What a difference a year makes.
This is exactly the phrase I uttered to Scott last night during my birthday dinner (#1, yes there will be more celebrating this weekend!).
I was just totally awe-struck by how I approached this birthday versus previous birthdays. Yesterday was a celebration of life. It was full of experiences. And it did not center on food as the centerpiece of that celebration.
Quite a difference from previous birthdays where that day, nevermind the entire weekend that followed, was an all-out eat-and-drink-your-face-off-its-your-birthday fest. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy some delicious food and an amazing glass of wine or two last night. Not at all. Remember – I’m not on a diet, I’m not dieting, I’ve just made wholesome changes to my approach to eating, that has me swinging back into an amazing sense of happy balance.
But it’s those wholesome changes that have made an incredible impact on me. Yesterday started with a killer 6.5 miler on the treadmill (my best yet on the darn thing, who knew?). I filled my day at work with healthy, balanced food choices, making sure to plan ahead knowing that I would be eating out and thus, the control I’d have in portion size, how the food is prepped, etc., wouldn’t be mine.
After work, Scott and I went to this awesome little bistro we’ve been meaning to try that’s near our house; it’s farm-to-table style which is my absolute favorite. <sorry, no pictures here, I was too focused on the experience, remember? 😉 >
We started with an antipasto trio – a wedge of blue cheese (which I actually liked, and I’m usually not a big fan); a spring roll (Scott ate most of that one); and citrus marinated olives (swoon!). I also had a small piece of homemade bread that was to.die.for. For my meal? I went with locally caught haddock broiled with a light topping of breadcrumbs; my two sides (which I had the luxury of choosing, love that) were mixed greens and sliced heirloom tomatoes. A-mazing meal. A glass of cabernet sauvignon (and one back at the house!), and my night was complete. There *may* have been a few m&ms to go with that wine back at the house – I chose that as my dessert because let’s be honest, how *good* is wine when paired with chocolate???
It was a perfect mid-week birthday celebration. But more than that? It epitomized for me just how “transformed” I am because of the barre n9ne challenge that began back in May. I have a whole new outlook on life – one that is far more balanced and healthy and happy than ever before. I was talking to a friend yesterday afternoon and she asked me if I can safely look in the mirror and say “I look good.” And I looked at her and said, without hesitation, “yes, I can.”
And to me? That open realization? That acceptance of who I am? That openly confident outlook?
That is the difference in a year.
Nice! Love it when we have tangible differences to see that the changes we’ve implemented really weren’t a waste of time! Happy belated birthday!!
Isn’t it freaking crazy how different this year is vs. last? Remember how much our birthdays usually center around tons of food, lots of cake and lots and LOTS of wine? This feels so much more right and balanced, doesn’t it? Though I do want a cupcake…maybe a low fat one?!
It is crazy to think back at how we used to approach stuff like this. Like you said, “this” feels so right, so balanced, so GOOD. I love it!!
Citrus marinated olives sound like the BOMB.
Happy day after your birthday!
Um, they were amazing. I think I need to figure out how to make them at home. Went SO well with the wine I was drinking, loooooove that combo (almost as much as chocolate and wine, haha)
Aww, Jess, this is great! I’m so glad you had a healthy, happy, FANTASTIC birthday!
Thank you friend, it’s been an awesome healthy fun and fit birthday celebration so far, love it!!
I absolutely love your new outlook – such a positive new feel to you. All about embracing life and enjoying.
Thank you friend!! I kinda dig it myself. And quite honestly, this new outlook totally came bubbling up sort of recently so it’s taking some getting used to the “new” me that I’m sensing here. But I dig it, and I’m so glad you do too 🙂
Happy weekend friend!
this transformation is an awesome birthday gift to give yourself! (there’s some cheese to go with the antipasto…) 😉
I feel energized just reading your words!
I seriously feel so very lucky and so very happy and centered. It almost feels like a dream in a way. And I’m not taking it for granted in the slightest. Thank you friend!
Yay! What a wonderful post. My 36th (or 31st…) is coming up and I hope I can take a page out of your book and celebrate with joy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Oh, I really hope you do post something similar for your birthday coming up soon!!! Celebrate with joy my friend, always.
Happy Belated Birthday, Jess. I love your outlook!! I’m so glad that you are feeling more confident about yourself and your accomplishments. 🙂
Thank you so much friend! I’ve had an amazing birthday weekend, I have to say, totally and utterly perfect. 🙂
i feel like we are such kindred spirits (or however you say that). i feel the same thing about last year say august. everything everything was about food and now that is so over minus food being something to enjoy or fuel but not the center of attention. go girl
beautiful post! It’s so great to read about your transformation and how happy and healthy you are at 32. I believe we are just going to keep getting better with age. 🙂
AMEN, sista!!
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Happy belated birthday! So happy for you that you are so happy! 🙂
aww thank you so much! 🙂
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