I survived the first year of my 30’s.

Barely.

I spent the majority of the year pregnant and let me tell ya, that was rough. Between health issues, and the general difficulties of pregnancy I was spent. However there was also a lot of good. We traveled a large portion of the east coast on two separate trips. Took two stay-cations with our big kids. Ate lots of delicious local food. Explored our city. Made new friends. Won a battle or two. Sold our house and bought a new one. Welcomed a healthy baby girl to our family. Lost some pets, but gained a new fur baby. I learned that I was stronger than I thought I ever was. My marriage was tested and we passed with flying colors. Our blended family grew closer and more complete. Our lives have changed for the better in so many ways and for that I’m forever grateful.

I also stopped caring what others thought about me.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to make a good impression on those I meet, but I’m tired of other dictating my life. I have way more to deal with than worrying about people’s thoughts or opinions of me. I’m a good wife. I’m a good mom. I’m a good friend. My words matter. My feelings matter. I matter. Since giving birth I’ve realized that life is short and I’m going to start living mine to it’s fullest.

31 is my “me” year.

I’m branching out and putting myself out there. No more living through a screen or at arms length of everyone. I want to get out and meet people. Interact face-to-face. I want to make friends, new friends, mom friends. I want to build up a physical tribe of women to support and lift each other up. To shop with. To eat with. To drink the “life giving elixir” (coffee) with. I’m going to look how I want and embrace this body of mine. It has carried 4 children and birthed two. It’s the body that’s going to continue carrying me through life. It’s the body my husband loves. It’s the body that holds my children in times of love, in times of sadness. It’s mine.

31 holds so much joy and promise. Moving to “our” house. Celebrating my marriage with our children, family and friends. A trip to Disney. More camping. More adventures. Milestones. And so much more.

31 is my “me” year. And I’m ready.