Saturday, November 28, 2009

How do you feel about where you are at this point in your life?

I celebrated my 29th birthday last night the best way I possibly could have--with pizza, a Dairy Queen ice cream cake (my favorite), Miller Lite and family. Surprisingly, I'm not too freaked out about getting older. I'm certainly not a spring chicken anymore, but I'm excited about all the things I have yet to experience.

With that being said, I'm not exactly where I had imagined I'd be at this point in my life. (Who is, though?) I never really thought I'd be married with kids at 29, but I did assume I'd be more financially stable and a few steps closer to landing my dream job--whatever that is. Honestly, sometimes I feel like a big ol' loser. La-who-za-herrr, as Ace Venture says.

But, I know I'm not a loser. (Right? Riiiight?!) One thing I've learned since I lost my job is that no matter where you are in life, it's all about confidence. I used to be so insecure when people asked me what I did for a living, that I could never give a straight answer. I'd ramble on and on with the hopes that something that came out of my mouth sounded midly impressive. I always felt like I needed to explain myself, but I no longer feel that way. I've learned to focus on the future, and to tell people about my dreams and ideas instead of dwelling on the past.

Delivery is also important. When I say, "I started a blog and I LOVE it!" people can see my passion for it. I think that's more respectable than someone who makes six figures, but doesn't even enjoy what he does. (At least that's what I'm choosing to tell myself). One thing I learned from a woman I used to work with is that you gotta "fake it to make it." She was so confident (or at least she knew how to pretend to be), and she made everything she did sound amaaazing. She even knew how to make writing a note on a Post-It sound important! It was unreal. The more you believe in yourself, the more others will, too.

So I guess the moral of this post is that it's not where you are, but where you're going. I have moments where I forget that, but I think it's a good way to think. What about you: How do you feel about where you are at this point in your life?

9 comments:

  1. Ellen! If there's anything you are NOT is a loser. You are a unique, beautiful young woman who is walking to the beat of her own drum and living life one adventure at a time. There is nothing wrong with that. It is one of the things I always liked about you, you don't blend into the crowd, you stand out... and that's a good thing! You are a survivor as is obvious to anyone who has followed this blog.You'll be fine and get where you're going when you are ready. Have a little more faith in yourself and relax and have some fun while your at it! And as for the age comments, I turn 45 in less then a month, so bite me youngster! LOL!

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  2. I feel dreadful about where I am at 29. No, you're not a loser, you're light years ahead of me, and 2 months younger.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Doll Face!! :)

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  3. happy Birthday Ellen! and you are absolutely in no way a loser! You're a great person, and the experiences you're having are making you this wise individual with depth! So hey, think of it this way, you have this very challenging life right now,and the whole adventure is making you such a humble, bubbly person and it's really inspiring how you are managing it. happy birthday!!
    *hugs*hugs*

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  4. Happy Birthday to our favorite Triplets!!! Hope to see you all soon!!

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  5. Hell yeah -- "fake it til you make it" -- that's one of my fave mantras, too! :) Along with "those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter" -- as long as you're happy, it doesn't matter who's impressed.

    Oh, and we should meet up for birthday drinks soon, though obvi I'll be having ginger ale. Sigh, I miss margaritas already!

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  6. Thanks for the birthday wishes, guys!

    Bite me, haha, haven't heard that in a while, Joe! Thanks for the encouragement, always appreciated.

    Yes, Kara we do need to meet up soon. You can eat for two and I'll drink for two--how about that?? :)

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  7. Happy belated Birthday!! I read this quote somewhere recently and I posted it up on my desk at work. I thought I would share it with you. "The secret to climbing up is to put your heart into your work." ~Jeffrey Gitomer
    (Simple I know) But, my dear, you do that everyday!! Live life one day at a time. While I am a *dreamer* as well, we wouldn't want to miss the beauty that happens on the daily!!

    PS. You ARE still a spring chicken!!

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  8. I'm pretty much where I want to be at 26 on a professional level but I'm rock bottom on the relationship front. I believe the fun lies in the search and the hope of something big (and awesome!) on the horizon so here's to you finding your perfect job and me finding a stable relationship. You're no loser, you have a lot of pluck and I can totally see it through your blog!

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  9. Thanks for the quote, Kelly, that's great and so very true! Don't know about still being a spring chicken, but THANK U ;)

    Yes, Footloose, we will make it happen! And that's a great attitude...getting exciting about what's to come instead of dwelling on wanting it to happen NOW.

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