34 Today

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Today I am 34.

I should be panicking. My whole life I have been a head-spinning-can’t catch my breath-world is ending panicker. I have had a whole decade of freaking out about getting older, finding happiness, work stability, letting people down, being good enough and life in its every day normalcy.

Strangely, I am not panicked.

I’ve decided that instead of freaking out as I normally would, my birthday gift to myself is to let my mind relax and to try and enjoy this new era in my life.

At 34 I am happily in love with the one who gives the best hugs.

At 34 I am living abroad in a foreign country.

At 34 I am writing a book.

At 34 I am travelling to new places.

At 34 I am still in love with photography.

At 34 I am embarking on a new career.

At 34 I am more settled in my own skin.

I am usually great at telling myself lots of negativities and even better at listening to the negativities of other people. Automatic Negative Thoughts, people. Do you have this rather horrid affliction at times too?

Today, at 34 I am telling my ANTs to hit the freakin’ road.

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The lovely Vicki has posted my article about finding creative soul mates on Simply Hue for her Art Talk series. You can read it here.

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38 thoughts on “34 Today”

  2. I suffer from that affliction far too often!
    You are not alone.
    But….you are also so talented and lovely!
    Happy Birthday, my dear. I hope this year is your happiest yet!!!!!

  5. Well helloooo! I don’t think I ever saw you, not even when we were doing Unravelling last year! You’re looking great (and not just ‘great for 34′ you know, haha!). Enjoy your special day and send all of those drag-me-down thoughts to hell for good.

  6. I know this will be your best year ever, Amanda. Thank you for your soulful, honest post. Yes, many of us suffer from the ANTs and being our own worst critic. I turned 35 this year and feel the same about being more comfortable in my own skin. I’m nicer to myself – and more patient with others. I don’t panic quite as much about sill things, either. Life can keep getting better with age if you let it. Wishing you a peaceful, joyful day. x

  10. Happy birthday Amanda.
    Sounds like some of your wild dreams are coming true, which is great and I’m happy for you.
    Have a lovely day,
    Katarina
    p.s. Congratulations on your book deal! I’m really excited, can’t wait to see it on my shelf ;)

  11. happy happy birthday! i definitely suffer from ANT. in celebration of your special day, i’m kicking them to the curb also! and sendingyou a virtual cupcake with a tall stripey candle on top to blow. hope all your wishes come true!

  12. Happiest of Birthdays to you!!! Yes, I do listen to those negative voices now and then, but my 35th year is my year of strength, courage, and listening to truthful, hopeful, encouraging things. I hope you have a gorgeous year. :-)

  13. Happy Birthday! I celebrated mine yesterday and although I’m a few years younger than you, I woke up feeling great! You have so much to celebrate pretty lady. I hope you enjoy every minute of it.

  14. Happy birthday, Amanda! Sounds like a great list of accomplishments. I, too, am a victim of ANTs, unfortunately. I heard someone wonder recently why we think that beating ourselves up will EVER create positive outcomes. She reminded me that only being kind to ourselves works. So here’s wishing you banished ANTs and great kindness.

  21. Happy birthday (again) Amanda. You can add this to the list:

    At 34 I provide creative inspiration for many people scattered throughout the world :)

  23. HAPPY BIRTHDAY :)

    Bye Bye, ANTS. You’re right – you should be enjoying all these amazing people and things in your life. You are blessed beyond belief, so talented and the world at your feet.

    love love love
    xx

  24. Happy, happy birthday Manda. :) Wishing you another year of personal success, sweet inspiration and more good things to come.

    P.S. I love your self-portrait!

  28. Great post – I always thought 34 was a great age (I am 36 now). Not that two years would make much difference but somehow I recall 34 fondly. It does signal that time when things fall into place I think and as you move towards being ‘mid 30s’ I think you re-adjust some expectations. It’s lovely that you are so content. Lou x

  30. happy birthday amanda! i think your list looks rather amazing, so you’re doing the right thing when telling the ants to hit the road! the big 4-o is closing in on me, and i’m happy to tell you that the years between 30 and 40 are great in so many ways – far better than the ones between 20 and 30.
    we have to deal with the ants somehow, and writing a list of accomplishments is a good way of doing just that. you forgot something though: at 34, you’re writing an inspiring blog that is both creative and informative!
    have a fantastic day =)