49

Each year on my birthday, I post an annual birthday picture. Since my birthday was over the weekend, I’m posting today.

If you feel like doing a little clicking, here are my previous birthday posts: 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, and 36.

And now, I’m 49.

This year I feel a little bit different about my birthday. We lost my father over the summer and while it is still very painful, it also reminds me to appreciate the opportunity to grow a year older.

Physically, I feel pretty great as I turn 49. Due to cutting gluten out of my system after 2pm, I have mostly removed nighttime vomiting from my life. The diet change, along with regular workouts has helped me lose about 20 pounds and keep it off. Sleep is still a tricky beast – thanks perimenopause – but when I’m able to get enough hours, I feel quite well.

Of course, having recently watched Practical Magic 2 with the magically smooth faces of the stars staring at me, I do notice my wrinkles a bit more. While I’m not against other’s use of Botox, it’s not something I’d like for myself. So, I try to reframe those fine lines as proof that I’m smiling and laughing regularly. Also, very few people get as close to me as my magnifying mirror…

Out of curiosity, I clicked through some of my previous birthday photos and thought it would be *fun* for a little 10-year side-by-side comparison:

As always, no filters or photoshop. Just my face. This face and all the attached bits have been through a lot over the past decade, including a freaking pandemic.

The past 10 years have certainly had difficult parts and awesome parts.

I guess I feel more myself now.

I feel content. Content with my life, my job and myself. Looking towards the future, I’m planning to continue doing the activities that fill my cup. Having creativity in my life – whether it be through stained glass art or other crafts. Enjoying time with my family and friends. Traveling. Laughing with my husband until my cheeks hurt. Hugging my kiddo, even though he now has to lean down to hug me back. Napping with my adorable dogs.

49 is looking good.