Photo: Heather Cisler Photography

Yesterday was my birthday.  It wasn’t an exciting day, no one sang to me or gave me cake.  It was simply just another day reminding us that life moves forward whether we embrace it or not and no one can escape the aging process.

Last month I was sitting with a couple of wedding friends enjoying light-hearted conversation.  The topic of pregnancy arose and I made an off-handed comment about that being an issue in the industry, since so many of us are so young.  It was at this point that I was very bluntly (but lovingly) put in my place – I’m not that young.

Since it’s been brought to my attention, I’ve realizing the level of truth in this statement. I’m getting old, which I’m sure is a point that would be disputed by those 20+ years my senior.  But I’ve been asked before if I’ll “outgrow” my job.  I think about long-term business and personal goals and wonder where I really should be at this time in my life.  I’m not the 21 year old that just graduated collage and started a business – although truth be told,  I don’t think I would have had the guts to take that leap then.  I’ve established a level of maturity, and while my business and brand and even life (for that manor) might evolve I don’t foresee it going anywhere.  I’m right where I want to be.

So these two inspirational quotes are going to stand by me today.

“Don’t compare your beginnings to someone else’s middle.”  And while I feel like I’m finally traveling into the “middle” section of my journey, I still need to be careful not to compare, which leads me to my next point:

“Comparison is the theft of all joy.”  Just do your thing.  Worry about your life and forget about “the industry” which you’re in.  Forget about your friend’s fancy new house or promotion.  Just keep pushing on and doing what makes you happy.