29 years ago, the world was graced with something great, ME BITCHES! It’s my birthday and I’m finally at the tail end of my 20’s! It’s weird to think that in one short year, I’m going to be the big 3-0! Yikes! This year I can say that I’m finally feeling like I’m getting old. My eyesight is going, I can’t party like I used to, and I don’t understand the lingo these youths are using these days. Seriously, Urban Dictionary has taught me a lot!
My 20’s have been a decade of knowledge and transformation. I look back at my 20th birthday and think “Girl, you have no idea what the next nine years are going to throw your way”. Listen, I had a lot of fun these past nine years. Some would say too much, but with all that fun came some pretty rough times too. Everything that’s happened has shaped me into the woman I am today, and for that, I am extremely grateful. This past year gratitude has been something I’ve focused on a lot and it’s changed my outlook on life. A lot of birthday posts are “29 Lessons I’ve Learned” or something of the sort, but today I want to give you a list of 29 things I’m grateful for!
29 Things I’m Grateful For:
1. My friends. Obviously! These past nine years have taught me who my true ride-or-die friends are. Some friendships go as far back as 20-15 years, some I’ve just met recently. Each one of these friendships is so special to me and you’ve all helped me become a nicer, more confident, and happier person.
2. My Family. Another no-brainer, but true. I’m grateful for the family that I’ve always known, for the ones that I’ve recently reconnected with, and for the ones that aren’t related to me but consider me family anyways. Most importantly, I’m grateful for my mom. I mean, she gave birth to me, but she’s also the most supportive, funny, and all around the best mom ever.
3.My dog. He’s been with me since I was 20 and he’s been the best buddy I could have ever asked for. Nothing but cuddles and kisses for the last nine years.
4.My health. I’m going, to be honest. I was a complete asshole to my body for the majority of the last nine years. I’m happy to be as healthy as I am right now. This year I’ll do better, for real this time.
5.Good hair days. This also includes my hairdresser, Katie Showler. You’re a true hair wizard! Thank you for helping get out of my comfort zone and having fun with my hair!
6.Summer. Because winter sucks. Also, there’s nothing better than cottage season. Thank you to my bestie for letting me come to your cottage for all of these years. Especially for tolerating “Cottage Jordan”.
7.The things I wanted that didn’t work out. I truly believe that things happen for a reason. If my life had gone according to plan, I wouldn’t have this blog! I wouldn’t have the freedom I have right now.
8.Failed relationships. It’s all a learning experience! I’ll touch on this in another blog post at some point.
9.My home. It’s my sanctuary. It’s where I can feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe.
10.The internet. Without the internet, I wouldn’t have this blog. It would be harder to keep in touch with old friends and I wouldn’t have reconnected with family members.
11.Routine. Well, my routine, not someone else’s. I don’t like being on other people’s schedules. I never noticed how important routine is to me until last year. I’m a creature of habit and love knowing what my plan is for the day.
12.Chrissy Teigen. She provides great recipes and quality entertainment on Twitter.
13.Harry Styles. He looks like a prince and has the voice of an Angel. Enough said.
14.Alone time. I’ve always loved being by myself. Being around people all the time is extremely exhausting for me. There’s nothing better than a nice quiet night at home.
15.A good pair of shoes. These are hard to find given the fact that I have baby feet. When I find a good pair of shoes, it’s like winning the lottery!
16.Fresh flowers. They’re pretty and make me happy.
17.The Food Network. I don’t know what to say other than “yum”.
18.Laughing so hard you almost puke. Those moments are rare, but boy are they great.
19.Finding money in a coat pocket. It’s the best! It always happens when I need change too. The pocket money fairies are the real MVP’s.
20.Fun nights out. I love any excuse to dress up and have fun.
21.Cozy nights in. The nights that don’t leave you feeling like crap the next morning are great. Putting comfy clothes on, having a spa night, binge-watching Netflix.
22.A super productive day. The feeling of feeling accomplished at the end of the day is amazing.
23.A great workout. Gotta love those endorphins!
24.Journals. This is something I’ve only started doing this year. They help me wind down and reflect on the day.
25.Not being hungover. This goes with #21, but waking up and not being hungover is the best feeling, especially on a weekend. I don’t feel like I’ve wasted a day.
26. New socks. Specifically, Bombas. If you haven’t tried them, you need to. Not only are they hella comfy, but they donate a pair of socks every time you buy one.
27. Fresh sheets. A clean bed is the best! We all know it! Enough said.
28.Being excited about the future. I don’t know what 29 will bring me, but I’m excited to find out!
29. You. I am grateful for everyone and anyone who takes the time to read my blog. I’ve wanted to blog for years, so it’s so nice to have supportive people around me.
What are you grateful for? Leave a comment down below!
xo Little J
Photos by Natalie Mireault
