It's my party (and they're my people)

Two weeks ago I told you I was on a stealth mission. Do you remember? I should forewarn you that the nutrition educator in me likes to continuously reference back to previous information. The more we can expose and reinforce, the more likely you will be to connect, remember, and perhaps even make a new habit. You've had your warning, so let's get back to the point :)

Two weeks ago I wrote about all the wonderful things people did and said before we moved. I also mentioned that I was on a stealth mission. Now that it has been executed, I can let you in on the secret.

Over the past year my friends turned the big 3-0, and they have been doing it big. One friend gave birth to her first child the day before her birthday, one friend got engaged, one friend celebrated her birthday the same day Mizzou played in the SEC championship game (pretty awesome considering this was only our second year to play with the 'big dogs' ), one friend hosted a Roaring 20's soiree to benefit a foundation created in remembrance of children who lost their battle with a rare disease, and there were lots of surprise parties in between.

I'm one of the 'youngest' of my friends, so I had a little extra time to observe and think about how I would ring in the new decade. The logistics of moving to a new place around my birthday told me that I wouldn't be having any crazy bash. So what could I do to still make it special?

Back in March I put together a book to commemorate my husband's birthday. Thirty of his closest family and friends (1 for each year) contributed a variety of stories, pictures and messages. It was so touching to read each message and see the time and effort everyone put in to it.  At that moment I knew exactly how I would celebrate my birthday. I would send messages to some of my most important and influential people.

After searching long and hard, I came across a small business owner who would humor me and my lack of really knowing what or how I would orchestrate this. I finally came across a quote that I felt captured the essence of what I wanted to do, and she kept it nice and simple. That's me- nice and simple. Well maybe not always, but I sure strive for it.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it" ~William Arthur Ward

Now that I had the cute stationery, I had to figure out what to write. I was a bit more nervous about this part. How could I put these thoughts in to words and put them on paper? How could I say something meaningful in such a tiny amount of space? What if I start going on tangents and the note doesn't make sense?

Once I committed to it, the notes actually provided quite a lot of time to reflect on the impact people have had on my life. This made me feel at peace and simply happy. I feel like a lot of times happy is paired with excitement and energy. But this was a different happy. Like a zen happy. I even peacefully smile as I recall and share these events with you. Have you ever felt that way? If not, try to find or do something that makes you relaxingly happy. You won't regret it.

As I committed to putting words on paper, common themes began to surface. My people are graceful. They are inspirational. They are role models. They are nurturing. They embody strength. They are compassionate. They are faithful. They are supportive. They have open arms. They love.

Call it selfish, but writing these thoughts and feelings on paper is perhaps one of the best gifts I've ever given myself. The demands of daily life, and those sometimes unpredictable stressors, can make it easy to kick in to autopilot and cut off from those around us. This gift to myself was a way to reconnect with my people. I wanted to let them know that they don't go un-noticed.

The anticipation of dropping them in the mail was like Christmas morning. No one knew this was coming. Knowing I was delivering an unexpected thank you was gift enough. Then the gift kept on giving.

I began to hear from people- by text, by phone, by e-mail, and even by Instagram and Facebook. I didn't really want to hear anything back. You know it can be awkward to put yourself out there. I just wanted them to know, and I wanted life to go on. But I'm so glad some of them responded. My heart warmed and my eyes watered. Now that I think about it, who wouldn't love to hear that someone thinks the world of them? People felt as special as they really are, even if it was only for a brief moment in time.

Thirty isn't so bad, especially when you have such great people surrounding you :)

Now I promised to offer some healthy tips each time, so here is how I'll tie everything in. Oftentimes people want to celebrate with food. I found my gift for the heart and mind to be more rewarding than any of my favorite sweets, but that's not to say you can't have them. There are a couple ways to approach this; it may just take a little creativity and a little confidence to do something different.

• Sometimes it's okay to have your cake and eat it too, maybe just have a smaller piece. 
• Sometimes it's fun to think outside of the box or strive to make something a bit more nutritious. We tried some black bean brownies and energy bites for a work celebration.  These were 'taste' size treats, instead of 'jumbo' size, that allowed gluten-free people in the office to partake. 
• Or maybe, just maybe you can come up with some other treat. Would you like to go for a walk with someone special? Maybe you want to meet up for good old-fashioned fun like tag, flag football, or other childhood favorites? 
• Or maybe you could do something good for the soul.

Whatever it is, do something that makes you feel good. Isn't that what celebrating is all about?

Until next time :)