Turning 37

Officially in my late 30’s and I’ve learned a few things along the way. No matter life’s curveballs or rollercoaster rides, the people you choose to share your time with and travel this journey alongside will make or break you. Who you surround yourself with and their energy will either bring more positivity into your life or drag you down. The older I get, the more I value this as time is sacred and life is short.

I’ve learned that trying to control everything will only end in unnecessary stress and disappointment. Letting go, giving yourself grace, and knowing that you are enough no matter how much you do or don’t achieve is truly living. I’ve struggled for most of my life with perfectionism, OCD, and comparing myself to others. Trying to be everything, good at everything, and never failing took a toll on me physically and mentally. Once God put three tiny humans into my life, threw in a deep desire to help others achieve their health and wellness goals, and opened doors to serve my community through the studio, well let’s just say that being a control freak was not even an option.

We have chaotic days and we have smooth ones. We thrive one minute and struggle to survive the next. Some days we are lucky to change out of our pjs and others we have tackled a to-do list a mile long. But one thing I try to always keep in the forefront of my mind is that whatever we accomplish that day or don’t, whether we spend time together at a park or on the couch, we are doing our best and doing it together.

In my thirties I have learned what truly matters in my life. Weeding out the noise, focusing on being present with those whom I love, and learning to be happy with where I am at. Being content, but never stop pursuing my dreams. Knowing full well that God is my rock in both the good times and the bad. Pouring myself into my family, my work, and my relationships, but setting aside time to pour into myself as well. In my 20’s, it was all about giving and giving and giving with never realizing the toll it took. Now that I am 37, self-care is a necessity. It is part of my lifestyle, my daily routine. I find myself craving it, looking forward to it, and valuing it that much more.

If I could tell my 20 year old self anything, it would be to invest in yourself through self-care and what makes you truly unique and happy. Don’t be afraid to dream big, bigger than you could even imagine is possible. To love deeply and wholeheartedly, not only “forgive,” but to truly forgive. To never forget how to play, laugh, and let go.

I’d tell my early 30 year old self to invest in your health and wellness. Through regular movement, eating clean, managing stress, improving my sleep quality, and supporting my body through the right supplementation has made the biggest transformation in my body. I can honestly say I am in better health now than I was in my younger years, and I owe it to movement, nutrition, and quality of life. 

For the years to come, I want to be more present with my children, celebrate life in every way possible, and share whatever I can to inspire, educate, and encourage other women out there. My passion to serve our community runs deep in my veins and I can only pray that this platform right here, right now, will spark something inside of you to go out there and be YOU. To inspire you to make yourself a priority and don’t feel guilty when you take time for yourself. You deserve it.

Cheers to turning 37 and feeling incredibly blessed. Stick around because I have lots to share! Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can comment below or send an email to jessica@vesselpilates.com