33
Today is my thirty-third birthday, and I’d like to ask for a gift! I’d love to get some advice, tips and/or wisdom from people who have already been here. So I ask of those of you who are older than 33: If you could go back in time and have a short chat with your 33-year-old self, what would you say? What do you wish you understood at 33 that you understand now?
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Happy Birthday!
Oh My…I would say that 10 or even 5 years from now what ever was consuming you(worry…lack of sleep,budget things,ect) NONE of it will be important at all…BECAUSE really everything just keeps getting better and better!!
P.S. I'm 60
Happy Birthday, Jen! I'm actually 43 now. No words of advice here, heck I'm still trying to find my way along. Sad, I know…. I guess if I were to offer something it would be to pick your battles. Being a control freak myself, that's something I struggle with on a daily basis. Please keep me in your prayers.
Anyway… Hope you have a fabulous birthday!
I'm not quite there yet, so no great wisdom to impart, but I did want to wish you a very, happy birthday.
God bless!
I'm not 33 yet, but I will tell you what I tell all of my friends who turn 33 (or 22, or 44, or 55, etc) – congratulations on joining the My Age is Divisible by Eleven Club! My husband will be joining in a couple of weeks, I need to make him a membership card.
Dorky, I know, but I hope it makes you laugh. Happy Birthday!
I'd say, "Dude, the winning Powerball number is 6-24-9-16-3."
Kidding!
What I'd really say is, "Your baby girl will be a teenager before you know it. Don't waste a dang second. Have fun. Take pictures."
"Also, it's ridiculously easy to take your spouse for granted. You think you don't, but you do. Knock it off, NOW."
"And another thing, max out your 401K contributions. Yeah, I know you can't afford it; do it anyway. Oh, and get out of equities whenever the S&P 500 breakes 1500. Seriously."
If I could go back to my 33rd birthday and give myself some advice?? Stay away from the Tequila and the nachos with the jalapeños. BOY!! That was a rough night!!
I'm just 3 years past that so I don't really know what to say. For me the real turning point was 30 when I realized that I could be my own person and didn't have to conform to what other people expected and that it was ok to make mistakes.
I decorated cakes for my kids birthdays for the first time–my oldest were turning 15 so it was a long time coming. LOL
Another thing is that time speeds up each year so keep a record–like you're doing with your blog. You'll thank your young self later on.
Happy Birthday! I love that you ask this…I am always asking my mom and my aunts the same question. I'm 40…Debbie is right…put the worry to rest. In my 30's I really began to realize that although being a mom was such hard work, that these were going to be the best "mom" years of my life…that I would always look forlornly at these years when my children were little and the decisions were easy and I kept the world at bay. I think in my 30's I began to realize that having a toddler in the house was just the BEST EVER. I wish I would have had 5 more kids…I did have problems with pregnancy loss in my late 30's and I lost some really good years in my early 30's being overwhelmed by the silly little things of parenting instead of appreciating the fun of it all. I LOVED my 30's..especially the early ones. Really really find joy in parenting…the older they get the harder it is, I think…the job gets more serious at least.
Love your blog.
33 is a while ago. My first daughter was just born. Now we have 6 and our oldest is preparing for high school.
What would I say? Just to enjoy life as it comes. There is a ton of growing to do. A bunch of stages to pass through. Just enjoy the stage you are at. Don't look forward to when I my kids finally start doing this or when I finally master that. You will get there and those times will have their own challenges. We need to make the most of today.
I love that, Sue, seeing as how I'm a member of the club at 55. Jen, I would say say that with hindsight you'll be able to see ways that God was working in your life that are invisible to you now, and that He wastes nothing. I would say to myself at 33, be at peace because the Lord Jesus whom you love is here, even here. Birthday blessings!
Happy birthday!
I'm now 47 and I remember me at 33. I probably wouldn't have listened (lol) but this is what I would tell myself.
Totally enjoy your children, your husband, your parents, and all of your extended family. Eventually they might not be there. (my father just passed away last November).
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Keep your eyes focused on Our Lord. Don't talk negatively about others. Learn humility.
And one more thing I was able to achieve in the past year which was a biggie for me:
Make peace with difficult family members. If they are difficult, then let it slide off like water off a duck's back because we really never know what's going on inside. In other words, look kindly on them and forgive.
And most of all: pray pray pray.
Jennifer, your blog has been an incredible blessing to me. I truly hope that God showers you with many blessings and graces. Thank you for doing all of this.
Sue from Buffalo
And silly me, forgot to say…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy birthday! Early January is just the best time for a birthday…but I turned 25 on the 8th, so I have no 33 advice. But I'll happily take the same kind of advice for 25 year olds!
Happy birthday.
I'd tell myself not to completely believe any one about anything: your mom may have regrets about the way she did things, the latest guru is probably at least a little bit wrong, and the clever and eloquent blogger may change her mind in a couple of years. Search the Scriptures and pray and put everything to the test.
When I was 33, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with a man who was 93. He and I worked on a "degree team" for the Knights of Columbus. This offered us some degree of familiarity and a few hours of down time to spend together once every few months. He was a kind man and would enterain all of us "young folk" with stories (the 60 year olds were "young folk" to him).
Once I had the opportunity to sit in a quiet space, just the two of us. I had been experiencing some worry over some life situation (honestly, I don't remember what). I explained to him that when I was in my teens, I would look back on the things I had done as a child and just cringe. In my twenties, I was looking back on the things I did as a teen and was mortified. Now, in my early thirties, I would look back at my twenties and realize what an idiot I had been. I asked him, being in his nineth decade, if he encountered this when he was my age and, if so, when did he stop looking at his younger self as a fool. He smiled and asked me what made me think that he ever stopped.
He had given me and our group a number of gifts of wisdom, but this was, in my opinion, the greatest. What he told me is that no matter how much experience you accumulate and no matter how much wisdom you gain, you will always have the mistakes of your past behind you. The trick is to leave the mistake there and carry the lesson with you and to do that, you need to learn to forgive your younger, foolish self.
Happy Birthday, Jen! I, too, am 33, so my advice is limited. Today all that is running through my head is the lyrics to Let It Be by the Beatles. How's that for wisdom?
Hey, today is also my 33rd birthday! I hope you have a great one. I can't wait to read all the wisdom others are inspired to share. Take the day off–just kidding! With four little ones underfoot, it's a bit hard to do that. For me too!
Hmmm, 3 years ago I would have told myself to work harder at getting out of debt. You are probably smart enough not to have any debt…but, if you do have any…pay it off if you can. I wish I had. But we're on our way now…so better late than never.
Happy birthday!!!
Happy birthday!
I liked Kate's comment, one thing I learned the hard way is to pick your battles. And hug those little ones…all the time. Puberty comes too fast.
33 was just last year, for me. But what a year it was!
I would tell myself that it'll be hard, but you'll get through it and be the stronger for it in the end.
I'd tell myself to be easier on myself. There is only so much one person can do, and that it is ok to not do everything perfectly. That it is okay to ask for help and that it is a sign of strength of accept that help.
(yes, it really was that kind of year.)
I turned 39 last week. I still had Ben with me when I was 33, so I would say: don't sweat the small stuff, just love on your kids and enjoy every moment.
Keep a journal or something like it! I just turned 39, and I have to say that my thirties flew by so fast, and I literally have very little memory of them without recourse to journals, daybooks, etc.. I wish I had more of them! I also value them because they help me see how I've changed–and where I'm exactly the same (whiny, exasperating) girl I've always been
.
Be ready for when God invites you to take a plunge that you weren't expecting, ready for, or even contemplating. It will be fine. And, happy birthday!
-= David =-
Although I'm in my twenties and have a lot to learn before giving anyone advice… as a subscriber and regular reader I wanted to wish you a *Happy Birthday!*
Your blog is a *blessing* to have available to read and I can't even begin to tell you how much I've learned and grown from reading your posts….
May God Bless You!
Three pieces of advice, in no particular order, come immediately to mind:
1. Build social capital, i.e., maintain your networks with friends, business associates, etc., etc.
One good approach: hold two parties a year, one for friends who know who you "really" are and another party to keep in touch with people you've met and known in the business world. Years from now, people in the first group may be there to help you in a health or family emergency; people in the second may be able to hire your children for summer jobs, internship positions, or recommend your children (or even you!)to others.
To make the whole thing easier on you, hold both parties the same weekend. That way, you only have to clean the house thoroughly once. Maybe hold the business friends party on Saturday evening; the party for people who really know you on Sunday afternoon (when the house is no longer as pristine as you managed to make it for the first gathering.)
2. Build financial capital.
Be it ever so small, put aside money in retirement accounts. The sums compound tax-free for years and thus can become quite a considerable amount 33 years from today. Money, especially its lack and/or if you "feel" there is not enough, is a stressor in old age.
3. Pray with your children and teach them to pray morning and evening.
The family rosary, with prayers said for specific intentions, will mean more to your children as they grow older. Later, when they are away (college, travel, etc.) they will know that their parents and remaining siblings are praying daily for their intentions. That's powerful.
That is a very wise birthday question!
I think you are already on the right path. Advice? Never stop seeking the truth, always fight the dark side and thank the Lord for the stream of blessings He has given you.
I am a bit older than you (marrying after college when you were still in the terrible 2's!). It has taken me until now to join the Church (next month actually).
Thank you for sharing your story and all the work you put into that. Your blog was the main inspiration for me to also blog on my conversion experience.
I think the best advice I ever got was from a priest: Don't look with envy upon others….you never know what burdens they may be carrying. That really helps me keep things in perspective and appreciate what I have. Also, cut out the worrying. I don't know how much time I've wasted with needless worrying over the years.
Happy Birthday!
Jen G
I will turn 55 this week, so I think I am the old lady here; at least so far. When I was 33, my four children were between the ages of 7 and 12. Here's what I wish I could go back and tell myself – it doesn't matter what kind of grades they receive, or where they end up going to college. Focus on teaching them the most important lesson of all, that God is in charge. All we have to do is allow him to lead us. Jen, I think you are spiritually more mature than I am already, so you probably don't need to hear that advice. But I wish I had heard it, and lived by it back then. Happy Birthday!
I would say quit wasting time…finish school…glorify God…become fishers of men and stop being so selfish.
Happy Birthday!!
Happy birthday! I would say to a younger me, get over yourself. I would remind myself that time passes amazingly fast so enjoy every moment. And this is going to sound strange – and probably awful to someone with several children – but I would say sweat the small stuff. It is in the little things that seeds for the big things start to grow. Negative things, like bad manners, and positive things, like the connection that comes from five minutes of reading together.
I hope you have a beautiful day.
Happy Birthday!
What I would tell myself is 'take better care of your body.' I can't believe, 20 + years on, how much time I have spent/lost because of not paying attention to a body that needs rest, sleep, moderate exercise, lots of water, etc.
I'm not a total laggard on this, but when I look back, I can see many things I just took for granted and used to the max – and when you hit that max, you don't get a new body!
So, be good to yourself. When you have little kids and lots of stuff to do, you might think "I don't have time." But, it catches up with you, believe me. Every 'selfish' moment you spend being good to yourself now is an investment in selfless moments over the next decades.
Enjoy life!
Happy Birthday,
and I'd tell my just turned 47 year old self would give my 33 year old self a hug , tell her everything really will work out, laugh with your kids more, read instead of obsessing over housework, say prayers of gratitude instead of requests.
I would tell myself:
1. The babies will sleep and eventually you, too, will sleep again through the night.
2. The 30's are a good decade, but the 40's ROCK (I'm 41).
3. Don't frown so much. It makes that line between your eyes really deep.
I would also echo the stop worrying comments. I spent way too much time worrying over things that never happened.
I also wish I woud have spent more time with my kids. It's true, they grow up so fast! When I was 33 and my kids were throwing temper tantrums I would think "Thank God" to that comment. But now…as I see my oldest maturing into a young adult I look back wistfully to all the lost opportunities I had to spend time with him because I was too focused on unimportant things.
Happy Birthday!
I have not made it there yet, soon, but not yet. So just an advice free happy birthday from me!
Happy Birthday!
Advice to my 33 year old self– listen more. A LOT more. Take more deep breaths and truly enjoy the moments you get with your children and family.
Oh, and don't fixate on the fact you're as old as God now…
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! My advice would be this: sympathize with your husband and children's hearts. Don't stress and fret about appearances, invest in matters of the heart with the people God has given you to steward.
Don't take your fertility for granted.
Learn contemtment in plenty and in little (cause you'll most likely have both in abundance).
We've had a year of loss (house burned and my sister died) and a friend whose dh died in her arms said this to me: cry and rant and grieve and let God know how upset you are but always keep your eyes on Christ. No matter what the year brings, and I pray it brings you closer to all God has for you, keep your eyes on Him.
Be Blessed! Lisa, at the grand old age of 47
Happy Birthday, Jen! I will be 31 in just a couple of weeks, so I think I'll read through the advice in the comments. I hope you have a lovely day and an astoundingly blessed year!
One thing I have learned over the years is that when facing a major issue in life which is causing a lot of stress and worry, I try to sit down and evaluate my options in resolving or getting through the issue by writing down the foreseeable pro's and con's for each possible decision I might make regarding it.
Then, of course choose the path that makes the most sense.
Lastly, when so worried, I ask myself, "Is this something that is going to matter to me in a year from now (or in five years from now depending on the situation)?" That often helps me to put things in a more proper perspective.
Happy Birthday to you!
I was 33 in 1985, had two young children, and had just moved 1000 miles away from family, friends, and the only social culture I knew. Here are a few of the things I wish I could have told myself — though I'm not that good at taking advice, so I don't know if I would have listened.
Have more kids. There were some good reasons why we didn't, but a very bad reason was buying into the "you can't afford it and neither can the world" mentality. If you haven't lived through it, I don't think you can fathom how much pressure there was in those days to have no more than two children.
Expect much more from your children than society does, on every level. From the day they are born, your children can learn more, do more, and behave better than you will be told is possible. Don't limit them by your low expectations.
Homeschool. Homeschool. Homeschool. From the beginning, and never look back. This is one of the best decisions we ever made, and I wish we had never subjected our children to the "school mindset." But when I was 33, school was "the way things are done," and I never questioned it till years later.
"Bloom where you are planted." Make the most of your present situation, because you never know when it will change.
Keep a journal, take pictures (and label them!), make recordings.
When you videotape your children's performances, be sure to include their friends as well. You may not care, but your children will!
Talk with older family members about their childhoods and their life stories, and get everything you can from them about your ancestors and family history. Make sure their pictures are labelled!
Take care of yourself. When you have young children at home, it's very easy (and seems virtuous) to shortchange yourself when it comes to sleep, exercise, education, and the care of your soul. Make yourself make time for these things. Enlist the aid of your spouse — I don't mean to tell you what to do, but to make sure you get the time to do it. Your children will thank you later.
If you are too busy to get organized, you are too busy not to get organized. Make the time (and again, get your spouse to help). There is no moment better than now; that mythical time "when I have time" will never come. Never give up; experiment with different systems till you find one that works for you. Be prepared to alter it as needed, however, when your circumstances alter.
I don't know if any of these apply to you, but that's what I would tell my own 33-year-old self.
Happy Birthday!
This is a wonderful present to give yourself. And you are so wise to ask for it. I've really enjoyed the comments and think you've already gotten so much great advice.
I'm 46 now, but when I was 33 I spent so much time wishing it all away. My oldest two were 2 and 4 (I didn't even have my third daughter yet), and I was pretty miserable most of the time. I wish I had just known to relax and enjoy them, even though the days were hard. I wish I hadn't spent so much time being unhappy and learned to just be content.
I'd have to disagree with the person who said it gets harder when the kids are teenagers. I am having the time of my life with three teens (almost) in my house. As long as you do the hard stuff of discipline when they are little, you will benefit big time when they are older.
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday!
I'm 37. Wife of 15+ yrs. Mom of 2.
- SEASONS: You're entering a new season in life. This season may take a few years. This is a season of transformation.
- HEAL: you learned some coping mechanisms in childhood that helped you cope but now hold you back. Do the inner-work so you can heal.
- PASS THE TEST: patterns repeat in your life for a reason. These are tests. You will need to deal w. your emotional issues – every one of them – or the same stuff will keep appearing. Deal w. your issues so you can pass the test.
- DREAMS: you abandoned some dreams in your 20s. you mistakenly believed you could be someone you're not or do something you're not wired for… THOSE DREAMS AREN'T DEAD… the desire to do what you were born to do is coming back stronger than ever. The passion came from God. It is tied to your purpose.
- IT'S NOT TOO LATE: your "real life" is just beginning
"The baby will eventually sleep through the night."
Relax more about things not working out according to your own plans. You can't control everything, or even many things.
Oh well, better late than never. Right?
Happy birthday! Today is our youngest child's birthday, too. He's 4 now.
I'm going on 45 now. (huh?!) What I would tell my 33 yo self is:
The kids really, really, really do grow up much faster than you think. Relish every moment. Even the frustrating ones are often hilarious looking back. (my oldest is now married and expecting his first child! how did that happen!???)
The other thing is:
the day's worries and troubles are sufficient for today, so don't "borrow trouble. Oh, and they are usually much smaller than they appear.
Hope it's a wonderful day for you. God bless you.
I'm 43, so this is what I would say to my 33 year old self:
1. It really doesn't matter how nicely your kids are dressed. Nobody remembers what your kids looked like after you gave up control of their outfits. And its a lot cheaper just to allow your son to wear basketball shorts to school all year long in third grade than to constantly buy him pants that he outgrows.
2. karate lessons are really expensive and nobody really sticks with it for the long term. Well, a few kids do (which is great) but before you sign on the dotted line and shell out all that dough, try to envision 10 more years of the payments. Better off blowing some cash on rec soccer, basketball, or baseball.
3. All kids learn how to read eventually, and potty train and how to get in and out of their seatbelts. It never will be as physically exhausting as this stage of your life.
4. You will enjoy your teens!
5. Don't listen to any friend who says "Just you wait" to you.
I do not know if I count, since my 33rd birthday was only a month ago, but… I do want to share one thing I've realized in the past month or so. I'm older. My body is older. I don't feel older in my mind (33 does not even sound old to me!), so I think my body should do what it did five years ago. It doesn't. That's okay.
Happy Birthday, Jen!!!
Happy birthday! I'm finishing up 33 — will be 34 next month. What I learned this year is that no matter how awful life gets, no matter how dark and dreadful, there's hope. God is in the dark awfulness and He is at work. Sometimes it takes hard work and far longer than we want it to, but He will make good out of it.
1. Have you're kids say "yes mommy" when you ask them to do something. Then either they do it and you are happy (and proud of them) or they don't and you can call them on it (they already committed!).
2. Make sure to get in your "Good Morning Hug" from the little ones. You can't ever get back those cute little hugs once they are 10, or 14.
3.Use the 1,2,3 system to solve disputes (it takes a little work, but the effort it takes care of is so worth it!): 1. Say "Joey, can I have my ball back please?" or whatever, nicely, like this < you then give them the way to say it>. 2. "If Joey doesn't listen when you say it nicely, come tell me." 3. I WILL take care of it! -You then follow up with whatever is appropriate…if Joey took it, he needs to give it back…if Joey had it and the other child wants it, "Joey how about you play with it for 5min. and then we'll give___ a turn…The overall effect is that you spend less time hollering "SPEAK NICELY TO EACH OTHER!"
4.When the kids are getting cranky/fussy and you can tell that if you let if go on for 3 more minutes, they are all going to lose it – either give them a snack or read their favorite book or take them outside (even if it is an effort). They will be diverted from whatever they've been feeling;)
5. Kiss your husband lots! -Duh!:)
Jen, Happy Birthday!!!!
I took the liberty of giving advice even though I'm not 33 yet…However, as the oldest of six, and a nanny several times over, I thought you might like these kid-related helps – it took me a while to figure them out, but I am very grateful to know them!
Happy Birthday! I'm not quite your age yet but one piece of advice I go by for crappy days or when something stupid happens (that seems really major at the time) is:
"Is this going to matter to me when I am 80 years old?"
9 out of 10 times, NO!
Feliz Cumple Anos Jen!
As a 38 year old my advice to myself would be:
1. Get out of DEBT now rather than later
2. Should have another baby now rather than later.
I have no regrets about how I was living my life at the ripe age of 33. My life now with 4 kids and a great husband is truly God's blessings on me. But for sure some things would have been easier if the debt was gone sooner. Having more children is always an open possiblity so we have what we are meant to have so far. My life is full, my marriage is solid, our kids are great.
Life is still quite good!
Happy Birthday!!! When I turned 33, I had just had our second child and had yet to find the Lord (THAT would happen just 1 year later). I guess what I would most like to have known (other than God) is that even when life is bumpy, it does get smoother again. Learn to let go of the unimportant things. Heck, learn what's truly important
Happy Birthday!
Looking back at mid-thirties from nearly 47, I can recommend–in addition to what has already been mentioned–a good sunscreen, comfortable/supportive shoes, and exercise. It's best to start the upkeep before things fall apart! : -)
Hugs,
Monique
Here's what I wish I knew when I was 13, 23, and 33 – Don't worry about what other people think about you. It limits your creativity and your potential. If you haven't encountered any criticism then you aren't really doing or standing for anything. Vanilla is boring. Be rainbow shebert!
Happy Birthday!
I just turned 33 about two weeks ago.
Happy Happy Birthday!! No advice from me, as I'm MUCH younger than you (30)
first of all…happy birthday!
secondly, i'm only 36 (37 in march!)…but i would tell myself that it just gets better. the baby stages grow into toddlers who grow into little children with curious imaginations and can carry on fabulous conversations. yes, there are harder bits to getting older as a mother of young children (i was just 33 when all of my three boys were born)…the tantrums grow into arguments and talking back, etc. but the apologies and kisses and cuddles are still there. the times to "make it right again" remain.
i've yet to make it to the next level in ages (my oldest is only 6!), but i'm eager to watch my boys grow into young men, and pray them through these years as we figure it out together.
yes…life just gets better and better with age. i can't wait until my 40th!!!
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday, Jen!
You, my dear, are wise beyond your years! Your blog has been such an inspiration to me as I find my way in my faith (I'm in RCIA now).
I'll be 36 this year – the best advice I have to offer is:
Don't worry about what others think of you. Make your own way and keep God by your side and everything else will fall into place.
I hope you have a lovely birthday
That settles it. I have decided that you and I must somehow meet one day because we could be BFF's. I'm using the fact that our birthdays are only 19 days apart as the clincher in that argument. It's very convincing, I know.
Happy birthday! What a good idea to ask for advice.
At age 39.84 (and I'll carry that out until 39.999999, thank you), I'm no fount of sagacity, but there are some things that I've learned quite profoundly in the past two, extremely difficult, years. (I "knew" them before at some level and I'll forever be learning how to truly walk in them, but you know what I mean.)
Only God's opinion matters, only God is perfect, only God knows. Don't waste time in comparison, perfectionism, other people's opinions on you or your life, or judgment of others. When it comes to other people's lives, YOU DON'T KNOW. No matter what you think you see from the outside, or how applicable you believe your framework to be in judging their situation, you don't know. Grace, love and truth are all that matters, and those guided in application by the Holy Spirit.
Also,just generally, in every stage of life and parenthood, there are little things that are lovely that will never be again when that stage is over. Recognize them; treasure them; don't hurry and worry through to the next phase.
Happy birthday!
First, Happy Birthday! My poor advice would be simply enjoy the time you have. At this time in your life you are focused so much on the future that we forget the today! Enjoy each moment with your children and loved one, 40 will be here soon enough.
Happy birthday!
I am one day shy of being four years older than you.
Happy Birthday! Wow, 11 years ago for me. I was into my conversion only a few short years at age 33 and most of what I've learned since then has come through time and experience.
I guess if I could go back and tell myself something it would be that you REALLY CAN trust God. He will take care of you. You can depend on Him in all things.
But then again, without more wisdom and age, would I really listen to my own advice? Hard to say.
I'd also tell myself to be more patient! Really, time goes by fast enough, there is no need to rush it along by trying to wish for or hurry up something in the future. Unfortunately this is something that my 44 year old self is still trying to learn.
You are already on such an incredible faith journey. I pray that you can learn quickly what you need to from each of the "exercises" that God sees fit to put you through. May God Bless you this year!
Happy birthday!
I'm 33 too, so I can't really answer your question. But your other commenters have done a great job!
Happy Birthday!
What I wish I'd known: that the feelings/emotions that you have now will pass but the decisions you make (and their consequences, good and bad) are much more permanent.
Happy Birthday! That was 3 years ago for me. If I could go back I would remind myself to appreciate what I have and stop thinking that one more thing or situational change will make me happier. And if there is something really important that needs to be done, just do it and stop procrastinating! I am a master procrastinator:) Oh, and I would catch my depression before putting on 40 pounds. It's so awesome that because I'm not depressed anymore, I almost forgot about it:)
Happy Birthday, Jen!
I'm only two years past 33 myself and don't think I have any advice. I don't feel much wiser now than I did then.
"Embrace your Church…don't be so smug in your abandonment of Her…be a grown-up Catholic, not a just-confirmed-at-13 one."
Oh, and happy birthday, Jen!
I'm 30 years older than you are, Jennifer. Here's my wisdom. Live each year of your life to the full, using your God-given gifts and insights, doing good and avoiding evil, loving God above all else. When you look back, you will be grateful for ALL.
Dear Jennifer,
Happy Birthday!
I turned 33 five years ago, one month before my final profession as a consecrated celibate nun.
I would tell myself not to worry that its hard but it is so worth it.
I would tell myself that Jesus cannot be outdone in generosity and that I have gotten back from Him more than I have given up. That there will be a time when I won't be lonely – that I will know deep and lasting friendships.
I would tell myself to cherish the ones I love because they will be gone too soon.
I would tell myself – pray, pray, pray.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
blessings,
Sister Lynn
Happy Birthday, Jen!
Your blog is such a blessing. I turned 65 in December (does that make me Venerable??!! LOL) I would tell my 30 year old self to be less of an activity driven Martha and to be more of Mary who sat at Our Lord's feet. I was single all during my 30s and didn't marry until I was 48 — and yes, my "forties rocked."