twenty-nine

5. I’ve learned that I really can do it all some days, but some days I can’t. On the days that I shower and put makeup on, prepare all three meals fresh, work from home, publish a blog post, stick to a perfect schedule, find time to workout, make time for my husband and also manage to do laundry and dishes….well hot damn we are having a party. And on the days where I do not ONE of those things…oh well, I am not stressing about it.

7. I’ve learned that saying NO is sometimes the best feeling. If you can’t do something with your whole heart, then it’s better to just say no.

8. I’ve learned that time is the one thing that gets more precious as the years go by. How you spend it. How fast it goes. How little of it there seems.

9. I’ve learned that a great way to remember what LK had for breakfast, lunch, & dinner is to just check my clothes.

10. Per the previous revelation….I’ve learned that clothes are not nearly what they used to be to me.

11. I’ve learned that a trip alone to the grocery store is almost as good as a relaxing day at the spa.

12 I’ve learned that you’ll never understand how much you love your husband until you see him holding your child.

13. I’ve learned that good friends are damn hard to come by, and that no matter the miles, your best friends will always be just a phone call away.

14. I’ve also learned that best friends are great…but when you really need something you always call your mom. Then your sister.

15. I’ve learned that direct flights are worth every.single.penny.

16. I’ve learned that I can let go of the control and things will all still be okay. Everyone will survive and that my way is not always the best way.

17. I’ve learned that a messy house is sometimes a happy house. My grout may not be sparkling and there may be dishes in the sink, but we are playing right now and those things will just have to wait.

18. I’ve learned to look at the Internet as a “highlight reel.” Please only put your happy on display, so that others may be happy from it.

19. And since it is a highlight reel, don’t compare yourself to anyone else or their happy. Everyone is blesssed in their own ways, and everyone is also fighting their own battles…wishing for someone else’s happy is a slippery slope, my friends.

20. I’ve learned that being a stay at home mom is hard. Okay it’s very hard. And damn, there are a lot of people who think that we lounge in yoga pants all day and drink latte’s. Ha I wish. But you know what…that’s okay, because it’s the hardest, best, most rewarding job that I could have ever dreamed of and I wouldn’t trade it for the entire world.

21. I’ve learned that you will act like a total ass (in front of anyone and in any public place…and even if it means standing on your head) just to get a baby to giggle. Baby giggles are sent straight from heaven and make my heart feel like it’s going to burst.

22. I’ve learned that blogging makes me feel so nervous and totally venerable, but that it’s how I can push myself out of my comfort zone. And I like that.

23. I’ve learned that I will always have a new DIY idea or urgent project in my creative little mind…but most will have to wait for now.

24. I’ve learned that finding treasures in a thrift store or on Craigs List is to me what a fix is like to a drug addict.

25. I’ve learned that the at-home-mani is highly underrated. Nothing like a fresh coat of nail polish…

26. I’ve learned that seeing the world through your child’s eyes is one of the most amazing and enchanting experiences ever. Each thing or scene is filled with wonder. Sit back and enjoy it, Mallory.

27. I’ve learned that my i-phone sucks. Put it down.

28. I’ve learned that the person I used to be is now different. She’s a mom. And it’s okay to grieve the loss a little, but it’s also good to count the many unreal blessings that 365 days can bring. This new chick is cooler anyway.

29. And lastly, I’ve learned that my happiness is no longer my own…it’s dependent on the happiness of my family. And that’s what love means.

And in my last year of my twenties there are so so many things that I need to work on and so many resolutions and “bucket list” things that I could list…but honestly, I think that Pope Francis summed it all up for me this morning…

“Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.”

A perfect note on how I want to spend the next 365 days….using my hands to be creative and be a mom, but also using them to give and to serve. Do you follow HIM on twitter? Catholic or not, his daily inspirations are amazing.

Thanks for following along and sharing in my little Birthday reflection….and my apologies if you came here for pretty pics or a fun DIY today because I went and got all deep and mushy on ya!