Sometimes you find the perfect excuse to throw on a tulle skirt and celebrate. Mine came in the form of 35 candles + the best birthday wishes a girl could ask for. This post is a little overdue, but I’m excited to finally share my birthday post with you guys!
Normally I’m not one to make a big fuss about my birthday and quite honestly, I felt a bit silly doing this birthday shoot. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I needed this for me.
Truth is, this past year was tough. I can’t fully put into words how I felt, but I was really off my game. I think I spent the better part of it trying to do it all and in the end, it was too much.
Then, there was my mom’s stem cell transplant mid-year that left me completely emotionally and physically drained. I haven’t talked about it much on here or social media, but we were all a complete wreck at some point during the whole procedure + recovery period. Plus, it broke my heart to see my dad so worried about her. I internalized a lot of my feelings which probably wasn’t the healthiest choice, but thankfully, she’s totally fine now and recovering well for the most part.
So while I won’t miss being 34 one bit, I learned some valuable lessons I plan on carrying over into the new year for a better, happier me.
First and foremost, CELEBRATE YOU. That’s why I did this shoot – to remember that it’s OK to treat yourself every once in a while, that it’s OK to celebrate your achievements, and it’s OK to be proud of yourself. I felt like my mom guilt stripped me of that last year – always making me doubt if I was doing enough for my girls and family. Anyone else struggle with this? Being a mom in itself is tough and that alone should be celebrated.
I learned that to be the best version of myself, I had to start TAKING CARE OF MYSELF. For me, that meant carving out time to start working out again. I was coming up to 2 years postpartum with Matea and all I wanted was to feel good about my body again. Never did I think it would have taken me this long to get back in shape (since I bounced back right away with Marli), but I knew I had to break the cycle. I made the plunge in August and haven’t looked back since. (Read all about my fitness journey after baby #2 HERE.)
I set some pretty big goals for myself at the beginning of this year, and you know what? I didn’t reach any of them. By trying to do it all, I got nothing accomplished. Admittedly, this left me feeling defeated for a moment, but then I realized something. I can’t do it all and that’s OK. GIVE YOURSELF SOME GRACE.
While I can’t do everything, I can do something. That’s why I plan on SETTING SMALL GOALS to help me get to the big ones. That way, I can stay flexible, keep focused, and not get burned out in the process. I think that was my biggest mistake this past year – setting the bar too high and not allowing myself any flexibility to reach those goals.
And lastly, I’m making a promise to STOP COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS. I think we can all relate to this on some level, but comparison is the thief of all joy and it’s the worst. I did this with my work when it came to social media. Luckily, I shut that down right away, but I think we all do it at some point whether it’s with our career, motherhood, and even personal life. Just know that social media only shows the highlights of a person’s curated life through pretty filters. Don’t base your self-worth and measure of success on others’ posts.
SHOP THE LOOK
Tulle Skirt | Lace Bodysuit | Boob Covers HERE and HERE | Block Heels
Lipcolor: Amber Energy by Kismet Cosmetics | Ring: Wrenn Jewelry
With that being said, if you are reading this, I wanted to say thank you for allowing me into your lives and letting me show a more vulnerable side. I am forever grateful for your love, support, and friendship – not just with blogging but also helping me navigate my role as a mama and wife. Motherhood is hard AF, but I am so so thankful that I don’t have to do it alone.
So here’s to 35! This will be my year to shine.
Photography by Hayley Jackson Photography
Hi!! I did a photoshoot for my 30th birthday and felt silly too, but I’m so glad I did it. Turning 30 made me reflect on life as you have. I like how you said you used to compare ur social media to others and I feel like I’m currently there. Doing that. I’m very inspired by you everytime I read your posts. Thank you!
Happy birthday to you!! I’m sorry that the past year included such hard trials for you and your family to go through, and I hope that 35 will be a year of flourishing!
These photos are absolutely stunning, I’m obsessed! I’m definitely with you on comparing myself to others, I’m so guilty of doing that constantly, probably one of my biggest mistakes! You’re looking amazing girl x
Alice http://www.accordingtoalicex.com
Okay, I LOVE seeing other people’s birthdays shoots and I’m hoping one day I’ll do one for myself. Maybe for my 25th – I’ll get out of my comfort zone and make that happen. And I love all the life lessons you’re sharing as well. I really need to stop comparing myself to others and realize everyone has their own path to follow.
Wow. You look stunning. Happy birthday❤❤ and cheers to your new year
Xos
Madelain | http://www.wheremyheartwanders.com
Happy birthday girl! What gorgeous photos 😍 Also, totally agree about what you were saying about comparison! I always have a hard time with that, but it’s so important to nip it in the bud. xx
What a beautiful post!! Thank you for sharing it. I hope 35 will be a better year for you, Linh. Stay motivated and positive <3 Happy birthday!
Linh you have inspired me to create something fun for my 30th birthday next year. You look so beautiful.
I’m terrible when it comes to comparing myself to others but I always step back and be thankful for what I have.
Happy Birthday! Your outfit is gorgeous!
Xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
lovely post! its true, even sometimes you have to be mindful that you yourself is a one great soul, yourself should be celebrated too as you have been in your best to reach where you are now. Cheers for more birthdays and more blessings in your future!
This outfit is absolutely gorgeous! I love it so much!