... When she turned 24

There’s this song that I really really like. It talks about this Debbie whose dreams went out the door… when she turned 24. What happened to her plan? Looks at her average life and nothin' has been alright!

Yes, it’s 1985 by Bowling for Soup. 

Now I’m turning 24. And my dreams… well I am living The Dream! 

I’m not an actress (although I never wanted to be) and I’m not a star. I’m not shaking my ass on the hood of Whitesnake’s car. But wow, my life is anything but average and everything is very alright. I step into my ‘new year’ as a Youth Worker. As well as a workshop facilitator, project coordinator, non-profit co-founder & president, and occasional writer. I’m also a wife now! No two days are the same. 23 has been a ridiculously busy year. The last few months were the busiest I’ve ever been and I have to push through another chaotic month. I’m actually surprised I managed to find time to write this. It is shorter than my usual article, but I feel like I’ve used up all my writing in my dissertation. Anyway, here I am with my yearly birthday thoughts. 

So how do I step into 24? 

Happy. Excited. There are some amazing things waiting for me and I can’t wait to get into all of them. I am also tired, but at 24 I will make sure I rest a bit (soon, I promise myself!). At 24, I get to see the results of a lot of energy and time invested into myself on a personal and professional level. It’s a milestone year. It feels a lot like… 17, but a lot wiser and less anxious, better at taking care of myself. 

Dear Bea at 17, 

It all pays off. It’s all worth it. You made the best choices. You surrounded us with the most wonderful people and we found so many more through the years. 

Thank you, kiddo! Keep on going!

Bea at 24