twenty nine

It has a nice ring to it. 😉

Once upon a time, I had a pretty solid idea of where I pictured myself at 29:

working in a corporate environment, done having kids by now, and living in one spot for more than a couple of years at a time.

As I begin my 29th year, my life is entirely different than the one I’d pictured, but a thousand times better than I could have imagined.

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Us

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I’m a different person than I was when I started the blog five years ago (thank goodness, haha) and have changed dramatically since the beginning of college. Of course, there are always ways I’m looking to improve and develop (personally and professionally), but once thing I’ve noticed is my shift of confidence over the years. I finally believe in myself and my abilities, and am no longer the person doubting myself along the way. In college, I had some huge goals I wanted to achieve, but instead of crafting a plan, I intimidated myself from even getting started.

I don’t feel afraid anymore.

Being a military wife gave me the kick in the pants that I needed to just go after things, because I never know how much time I’ll have in a certain spot. If i want to do something, I don’t have time to doubt myself. 

I still have a long way to go, and lots of goals on that before 30 bucket list, but I’m thankful for all of the lessons and beautiful memories. I just wish I could have told my younger (worrywart) self that everything really is going to be ok. 

Cheers to 29!

Or.. the first of many 29th birthdays.

xoxo

Gina

Pssst. Slacker here finally updated my fitness and friends pages! The recipe page is next on the list. If you have any ideas for how to make them easy to navigate, please let me know. xo

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180 Comments

  1. Alexandra on November 12, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    Happy Birthday! I love hearing from people in their late 20’s/early 30’s that it really does get better and it is going to be ok. Being 24 (almost 25) im constantly worrying about everything. There really is no time for worrying so much! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:16 pm

      oh man. at 24, i was going through a rough transition time. hang in there- i promise it just gets better and better.

  2. Emily on November 12, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    Happy Birthday! I have been reading your blog for about a year now and I love your workouts, meals and your musings on life in general. I too am a military spouse (Navy) and will be turning 29 this coming June. The military life/moving around is not the path I ever expected growing up or in college, but it is an exciting journey and it reminds me to live everyday to the fullest and never take any moment for granted. Thanks for sharing your life with us all- you are an inspiration! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:16 pm

      thank you, emily! thank you also to you and your husband for your service 🙂 xoxo

  3. Gina on November 12, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Happy Birthday Gina!!! I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your family. Your blog friend Gina (from Mass).

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:15 pm

      thank you and thank you for reading too 🙂 xoxo

  4. Livi on November 12, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    happy birthday!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:15 pm

      thank you!

  5. Hana on November 12, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Happy birthday Gina! We have the same birthday!!! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:15 pm

      yay! birthday twins! hope you had a very happy one!

  6. Alex @ Kenzie Life on November 12, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    Happy Birthday Gina!! I hope 29 is your best year yet! I’m definitely very grateful for your blog and the work you put into it!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:15 pm

      thank you so much, alex!

  7. Kandi on November 12, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    Happy Birthday Gina!!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      thanks, kandi!

  8. Happy on November 12, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    Happy birthday !!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      thank you!

  9. Carolina on November 12, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    Happy Happy Birthday! Wishing you an amazing day filled with lots of love and many blessings!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      thank you!

  10. Bethany on November 12, 2013 at 2:24 pm

    Today is my birthday toooooo!
    Here’s to a fab year and many more 29s to be enjoyed – i’m on my 4th!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      yay, happy birthday to you too!

  11. Amanda on November 12, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Happy birthday!!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      thank you!

  12. Heather on November 12, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    I’m 23 and thought I’d be married with multiple kids and I’m neither of those things! Isn’t it weird how your life perceptions change!?

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      yes! and you get things you didn’t know you wanted or needed 🙂

  13. Jess on November 12, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    Happy Birthday! Youve achieved a lot!!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      thanks, jess!

  14. zozo on November 12, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Happy birthday!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:13 pm

      thank you!

  15. Cassie Vaughn on November 12, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Happy birthday!

    I am turning 30 this time next month, and I feel the same way! I thought I’d have kids, a house, maybe a writing job.

    We haven’t had kids yet, but because we’ve waited, I’ll get to be a stay at home mom.

    We live in a beautiful apartment, but have no student loans (even after 2 bachelor’s degrees for me, a bachelors and law degree for hubbie).

    I love the amount of time I get to spend doing things I love, and it’s awesome! And I think it will keep being awesome!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:13 pm

      things will just keep getting better and better 🙂
      xoxo

  16. Naomi on November 12, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:13 pm

      thanks, naomi!

  17. LisaG on November 12, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Happy Birthday Sweetie!! Amused that today is 11-12-13. Have an awesome one.

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:12 pm

      thank you! miss you! going to make a wish tonight at 9:10 11/12/13 😉

  18. Jay on November 12, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Happy birthday! Hope it was a fabulous day!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:12 pm

      it was- thank you!

  19. Erin on November 12, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Happy birthday!! I love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing with us.

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:12 pm

      thank you, erin!

  20. Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit on November 12, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Gina!!! I’ve been reading your blog for years and think it’s awesome how far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished. I just saw you in the 50 top bloggers making a difference article – I mean C’MON – how cool is that?! I hope you have a wonderful day with the family. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:12 pm

      thank you so much, lauren! and thanks for reading for so long, too! xoxo

  21. Louise on November 12, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    Happy Birthday!
    Thank you for being a daily inspiration!
    Hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your family! xoxo

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      thanks, louise! xo

  22. Alexandra on November 12, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    Happy Birthday Gina!!! I literally JUST received my copy of SoliBeat in the mail and am SO excited – I feel like it is MY birthday! In honor of your birthday I suppose I have no excuse but to go home and shake it after work :):) Hope your day is fabulous!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      ahhhh! that’s an awesome gift- thank you! hope you love it

  23. Lou @ RUnning Through China on November 12, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    Happy birthday!!!!!!! Eek, my next one is the big 30 one – may do what you suggested and be 29 again and again! Hope you had a fantastic day! xxx

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      i think 29 needs a LOT of practice. at least a few years 😉

  24. Erica June on November 12, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    Happy Birthday Gina!
    You’re an inspiration to me always with your kind and thoughtful way of living and generosity towards others. Thanks for sharing with us!!!
    xoxo Erica June

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      thank you so much for reading, erica june! xo

  25. Ilane @cultiv8health on November 12, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Happy birthday, Gina! You are an inspiration.

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      thank you! 🙂

  26. Melissa C. on November 12, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Happy birthday! Have a wonderful blessed celebration!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      thank you, melissa!

  27. Brienne on November 12, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    Happy Birthday Gina! Enjoy your day and thank you for always being a wonderful and beautiful inspiration!

    xoxo,
    Brie

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      thank you so much for reading, brienne!

  28. Melanie on November 12, 2013 at 5:04 pm

    Happy Birthday! Of as we would say here in Germany: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      ohh, thank you!

  29. Ali @ Peaches and Football on November 12, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Happy Birthday! Can’t believe you’re only 29. Always thought we were closer in age but you haven’t even hit the big(??) 3-0!

    Enjoy your day and the year ahead!!!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      not yet! i’ll be there soon enough 🙂
      thanks for the bday wish! xo

  30. Kimberly on November 12, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    Happy birthday, Gina!!! I hope you have a fabulous fun day!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      thanks, kimberly! xo

  31. Florence (@SquigglemeFloey) on November 12, 2013 at 5:56 pm

    My birthday is nov. 20th 🙂
    I’ll be 28. It’s so strange, I pictured everything so different. That I would be living on my own, married, working, with a cat at least. But at least I have the latter two 😛

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:09 pm

      it’s funny how life never works out the way we plan 🙂 happy early birthday!
      xoxo

  32. Shaina Anderson on November 12, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Happy Birthday pretty lady! I hope you’re enjoying it surrounded by everyone you love. <3 We're off to celebrate my Pilot's birthday!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:09 pm

      awww! bday twins?! so fun. let’s party in cali! 🙂 xo

      • Shaina Anderson on November 12, 2013 at 8:25 pm

        Absolutely! 🙂

        I don’t know how it took me three years of reading your blog to realize you guys were birthday twins haha.

  33. Missy on November 12, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    Happy Birthday! I absolutely love this post, beautifully said. You deserve all of the confidence in the world, you rock!

    • Fitnessista on November 12, 2013 at 6:09 pm

      thank you, missy! xo

  34. Christie @ http://Kissesandkale.blogspot.com on November 12, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Happy Birthday!!! I think that’s pretty common to not be exactly where you thought you’d be when you get to a certain age. I think you should be proud of all that you’ve accomplished though!

  35. Maureen on November 12, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    I am 45 – and nothing, nothing has happened the way I thought it would! The trick is to keep your focus on all of the blessings life has to offer (the people you love, your health and all of the experiences that remind you of those things you should never take for granted). Live each day to the fullest and all of the detours and hurdles not planned for become the path that makes you who you are. Now that I’m done waxing poetic . . . the 30’s were my favorite! Happy Birthday my friend.

    Mo

  36. Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate on November 12, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    Happy 29th Gina, I know it will be an amazing year!

  37. Betsy on November 12, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    Happy birthday! I hope you’re able to relax and enjoy it. I turned 27 last week and am NO WHERE near where I’d thought I’d be in my life, but I’m happy!

  38. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves on November 12, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    Happy birthday, Gina!! Hope you had a fabulous day. I am so happy for you and all that you’ve accomplished in your 29 years. ? God bless!

  39. Britt on November 12, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    Happy Birthday Gina!! 11-12-13, what a great birthday! 🙂

  40. Karissa on November 12, 2013 at 10:29 pm

    Happy happy birthday!!! 🙂 I hope you are having a wonderful, blessed day with the people you love! 🙂
    Your blog is a daily source of awesomeness and happiness to me; I’m very glad you were born! 😉

  41. Tracey on November 13, 2013 at 12:56 am

    Happy happy birthday!! I hope you had a wonderful day that’s filled with much happiness 🙂 You are a source of inspiration to many and I always look forward to reading your blog everyday!

  42. Lucie on November 13, 2013 at 3:02 am

    Believe me, it gets even BETTER after 30!!! I am 35 now and I never look back!

  43. Gina G on November 13, 2013 at 6:59 am

    I’m sorry I’m late, but happy birthday Gina!!! I hope you had an incredible day! <3

  44. sarahf on November 15, 2013 at 4:17 am

    I’ve been 29 for a few years now ;P It’s awesome! I’m no where near what I’d imagined, and I love it! You never know what’s going to happen next! Hope you had a wonderful birthday, thank you for inspiring so many people (including me) to go where they never thought they could.

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