My 26

This time last year, I wrote a blog post from the Galapagos Islands entitled “My 25”. I’ve decided to do the same thing this year, as I move into the 26^th year of my life. My 26^th birthday was significantly different than my 25^th birthday. This year, I spent my morning working, followed by a trip to the gym, followed by a homemade dinner with Ryan. It definitely wasn’t glamorous, yet it was no less special than my 25^th birthday.

While at work, a coworker asked me what my best birthday has been. As I reflected on all the birthdays that I could remember, I realized that I have spent so many birthdays in some exotic location or another, whether it be turning 16 in Disney World, celebrating 20 in Mexico, turning 21 in Hawaii, and turning 25 in Ecuador. As I began rattling off all the amazing birthdays I have spent abroad, I became aware that a “good” birthday isn’t simply dictated by the location I am in, but rather the people I am surrounded by and my perspective on what it is that I am doing.

Turning 26 gave me the time to reflect on what the last year has brought me. The first part of my 25^th year was spent exploring the Southern hemisphere. I ate guinea pig, learned to speak Spanish and dance tango, and saw some of the most spectacular scenery in the world (I know I always say this, but South America really is that beautiful!). I climbed mountains, swam in oceans and lakes, and met a ton of amazing people. While in South America, I took the time to get to know myself, and build up the confidence to be that person at home. Instead of moving back to Calgary, where Ryan and I had both resided for 7 years, we moved an hour west to the adorable mountain community of Canmore. There, we have spent the last 6 months of my 25^th year, hiking, skiing, practicing yoga, and building a community in the Bow Valley. Within a few weeks of being home, Ryan and I had both secured jobs working in customer service; he got a job at a café, and I got a job at lululemon. I dove into work, learning about fabric families, technical functions of clothing, and the best way to please the guests. Never once did I question the fact that I was a 25 year old with a business degree working as a retail sales associate. I knew that I was on the right path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entering into my 26^th year, I really have no idea what the future has in store for me. I live life in luon, surrounded by people who are trying to find what truly makes them tick in the world, while selling stretchy pants to pay the bills. I am empowered at work to be the best version of me that I can be, I get free yoga, and I have a kick ass lululemon wardrobe. I also have time outside of work to do the things that I am passionate about, which is what I truly love about my job. Ryan and I make time to podcast each week, and I spend time writing, and practicing yoga. My 26 is a life filled with love, laughter, and a happiness that is derived from truly loving life, rather than material items and wealth. I seek to discover new things about myself and the people around me each and everyday.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I think it is easy to get caught up in what the world expects of us, rather than focusing on what we want out of the world. The world wants us to move fast and furious on the straight and narrow, but I refuse to follow this. My path in life is windy and confusing, and at each new corner it is easier and easier to get lost. It is hard for me to let go of control, but what if, for a moment, I pretended that I was okay with not knowing what’s around the next bend or over the next hump? My 26 is about letting go of control, and allowing my life to follow its path without trying to control each moment. My 26 is about letting go of the past, not worrying about the future, and simply living in the present. My 26 is a journey to make my dreams a reality, and to truly live each day to its fullest. My 26 is a life filled with love, passion, and the pure enjoyment of being

Whatever and wherever your 26 is, make sure it’s a beautiful one. Like I said last year, you only get one of them, so make sure it’s the very best one.