“I’m Not Getting Old, I’m Getting Better!”

As the week progressed, the countdown was on. I won’t be 34 ever again. I’m turning 35!! I honestly can’t believe I made it to 35! Years and years ago, I confided to a friend that I didn’t believe I would live past the age of 34. I was convinced, since my teens, that I was going to die young. My intuition is pretty spot on so I truly believed it. The idea did cross my mind last week. Why in the world did I believe for so long that I wouldn’t make it to 35?

Revealing this secret to my husband, my mind opened and I found the answer! During my pregnancy with Oliver, I started to really change my mindset. Longing for the day when I stopped breast feeding so I could enjoy a Margarita or two, didn’t happen like I thought it would. I wanted to go down the path of healthy living. I wanted to lose the postpartum weight and become the best version of myself. Not just for me, but for my family…for my son.

I had Oliver one week before my 34th Birthday! I realized my “Old Self” did indeed die at 34! Who I used to be was an insecure and scared individual. I needed alcohol to be social, I needed excuses to not get up and workout, I needed to stay safe in my comfort zone and not push myself for more. At some point, I needed that change. July 2023, I started working on my website before I knew what direction I was heading. August 2023, I got myself down into the gym and started the hardest journey of getting myself back.

When I was 12, my Grandma Scharch was hosting our family. She was passing out her cute Liqueur glasses filled with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur! I asked if I could drink water out of one of these tiny glasses. She said absolutely not…you have to be 21 to even drink from these glasses. She was so cute!! I was so sad in that moment, and I told her that I wish I was 21. My Grandma looked at me and said, “Lauren, don’t ever wish your life away. It goes by so fast.” At that time, I didn’t get it.

Looking back, I’ve wished to be older for so long. I couldn’t wait to be double digits, turning 10. Wishing and waiting to be a teenager was torture. I longed for the day to be 18 so I could go buy cigarettes and lottery tickets. I didn’t wait to sneak into the bars, but I was anxious to turn 21 so I could finally relax in them. Before I knew it I was married and turning 30. And now I’m 35! My Grandma was right…it goes by fast.

Yesterday I woke up 35 and feeling grateful to be alive! I’m excited to take this year and truly push myself to new heights. June 10th, I started the 75 Hard Challenge. I am currently on day 9 and thriving. I wanted to push myself physically and mentally. 75 Hard is a great challenge to do just that. I have also chosen to further educate myself and take some much needed classes in Digital Marketing. I have a lot to learn in the tech world but also about myself.

So far, I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. I embrace 35 with so much love and gratitude. And for once…I’m not wishing my life away. I’m embracing every day with a deep breath of gratitude and making these days count. Every day is a blessing and I am here for all of it!