So… I celebrated another glorious year in this beautiful space in time this past Saturday.  It was a  magical day of reconnecting with myself, my family, and my purpose.  I received so many beautiful birthday wishes and it truly touched my heart to many amazing women (like YOU) sending such love my way.

After sleeping in for a bit that morning (thanks husband of the year), I stumbled into the living room to receive the most amazing birthday gift EVER when my tiny little girl looked at me, smiled ear to ear, and said, “Happy Birthday”.

She’s just learning to talk so this is a MAJOR moment! Of course, my heart melted and I realized how lucky I am that she chose me.

Me on my very first birthday! The pool, ball, and yes the bikini were my gifts!

I actually realized a lot of things that day.  Like how lucky I am to have such an amazing husband who always supports me and my madness, a perfect little girl who teaches me something new every day, and the opportunity to make a living doing what makes my heart do the happy dance every single day!  I also realized just how lucky I am to be in the presence of so many women who are changing their bodies and lives and making no excuses about it.  Women like YOU!

I spent some time that day with myself reflecting over the last several years of my journey and got really clear on how I want to live out the rest of my years here. I suggest you do the same.

I decided that there would be no more doing things to make others happy while I suffer in silence.  No more putting myself last and others first (oh yeah, I fall into that trap sometimes too).  No more doing things the way others say they should be done because, well, that’s the way they’ve always been done. Nope, it’s time to get really clear and focused on where I’m going in this world and how I’m going to get there.

As you may have heard, I’m really focusing lately on the things that truly matter to me and how I’ve been called to help women all over the world. I’m also drilled in to my biggest responsibility ever – being the best mother I can be to Rain.

In a nutshell, I’ve decided not to put off life while I’m making a living.

No, this doesn’t mean I’m closing up shop and throwing in the towel.  I’m not going anywhere! It just means I’ve decided to play full out and live a life I’m proud of while still connecting with and supporting women on their journeys to greatness!

I’m literally changing everything in my life as I know it. From my home to my business to my friends.  There’s a whole lotta shakin’ going on. Do you feel it?

I will share more details in the days and weeks to come but I’m writing this now to challenge YOU to start shakin’ too.

I challenge you to start taking inventory of your life. What do you love about it? What would you like to change? What, if your time on this earth ended tomorrow, would you regret not doing? Do it. Not tomorrow. Not in a year or two or five when you’ve saved more money or the kids are grown. NOW!

You see, now is all we have. The past is gone and the future never happens. All we have is this current moment.  Right. Now.

So stop planning, hoping, and wishing and get to doing. Start shakin’.

Make every day your birthday. A day to start fresh, live free, and be happy on your terms.

If you feel called to do so, tell me in the comments below what you have decided to start, stop, or change.  Tell me how you’re going to start shakin’. I’m listening. I hear you and so does the Universe. Put it out there, Beautiful!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

CYNTHIA’S TWEETABLE:  “Stop putting off life while making a living.” @CPasquella

P.S. I made a short video for you and launched it on my birthday where I talk about some of the changes I’m making AND reveal the name of my new cookbook!  We’re taking it down soon so if you haven’t seen it yet, check it out!