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Dear 31 Year Old Taylor,

Today is your birthday! Congrats on making it another year.

You know, I’ve never understood why people dread their birthdays. Yes, it’s another year older, but what’s the alternative? I’ll take wrinkles and tired joints any day over not being able to see another year go by.

Today you turn 31. That’s 11,315 days of waking up. 11,315 days of being mostly healthy and so fortunate compared to many others.

This past week someone asked how old I was going to be, I replied with, “I’m officially IN my thirties”. I guess they thought I was upset about this and reminded me that the 30s (so they heard) were suppose to be amazing, the best ever.

The truth is, I’m excited to be 31, I’m excited to push out farther away from my young, nieve 20s and enter into what I call my “real years”.

I learned a lot about myself, my body and life over the past 365 days while being 30, more than I learned in my entire decade in my 20s.

~Age 22

• My body doesn’t define me or my abilities. The curves of my hips, the cellulite in my butt doesn’t make me less of a women, but more. It makes me real and this is something I use to my advantage every single day in my gym, my blog and FitWomensWeekly. This is me, cellulite and all. I’m done trying to be someone that I’m not to be “cool” “pretty” and “perfect”.
• The female body improves with age! I can remember being in my 20s being in awe of celebrities who I thought looked better as they got older, Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox (well Courtney 5 years ago) looked more fit, stronger, and healthier than they did in their early years. I’ve learned that’s normal, I look at pictures and see how much my body has changed, I’ve found it easier to add tone to my older body and it really is stronger than it ever thought imaginable when I was a youngster. Even Dan always remarks how how well I’ve aged.
• The drinking radar is established. Remember those nights where one drink turned to two turned to waking up going “what the heck, why did I drink so much!?” Those are over. Somewhere along the way, I’ve established a great drinking radar that allows me to register… “this is your last one or you’ll pay the price tomorrow.” And the self-control to listen to that voice. Being hung over and ruining 1-2 days of my life (another lesson: when you turn 30 hangovers last way more than just a morning or single day) is just not worth having a fun 3 hours. I can’t remember the last time I was hung over and I love it.
• Its okay to enjoy food! For all of my 20s I looked at food as the devil and I obsessed about it. Where did it get me? Almost a full decade without a period, pour nutrition and anemia. Food is good people! And over the past year I have learned to love it without remorse! This week I ate TWO sub sandwiches… this was big. Sourdough bread never tasted so good!
• Thigh gabs are stupid. I don’t have anything else to say to this. My thighs touch and that’s that.

Today I am celebrating you being 31, I am dedicating the day to the growth that you’ve experienced in the past few years and the strength you’ve established.

I remember when you turned 21, you had no idea that life held for you. You didn’t know who you were or who you would become. I can guarantee you never thought you would become a trainer and an entrepreneur. I can promise you that you didn’t think that you would have the confidence and the opportunities that you have today.

I recently asked Dan how I have changed in the 10 years we’ve been together (last week we celebrated a decade together), his response?

“Your confidence and forcefulness.”

~Age 21

He’s right. You don’t take crap from people, you don’t want the long version of a story and don’t expect people to waste you time. Your am an open book and you tell people what you expect. If they can’t deliver, then move on, end of story.

This forcefullness developed from being a young business owner fearful that people wouldn’t take you seriously. Now that you’re am in your 30s, you no longer have this fear but instead, a confidence from 7 years of experience and a go get um attitude.

At the same time, 31 years has taught you to have a bit more patience. Patient still isn’t a word people use to deserve you, but you have learned to slow down, trust people and stop to enjoy the sunshine.

And finally, 31 years has taught you the importance of friendships. Something you used to suck at is now a central part of your life. Spending time with girlfriends, waking up early for morning coffee dates or runs is more important than starting a blog post or returning emails.

Family and friends, those used to not be all that important now have the focus they deserve. For this, I am extremely proud.

How will you celebrate?

I have a feeling Dan may have a glass of champagne waiting for you when you walk in to make a quick dinner of Indian Curry and sit on the couch to watch a movie. Just the way 31 should be.

Have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,
Me

Regular fitness post back tomorrow!

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