for my life. The more we look through the eyes of love the more we are open to all people’s points of view. The more love we put out into the universe the more we receive. We have a choice each and every day to live either through love or fear. In everything! Whether it’s how we view or move our bodies, what we eat and how we interact with others. Choosing love over fear opens your life up to incredible beauty and joy.
2. FEEL GRATITUDE IN YOUR HEART
I have had a gratitude practice for many years and all day I am conscious of the things I am thankful for. This year I learned that by “feeling” the emotion associated with gratitude in your heart takes your practice to the next level. Not only does it raise your emotional state and makes you feel better all-around but it has also been shown to improve the immune system and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. This is why gratitude is so critical to healing. So, when you are expressing gratitude try to feel it in your heart!
3. BLESSINGS AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ARE PRESENT IN EVERY STRUGGLE
Whatever you are struggling with know that it’s for a reason. It’ is here to teach you something. Accept it and perceive it as a good thing instead of something bad. We are all going to experience struggle in life and our perceptions can change everything. This past year I have continued to grow from each and every struggle. I have continued to find so many blessings in my ankylosing spondylitis and chronic iritis diagnosis. If it were not for my health struggle I would not be right where I am supposed to be. Which is right here in this very moment. Each and every struggle this past year has taught me about myself, my life, my potential and the world around me.
4. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
Dreams are huge and they are possible! You can do anything you want to in this life. We tap into such a small part of our human potential. We are all unique, talented, amazing human beings and can do anything we want. Stepping out in love instead of fear is what finally allowed me to start following my heart and doing the work I am being called to do!
5. BRING CONSCIOUS AWARENESS TO THE PRESENT MOMENT
This past year I discovered a technique that has really helped me to be more present in the moment. When you feel you are disconnecting from the moment at hand use one of your senses to bring yourself back. For example, pick up on a sound in the room you are in or a smell. I have found that by getting my senses involved in the moment I am in really helps to ground me and bring me back. Being more present this year has really helped me to feel more joy and gratitude in my life.
Cheers to 41 and all this coming year brings. I am excited about each and every possibility and open to receive.
In Love, Heath + Gratitude,
Katie