Another Year, Another Layer of Growth | A Birthday Reflection

Every year I get a little older, a little wiser, and a little more grateful. This one hit different. Here's what's on my heart.

"I don't need to love and be great at just one thing."

Not the Life I Planned

If you would have asked me 15 years ago where I'd be today, I can promise you "mom of four who is obsessed with her garden" would not have been the answer. Not even close. I went to school for psychology, got my master's in business, and had a whole different picture of what my life was going to look like. And yet here I am, and honestly, I wouldn't trade any of it.

What really blows my mind is that I now get to talk to thousands, sometimes millions, of people sharing what I've learned along the way. That is still shocking to me. Like truly, if you saw me in real life, I am an introvert and can be shy. I'm the mom in the grocery store trying to keep one of my kids from launching themselves out of the cart. That's the real me.

The Juggle Is Real

And listen, I am constantly battling with myself. Am I spending enough time with my kids? Am I spending enough time in the garden? Did I get my deliverables done at my 9-to-5? Did I remember to send the addendum to my real estate client? What's for dinner tonight? I'm also over here trying to finish another chapter of my upcoming book. I've been writing it for about six months now, and every single time I think I'm done, I go back and add more. It's never finished. Oh, and yeah, my husband. I see you, babe, can't get through half of this stuff without him.

I am seriously all over the place sometimes. But the joy through all of this, the real, deep down joy, is finding the beauty in connecting with all of you. I enjoy every single one of your comments, your messages, your motivation. I especially love when you tell me I helped you get started. That means everything to me.

Finding What You Were Made For

I remember about 11–12 years ago when I first met my husband. We were talking about our passions, and I remember crying and saying, "I don't know what I was made to do. What am I really passionate about? How does everyone else seem to just know?" And the cool thing is, it took me almost 10 years to figure out that I don't need to love and be great at just one thing.

Because I love cooking and seeing the enjoyment my husband and kids have when they try my food. I love gardening and watching a tiny little seed grow into tons of food for my family. And I especially love being a mom. And I discovered that I really love writing. Each year I turn another age, I realize I am growing and becoming wiser, making better decisions for myself and my family.

Thank You for Being Here

So thank you, truly, for supporting me and my family throughout these years. There is so much more to come.

And if you are celebrating a birthday this month, happy birthday to you too! Here's to growing, learning, and becoming more of who we were always meant to be.

Toni J, Rooted In J's
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