Dear self on your 28th birthday,

Today marks the beginning of your 28th year of life. No, you're not old.

Year 27 was good. In every year prior, you were anxiously awaiting "the next thing" - the start of high school, graduating college, your first real job, meeting your future spouse, planning a wedding. But, this year seemed somehow calmer. Each week came and went, sometimes more chaotically than others. Don't live for the weekend. It makes the year feel like it's only 52 days long, which makes time fly by even faster than it already does.

It was your first married birthday. You learned alot about being a wife. But, moreso, you learned just how thankful you are for your husband. Seriously, never forget how thankful you are for him. (Today also marks 18 months of marriage. Our marriage is now reaching toddler-stage, babe!)

You picked up some new hobbies. Who knew your mom's green thumb might start to grow on you? (Har. Har.) You now have six living houseplants, and you can refer to each of the plants in your yard by name. Still, if something doesn't grow like you expected it to, that's okay. You're fascinated by super foods, so you make your hubs eat a lot of kale and try multiple quinoa recipes. Make sure you still eat macaroni and cheese occasionally. You also kind of dig this blogging thing. (Though the hubs is getting tired of your sentences starting with, "So I was reading this blog.")

You also discovered a love of hosting. I think a lot had to do with relaxing your standards. Once you discovered that the only real requirement for effective hosting was a clean bathroom - and a working coffee pot - you realized your house was happier with other people around.

Your job challenged you. Sometimes it made you cry. Remember that you are capable, and you are in your position for a reason. Make sure you also remember to be thankful for it. Your coworkers have become some of your best friends.

You also realized just how thankful you are for your parents. Every little girl should have a dad like yours. And your friends. Keep up with your friends. Sometimes you can do the calling. Initiating plans is a good thing. Girl time over coffee is definitely a good thing.

And you can admit it. You're attached to "your husband's" dog. There's nothing like having a walk/run buddy and someone who greets you at the door with a tail wag. Working from home, he's your only office-mate.

As you enter year 28, some big life changes are ahead. It's quite possible that your zip code will change. It's quite possible that your next address will be a rental. And maybe it won't. As long as you can paint the walls and still go to bed beside your best friend, you'll be fine. Promise me you'll be prayerfully open to every job opportunity your husband uncovers.

Chill with the "order of operations" you determined for your life. You will have moments that make you feel less than invincible, and that's okay, because you aren't. However, don't let any of those moments make you fearful to embrace new opportunities or to simply have fun. Being cautious doesn't mean you can't be adventurous. You are pretty funny. You're not too old or reserved to be silly either. Don't be afraid of babies. Your husband will be an amazing dad, and you'll be okay, too. However, don't get stuck on, "This is the year."

Trust God's plan above all else. Choose joy.

Love, Me