In the iconic words of Stassi Schroeder, “It’s My Birthday (Week)!”
My birthday is March 8th, and I always consider my birthday the start of a new year. This year, I’m going into my 33rd year on earth with a deep sense of gratitude for every year before this.
When I was younger, I used to envision what I would be like when I was older. At 12, I wondered what I’d be like at 25. I’d visualize my hair: was it curly or straight, did I wear it long or as a bob? I’d think about my body and what it would be like- always assuming it would be curvy, but always wishing I was a wafer-thin person instead. I’d think of what I would be doing (it was always writing), and what kind of person I was. Was I kind or standoffish? Did people gravitate toward me, or was I destined to be a loner? I’d think about where I lived (always a cabin in the woods) and imagined myself always writing and taking the world in. I never envisioned “a career” but always thought about “my imprint”.
Looking back, I never realized how profound this act was. In actuality, I was manifesting the life I wanted- I just didn’t know it then. Somewhere along the way, I replaced imagining my imprint on the world with a degree and followed a path that didn’t sing to me, but was expected of me. Ironically, this has all led me back to where I always wanted to be: a curvy woman, with long, hippie-like hair (that I do wear curly), writing and trying to be kind.
Life is nothing as I planned, and that’s what makes it so magnificent. Life has brought me back to joy, and I can’t help smiling at how truly rooted in “love” I am. I don’t have it all figured out, and for the first time in so long, that doesn’t scare me. Actually, it excites me.
In honor of my synchronistic year of “33”, I felt it was apt to share some of the lessons that got me here. Hopefully, one or two stick to you, too.
Trust others, but trust yourself more. or, don’t go through life with a guard up, but don’t be naïve.
Consistency. It’s the most important word to internalize.
Find the things that bring you joy.
Don’t hide; you are a magnet for your tribe.
Fear is just anxiety. And, anxiety is our way of holding ourselves back.
Switch up your shampoo/conditioner every six months. Like anything in life, your hair gets tired of the same treatment.
Water is your life source: you feel rejuvenated when you’re near it, and you feel healthy when you drink it.
Yes, people will judge you. No, that shouldn’t stop you.
Take notice of what you’re jealous of: most times, it’s a sign of what you really crave in life.
It’s okay to be selfish! No, seriously. It’s not a bad thing.
Prioritize your boundaries.
Take the shoulder to lean on. It’s nice to have a place to rest when the world gets too loud.
Take inventory of those who listen and those who only want to be heard.
You can tell your story your way- but remember that others are reading.
Your body is going to change. It’s going to change daily, it’s going to change monthly, it’s going to change yearly. Your size doesn’t matter, but your confidence does. Always move, and you’ll always feel good.
You’re not always going to get closure.
People will take advantage of you when you’re vulnerable- don’t allow it to discourage you.
People will try and dull your shine, shine anyway.
Don’t wish you did things differently- your path is unique to you.
Learn from nature and animals - your dogs will become your biggest instructors
People will be mad for what you had to do when you were in survival mode. Emerge and forgive yourself anyway.
Grief comes in all different forms: learn to balance the good moments within it.
When you’re feeling stuck, go for a walk.
You don’t have to explain yourself. It’s an act of insecurity when you do.
Follow your intuition. Those pings are bringing you to your greater purpose.
Be open to feedback, but be cautious of criticism- there is a difference.
Don’t convince yourself you don’t deserve your “more”.
Be an idea machine, but learn to table them for another time.
Attention to detail is great; perfectionism holds you back.
Don’t ever stop “thinking”- it keeps you present and interesting.
Become a good gardener of your soul. Plant your seeds, pick out the weeds, turn the soil, and, go where you grow.
Live in your intention- the more you do, the more fulfilled you are.
You don’t always have to react.
JOURNAL PROMPT OF THE WEEK:
When I was 12, I dreamed I would be_____________________________
In honor of 12 year old Leanne manifesting a life for herself, before even knowing what that all meant, I thought we could all think back to what our childhood self dreamed of. Sure, some of those dreams might be unrealistic, but wasn’t it fun to use our imaginations so freely?
This week, as you write out your journal prompt, let go, be free and use your imagination.
Tomorrow, I am launching “Love Yourself Space”. A website, community, and merchandise line that is all rooted in empowering you. It’s a name, concept, and logo that all came to me in a very real, very vivid dream. Outside of this newsletter, it’s the most natural idea I’ve acted on, and I am so excited to see what comes of it. You can visit the site here and get a sneak peek at what I’m building. I cannot wait to see where this grows.
In other exciting news, I dropped the “studio” from my Instagram. I had this intuitive thought that I wanted to be showcased more as an artist and experience. And, until I have my own studio, using the word felt fictitious. So, now you can find me at “leannegelish” on Instagram and it feels very freeing. Lesson 25, right?
We’ll be back Thursday with a little bit of Salt.
Thank you for being here and helping me find joy.
Here's to the long-haired curvy women who practice writing and kindness on the daily. <3 Happy birthday, Leanne!!