Too often I use my birthday as a way to think of all I didn’t accomplish in the past year. But not today. Today I am trying to think of all that I did accomplish in my thirtieth year. In honor of my 31st birthday, here are 31 blessings I’ve experienced in the past year (in no particular order):
I read The Fault in Our Stars and The Night Circus for the first time. I started my novel and completed a first draft, met Mary Roach, got serious about blogging, won an international contest, flew to Boston, went on three writing retreats. My job became less stressful, and I traveled less for work.
Lunch dates with Elyse became standard. Elsie Marie was born, and I fell in love with her and continued falling in love with Ava Elisabeth and Emeline Grace. I moderated kind and compassionate debates on my Facebook wall during the election season.
I enjoyed an absolutely incredible snow day with Desiree. My writing group grew even stronger by adding a new, talented member. I hired an editor. I shouted the praises of CBT from the rooftops. I recruited an awesome fall 2012 class.
Ashley and Erica were my rocks. My family and I laughed like crazies. I advocated for OCD awareness and spoke for chapel and was a guest blogger at Rage Against the Minivan.
I encouraged many people and was loved.

Sounds like a great year. Happy Birthday!
It sure was, Janet. And I feel really excited about 2013. I am hoping for big things this year.
Love this. Thanks for the mention. Happy birthday, dear friend!
Thanks Addie! Love!
Sounds like you had a wonderful year. Happy Birthday! I hope your next year is just as full!
Appreciate that, Katrina! I sure am blessed. And thankful.
What a full and wonderful year! Happy Birthday, Jackie, and may the next year be full of peace and beauty.
Thanks Tina! I want the same for you too, friend.
I’m SO GLAD that our lunch dates became standard 🙂 Love you so much, Jackie Lea! Happy Birthday!
Thanks, my dear friend. You don’t even know how much I look forward to each and every one. They are like a rich dessert to me.
LOVE, LOVE, love this!! and love you! yes many, many laughs in our familia!!! 🙂
It’s because every single one of us is crazy. So all together it’s a loony bin!