I didn’t wake up with some

grand epiphany

darting through my head

hoping to reach my lips

before it was forgotten.

 

I didn’t wake up

feeling particularly sad

or glad

or worried,

wondering if I “really look my age,” or if I could get away with that big 3-0 I dreaded not that long ago.

 

I didn’t wake up wishing for

big bouquets

shiny balloons

or even a million Facebook notifications (I know. I’m just as surprised as you are).

 

I just woke up thinking:

“This is the year I am kinder and gentler to myself. This is the year I afford myself the same patience, love, and forgiveness I so willingly give to others. This is the year I stop dwelling on missed opportunities, quit punishing myself for my imperfect past, and start giving myself some credit. This is the year I go to bat for myself.”

My first order of business?

To finish my first book.

It took me 36 years to realize that nothing sounds more authentic than:

Jo Ashline, wife, mother, New York Times Bestselling Author.


A big part of loving myself means believing that I can do it.

And I do; I believe I can do it.

 

I believe in ME.

 

Which, in the 36 years since I’ve been around,  is the nicest thing I’ve ever said to myself.

 

And yes.

It was totally worth the wait.

 

 

 


 

 

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8 Replies to “Thirty-six”

  1. Happy birthday, Jo! You can totally do it!!
    I’m so excited- can’t wait to read your book.

    Hope your day was (is) wonderful!

  2. I am so happy to read this, this morning. I came across your blog a couple months ago and Yowza!! Everytime I read something I think ‘I wonder if she’s written a book, if not she should’. I LOVE your writing. Happy writing.

  3. I’m with Carmen. I stumbled on your blog a few months ago and I love your writing style. It is comfortable and familiar with a huge dose of humor and sprinklings of wisdom. When you become angry you remain objective and express your emotions well. I’ve enjoyed following you!

    I’m only a couple of years behind you and I see the passing years as gained wisdom. I strive with each year to make better decisions, to listen to the little voice inside my head (’cause dadgum she’s usually right!), and to appreciate (ie. use) the wisdom that I have gained.

    Cheers to another year wiser! 🙂

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