Thirty-Five Already? Sure

Thirty was a difficult milestone for me.  Really difficult.

I thought thirty-five might be difficult, too, but it has not been.  So far.  It has only been one day since I turned thirty-five, so I will have to give it more time to settle.  

Perhaps thirty-five sounded more ominous a few years ago, because it signifies a distinct difference in care during gestation and delivery of a child.  Perhaps that is the reason why it has not been too difficult, because I am done birthing children.  Perhaps I have accepted my thirties and their benefits, because I feel great.

Ten years ago, I was ready to give birth to my first child, weighing in at nearly 250 pounds and losing muscle mass along the way.  I was in good shape underneath, but I had put on quite a bit of weight.

Four years ago, I had four children, I weighed in at 270+ pounds, and I had very little muscle mass.

Today, I still have four children, I weigh somewhere around 240 pounds (and dropping), and I have more muscle than I ever have in my life.  I can do push-ups and planks and run and bike and lift weights and all sorts of athletic activities.  I have never felt better in my life!

This is why thirty-five is going to be a year of celebration in my life.  A year to focus on continuing my quest to be as healthy as I can be.  A year to start my masters degree that will help me to pursue my life's passions: music and education.  A year to watch my daughters learning about food and how it affects every aspect of their lives.  A year to grow in my relationships with my Savior, my husband, my children, my parents, and my friends.  A year to celebrate.