Whether you’re turning 45 or 55, ditch that self-depreciating “I’m getting old” and “my life is over” talk. Turning another year older is truly a celebration of who you are — your experiences, struggles, accomplishments, challenges and moments of greatness. Like a new year, your birthday is an official turning point for a fresh start and new chapter. Birthdays aren’t about saying goodbye to your youth, failing at following a subjective timeline or entering an age bracket that labels you as “old and boring.” This birthday isn’t about what was or ageist expectations.
Promise yourself that this year you’ll make positive changes and chase new experiences so that on your next birthday, you’ll look back fondly and proudly. Sure, you might want to have a traditional birthday celebration with cake, decorations, presents and all of those wonderful birthday party supplies, but also use this year to give yourself the greatest present of all: a happier you! Use this checklist as inspiration for making it the best year yet:
1. Stand for Something
Standing for something doesn’t mean you have to protest and start a social movement or go vegan for animal’s rights. Standing for something can be as simple as making a promise that you’ll be more comfortable with expressing honesty and unapologetically voicing your opinions. Stand for yourself.
2. Forgive Yourself
Often we’re our own worst enemies and harshest critics. Be gentle and forgiving to yourself. Forgive a part of your body that doesn’t meet your expectations. Forgive yourself for failing. Forgive yourself for moments of weakness.
3. Worry Less About Other People
The truth is that everyone’s too worried about themselves to worry about you. Whether you’re a mom who feels judged for her parenting or scared to try yoga because of looking stupid, you’ll feel freer if you tell yourself that what others think doesn’t matter — because it doesn’t. Plus, what’s wrong with giving someone something to talk about or looking foolish?
4. Commit to One Healthy Change
Living healthily can be a struggle. To certain standards, a healthy lifestyle can be emotionally challenging, expensive and time consuming to maintain. Commit to adopting one lifestyle change that will improve your health, from ditching soda to doing cardio four to five times a week.
5. Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” -Brian Tracy
Anxiety and discomfort can feel unpleasant, but overcoming a new and challenging experience leads to growth and accomplishment. Can’t run? Sign up for a 5K, put on a pair of tennis shoes and make it happen. Want to meet new people? Join a kickball league.
6. Surround Yourself With Good Energies
We naturally conform to our surroundings, which is why surrounding yourself with positive and inspiring energies will keep you positive and inspired. Ditch the dead weight. Walk away from toxic friendships or end a stagnant relationship that’s holding you back. Find vibrant environments, fun activities and uplifting relationships that simply make you feel good.
7. Dare to Be Alone
Are you ever really alone when you have yourself? Being alone and okay with it is liberating. Enjoy a movie by yourself–it’s the best! Take yourself out for lunch. Treat yourself to a Saturday night with wine and take-out. You can learn a lot about yourself by being your own best company.