A Peachy Birthday

     

Bliss Tulle Ashley Skirt // HM Willow Pearls // Wrenn Jewelry Ring // Wrenn Jewelry Necklace // J.Crew Stripe Tee {similar} // Nordstrom Wedges {similar} // Da Vinci’s Donuts 

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday little peaches to pearls, happy birthday to me! As you can you see- I absolutely LOVE birthdays! Yeah! This year I am getting a little bit closer to the big 3-0 and turning 28 years old. Well technically my birthday is this Sunday {June 7th} so I still have a few days left. But as another year has past, I have yet learned so much about life. Here are the top 5 lessons I learned this year.

Lesson #1: You can never have too many friends.

This past year I met so many new people through blogging. Some I instantly hit it off with, others not so much. Some of these new friends have slowly become some of the women I admire and respect the most. It has amazed me how I have come to make these new friends. One friend in particular found me through the hashtag #atlantabloggers. We are now close pals and I’m even in her wedding 🙂

Lesson #2: Cherish the friends you have.

This lesson goes hand-in-hand with the first lesson. Although you can never have too many friends, you should cherish the ones you already have. Friendship is a two way street. This lesson took me a long time to learn. There were some friendships in my life that I had to step away from because they weren’t making me a better person. Instead, I found myself constantly disappointed and angry for investing so much of me into the friendship and getting nothing in return. From personal experience, its ok to let go of old friendships if they are hurting you. Once you do let go, you will forgive and come to peace with yourself.

Lesson #3: Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams.

Ok I know this sounds super cheesy but its so true. Graduating with my Master’s this year was a HUGE leap of faith. I had to make many sacrifices to get that diploma. When I decided to go back to school I quit my day job, signed up for a few classes I needed, packed my whole apartment up in a storage unit, left my beautiful city of Atlanta AND moved in with my Mom. I remember crying to my Mom when I got there because I was so scared that I was making a huge mistake and it would all be for nothing. Well later that semester I received my acceptance letter to the best nutrition programs in the state. Hard work always pays off my friends.

Lesson #4: Be a positive person.

Lets face it, we all have something to complain about. Wah traffic is terribly. Wah my picture didn’t get enough likes. Wah I have a pimple. But who wants to be around a complaining, negative person? I know I don’t. Try to make it a point to be happy everyday. Easier said than done, right? I try my best to be an encouraging, optimistic friend. And most importantly, I choose to surround myself with positive people because I want to be more like them. My best friend is the most positive person I have ever met. That girl always has a smile on her face and a compliment to give. After spending time with her, I find that I WANT to be like her. Funny how even as a {soon to be} 28 year old woman I still try to copy my best friend.

Lesson #5: Family first. No excuses.

If there is something in this life that I have always been passionate about its my family. My parents are the two human beings I admire the most. My Dad has always worked hard to provide for us and given us way more than we deserved. My Mom has always believed in me and is the reason why I have accomplished anything in life. My siblings and my husband are the people I live for. Make your family your priority. Call you Mom daily to tell her you love her and are thankful for her. The older I’ve gotten the more I realize that the only unconditional love we will receive is from God and our family.

A super huge thank you to Shelby from Shelby Rae Photographs for taking these birthday pictures. My life is now complete because this little lady lives in Atlanta! If you are in need of an amazing, affordable photographer- Shelby is my number 1 recommendation. She is ridiculously talented AND the sweetest photographer I’ve ever worked with. Check out her website for more information by clicking here.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I’m off to the lake to finish celebrating my birthday!

 

Xoxo,