The Marrow of Life
Today, I am turning 24.
And I am ready for it.
Even though the year of being 23 was the fastest year so far of my life.
I blinked and I am at another birthday.
But yesterday was a beautiful day, I had the afternoon off and I did something I never have done before: I celebrated my “day before my birthday.”
I got a gourmet cupcake from a local bakery and went to Starbucks to write.
Proof to those doubters in my life that I do, indeed, eat sugar sometimes.
One of the most important things I have learned about life so far is that it is to be lived with intention. Life throws curveballs that we can never plan for, but while we are living, I think it is important to think about WHY we are living. So I may not expect everything that comes my way, but reflecting on where I have come from, where I want to go and asking for advice from those who are wiser and more accomplished than me are a part of my foundation.
I try to make a point of enjoying being young. I think that is why I enjoy running so much, because I sometimes get a taste of what it is like to have bad knees, hips or chronic pain. The days following a big race, I cannot jump out of my chair or bend down to the ground as fast as normal and it gives me an appreciation and a delight that I can return to my youthful pace in a couple of days. I can push my body to it’s limits and still feel unstoppable.
I feel like I need to throw in a disclaimer that being young is not better than being old. It is all stages. I just want to enjoy this one as deeply as possible.
So what have I done since my last birthday?
I travelled.
New York
Nashville
Arizona
North Dakota
I totalled my car
And bought a new one
I graduated from University.
And started working full-time in Advertising at Alternatives Journal.
I ran. A lot.
I learned to windsurf.
I couldn’t find any photographic evidence of me on the board, but here is a picture of me standing close to it. Which counts.
I went to concerts and music festivals.
Brand New Concert
Hillside
Spent time with loved ones.
Said good bye to loved ones.
Watched my closest cousin marry the love of her life.
Helped prepare for my sister’s wedding this summer.
And a thousand other things that make up 365 days.
I was saying recently to a close friend that many people I know glide gracefully into adulthood. That is NOT me.
If anything, 23 was the year of the belly flop. I graduated university and began a brand new stage and I didn’t necessarily do it with grace or style. But I did it with passion, so I am hoping that counts for something.
One of my favourite quotes is by Henry David Thoreau:
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately,
to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach,
and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear;
nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary.
I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life,
to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life,
to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner,
and reduce it to its lowest terms.”
Here’s to 24. And to sucking all the sweetness and marrow that the year has to offer.
Jess, when I say you’re one of my favourite people in the entire world, consider it an understatement! This post gave me such a stupid smile (“year of the belly flop”); seriously, I can’t wait to see what you do next! No one can ever fault you for not putting your whole self into life! Have a stellar birthday (I haven’t used that word in forever) and a 24th year of being awesome!
Kaitlyn, right back at you. I have been so blessed to have people that record with bluegrass superstars and casually sail around the world with their musical group. You inspire me and are one of the people that I count among my framework in order to continue being who I am.
I will have an amazing birthday! Let’s go to the Works at the soonest.
Great poem. The second last line made me think of a story from a long time ago at Faith. One morning Allan Nafziger was leading the sharing time at the end of the service, and Matthew Petrovic told a praise report about how he was using a chain saw that week and it had slipped and cut through his boot. When he took off the boot, thankfully he had just barely nicked his skin on his foot. When Matthew finished sharing, Allan said in his typical dry tone, “Well, that was a close shave.” It struck me as so funny and I don’t know why I keep remembering the details of that moment so clearly. I thought you might enjoy hearing the story. Blessings to you as you continue to take on life with passion! Remember it’s the close shaves that make the best stories. I don’t think God put us on earth to be graceful, so don’t give yourself that kind of pressure. I’d love to catch up with you sometime.
Best story ever. Thanks for sharing.
Are you in the area? If not, let me know when you are and we will go out for coffee.
I love this post and everything in it. What a rich and fulfilling life you lead. And no one does it with grace, some are just sneaker than others, haha. I wish you nothing but the absolute best in your 24th year. Amazing things are coming your way.
xox
I love this post and everything in it. What a rich and wonderful life you lead, full of happiness and amazing people. We all have our ups and downs, and no one handles it with total grace; some people are just sneaker than others, haha. I wish you nothing but the absolute best in your 24th year. With all you have accomplished in your 23rd, the sky’s the limit for 24. Amazing things are coming your way, my dear.
xox
Leanne, thank you. You have been beside me through a lot this year. I am excited to go through 24 with you! 🙂 Much love.
Oh Jessica so well said! I love your passion for life and so glad God decided to let you be my neice! You will always have a very special place in my heart! Have an amazing birthday and see you in July! Love always!
Auntie Rhoda