I just completed my 38th year around the sun last week. It was awesome.
My husband surprised me with a beautiful breakfast.
(he was trying to make up for leaving that evening to spend Yom Kippur in Pennsylvania … he made up for it quite well!)
I had some close girlfriends over and had wine and Chinese takeout.
A perfect evening for this introvert. š
But it got me to thinking what a year it has been.
Letās seeā¦
A year ago I was engaged and planning a wedding. And all that that entailsā¦
I had my Bachelorette weekend in Vegas.
Bridal Shower.
Make-up trial.
Dress fitting.
The most AMAZING day ever: our wedding.
An awesome surprise party from my co-workers.
Honeymooned in Portugal.
Changed my name.
We sold our condo in Old Town Alexandria.
Bought a house in the āburbs. (but oh so lovely!)
I played a recital with a dear friend.
Moved into our new home.
Got a Steinway piano (temporarily).
Ended the school year.
Honeymooned again in Australia & New Zealand.
Saw Hamilton.
And getting back into the groove of another school year.
WOW.
It doesnāt seem like it could get much better than that.
So as I enter my 39th year, I am focusing more on choosing things that bring me joy and pleasure.
Like reading more fiction (currently working on Harry Potterā¦I know I know!).
Teaching fewer private lessons.
Having more time to do ānothingā.
And if I choose to do something, making sure that it makes me happy.
[For example, I recently committed to playing in a high school production of āMama Mia!ā. Will it be a lot of work? Yes. But I love the music and preparing for it will bring me joy.]
Here’s to year 39!
So do what you love. Do it with joy.
Do what makes you happy.