I Do Not Control the Universe

In my 26 years on this earth I've learned one solid truth many times. 

Many times? 

Yeah, I guess it's like the science facts you learned in 6th grade, the grammar from 4th grade or the calculus from high school - you forget as you age and the games get more serious.

This wicked game that I'm talking about is the fact that I do not control the universe. Nobody does. 

Why is this so hard for me to remember?

I suppose some would call me a passionate person. I get fired up about the way you should put toilet paper on the roll (over, not under...) and the way you put soap into a washing machine (on top of the clothes, before you start the water). I get extra passionate when it comes to my future, like my career or my family or the people I want in my life. I wouldn't say that I want control of my universe because let's be real, that's way too much pressure. But sometimes the uncertainty and disorder I feel gets me about as uncomfortable as having a wedgie in skinny jeans. Just kidding, I technically always have a wedgie, sorry dad.

Let's take a look at the facts.

The only things in life that I can control are my own actions, my own attitude and the way I carry myself. Check. I do not control the way people react to me. I do not control the way that events unfold in front of my eyes. Especially when these eyes are closed tight as I dive headfirst into the water. 

No matter how hard I wish and hope and think I can, I can't orchestrate every step of my life. There's fate, there's chance and there's circumstance. Without these divine interventions and free will, my life would be a much different life.

Had I not shaken the hand of an umpire at a softball game in High School, I may not work at Nike today. Had I not answered an email one day from my former coach, I would have not met my dear friend Brooke. Had I not been at work the day that my job focus changed to Canada this year, I'd have missed out on some amazing opportunities and relationships. Had I done anything differently than I've done up until this point, my life would be a much different life. This is an important fact I have to remember, this and so much more. 

Patience is much easier said than done, right patient bear?

Since I feel full of wisdom, here's some other things I know and advice I want to share.

Dreams are worth having and worth working toward.
Things happen for a reason. 

Hard times are necessary and allow us to grow, to gain perspective, to foster experience. 

Light can be found everywhere, even in the darkest of days (Am I right, Portland?) 

Puppies and horses can be best friends.
Take your time.
Que Sera, Sera.
Brush your teeth.
Be kind to yourself.
Keep your eyes open.
Sleep under the stars.
Love with all your heart.

 

Dr. Jessi out. 

My 25th Year

Today, November 16th is my 25th Birthday. A quarter of a century old and perfectly placed into my mid-twenties.

^ Here's the photo my sister posted on my Facebook last year ^

^ And here's my 24.5 Birthday! ^

I was born in the early hours of the morning on a Monday in 1987. One of my favorite traditions each year is being woken up by a phone call from my mom and dad at 3:10 in the morning to hear their sweet voices singing me Happy Birthday. Sometimes they even included banging pots and pans in the background.

My birthday is always an incredibly special day and this year will be no different. Things I'm seriously looking forward to are:

• A week day off from work.
• A serious sweat session from 6:15-7:15 in the morning.
• A manicure.
• A 90 minute massage from Miracle-worker Maggie.
• A mom-daughter coffee date in the afternoon.
• Family Dinner at Montage (+ Dan).
• Birthday cake and presents that my mom and dad weren't supposed to get me because they helped me for my summer Europe trip.
• Watching Bailey eat cupcakes!

This will be a fun-filled extended weekend as I'm taking today through November 26th off from work for the holiday, my mom's birthday (the 18th!) and while my Brother is in town.

This week I asked my mom a very important question to start out on the right foot for my 25th year.

Q: What advice would you give your 25 year old self?

A: That's a hard one... At 25 I'd encourage myself to become what I dreamed for myself.

Knowing what I know now, I'd tell myself to stop worrying and judging myself and be kind to myself.

Seriously great advice.

Thank you everyone for all of the birthday wishes today - I sure do feel special!

<3 JE