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On turning 28

Happy Birthday!

So, I realized I should probably tell you (because, I guess it would be weird not to?)

…tomorrow is my birthday! 

Why haven’t I mentioned this before? Well, honestly, it never really crossed my mind! I’m very much a birthday minimalist. I don’t like to throw parties for myself, all the balloons, cakes–it just seems so unnecessary.

And it’s not because I don’t like getting older–it just, feels. I don’t know. Weird? Are you the same way? Or do you go all-out for your birthday? 

While this post was written ahead of time, so I could fully unplug and enjoy our time in Paris as much as possible–I can accurately say that this birthday will be unlike any other. 




Needless to say–I never expected to ring in my 28th year in the most romantic city in the world with my FIANCÉ! (Neal really pulled the rug out from under me this time!) 

It’s so funny–with 27, you’re still kind of in your mid-twenties. Now, at 28, my twenties are officially on their way out. (I still have two years to go though–phew!) 

If 28 is as exciting as the last few months of 27–I can’t wait.

When I was younger, I would dread getting older. Each year that came and went, I felt like I was closer to the “fun” part of my life ending. 

(And if you’re early twenties reading this, listen up–I’m speaking to you!) 

Growing up is so much fun. 

When I was 22, the thought of getting older, getting married, and “creating a life” made my skin crawl.

I thought you had to be single to be independent. (Turns out, that’s not true.) 

I thought that relationships “tied you down.” That you had to be single to travel–to experience the world at it’s fullest potential. (False.) 

I thought that you had to get all the “fun” out of your system early, because when you get older you turn into a boring old grandma. (Fine. The grandma part is true, but the fun part isn’t!) 

28 begins the year of growing up–of really planning a wedding, and creating a home together (in a house that we OWN! Eeeeek!) 

And I thought at the “growing up” bend in the road–that I would be sad, like a little part of my life was over. But it’s just the opposite. I’m so excited for what the next year will bring, feeling so, so lucky for where I am right now in my life–and more importantly, that you’ll be along for the ride. 

I can’t thank you for the support you guys gave me in my 27th year of life. I know the next one will be even better. 

Hi, 28. I can’t wait to meet you! 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Jess, this post struck a cord with me. I am turning 30 next month and I am recently engaged. (YAY!) I am having the same feelings as you are about the next year and phase in my life. Thanks for putting your feelings about your up coming birthday into words, I couldn’t have said it better!

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  4. Such an awesome attitude! I turn 30 in August and can honestly say I’m more excited about my life today than I was five or ten years ago 😉 I too am a birthday minimalist (we don’t even really do presents in my family, maybe just a nice dinner or something), although this year my mom and I are having a little joint party. Oh AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY! I hope 28 is your best yet 😉

    xo,
    Kira

    Reply

  7. Happy birthday! I thought my life was over when I turned 30. Turns out some of my favorite memories and best times have happened in the past 10 years. Now 40…I’m not so sure about that one!

    Reply

  14. Happy Birthday, Jess!! You’re making me excited for the upcoming years, since you seem to be having the time of your life at 27 and now, 28. I’m so excited for you and what’s to come next!

    Reply

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