It is hard to even fathom that I am turning 44 this week. I can remember when people would ask how old my parents were and anything over 40 sounded old. It’s crazy how a number can have such a profound impact on the way we view ourselves and the way we relate with the world. I am here to tell you that it truly is just a number that we put way too much emphasis on in regard to how it makes us feel.

For me, I believe that the age you are turning is the number of days you should spend celebrating your life and I am doing exactly that. I am going to start in Hawaii and who knows where I will end up, but I am going to celebrate for 44 days. I am going to reflect on all of the many amazing accomplishments I have been able to achieve in 44 years and really look at 44 individuals who played a role in making me who I am today, a blog for another day! I plan on making a list of 44 things that I am eternally grateful for. That is what that number represents for me. It isn’t about how my skin should look or eliminating items from my wardrobe because I have hit “that age.” I can still wear and do whatever I am physically and mentally capable of wearing and doing.

I always go into each year with a desire to be more than I was the year before. Get healthier. Do more for others. Continue creating new businesses, which I have a couple launching in the fall that I am excited to share. Empower more women to get out there and believe enough in themselves to make a difference in the world. Be a continuous voice of positivity. Love harder than the year before and work smarter than the year before. Those are just a few of the things I keep at the forefront of my mind when entering each new year.

I will set no limits on what is possible. Do not forget, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do not put a time stamp on when that runs out. Regardless of your age, you are capable of truly great things.

Bring on 44! I am ready and waiting for you!