“We become more distilled versions of ourselves as we age.” - @thischairrocks I am notoriously in a cloud of anxiety on my birthday, focusing on what I haven’t done yet. For the past few years I’ve run 16 miles on 6/16 (my birthday) which makes me feel proud of what this body and mind are capable of, even as it ages. Plus running brings me so much joy. I am able to be present and meditate on the current moment I am taking for myself and focus on what I CAN do, not what I haven’t yet done. Today I started my 16 off in a literal storm which felt extremely cleansing. I chose a We Can Do Hard Things podcast episode called Pro-aging: Why The Best Is Yet To Come with Ashton Applewhite, an author/activist speaking out on agism. Somewhere in the midst of these rainy cathartic miles and the @glennondoyle podcast, a switch flipped. Ashton Applewhite quoted writer @annelamott, “We contain all of the ages we have ever been.” It’s not just the one number. It’s every experience, every moment of growth, every win, every loss, every birthday, every person who has been a part of your story leading to today and making you who you are. So here I am. All of the ages I have ever been. All I’ve learned and experienced and accomplished. Here and now. Being unapologetically me. Doing what I’ve learned makes me happy. 16 miles to Coney Island and jumping in the frigid water to cleanse the soul at the end. And lots of fries. Thank you for all the love today and every day. I 💯 have won the friend lottery. 💙💙 (big love to @joebrentmandolin for joining me on the last few miles and in the ocean, and to @rachelbabs and @bobkarlie for the dino drive in 🦖🥰)