Hello friends! And yes…today is my birthday!!

Covid birthdays…am I right?
I saw this meme the other day, and it said…“I’m not adding this year to my age, I didn’t use it!”

Which…I’m not going to lie…I was like, fist pumping, and all…”that’s right, girl! You tell ’em!” — all the while, mentally adopting that mindset.

But the more I think about it…nah. That’s actually not what I’m going to do.
Sure, getting older, as a young woman, is never fun. There are pressures that come with age, be it career wise, where-you-are-in-life wise, marriage/family wise. Pressures that…log onto social media for 15 seconds, and you’ll instantly be bombarded with…where everyone else my age “is” on the timeline of “societally dictated benchmarks.”
But I’ve adopted a new mindset that has been incredibly freeing, and truly has given me so much joy and peace.
And that is the truth that getting older is a privilege that isn’t afforded to everyone.

I have been around the sun enough times to realize, and also experience first (or second) hand….that life is incredibly fragile, and we are not promised tomorrow.
I think, given this whole Covid situation, we all have come to a new appreciation of that, recently.
But this aspect of “not using” the precious, precious time we’ve been given? That’s just not going to fly in my book.
This life — every moment…whether we’re quarantined, whether we’re scraping to get by, whether we’re vacationing, whether we’re just trucking along… every single moment is a blessing, and one never to take for granted.

Sure, quarantine has been different, but it has honestly been an incredibly special time. Yes, I miss my parents and family every single gosh darn day, and would give my left leg to be able to fly home and visit them….but this time has really allowed me to grow friendships and relationships that matter.
Quarantine and social distancing has really allowed the “cream to rise to the top,” if that makes any sense whatsoever. It’s really pulled into crystal-clear focus the relationships that I want to cultivate, even when it’s inconvenient, or a little bit risky health-wise, or willing to risk getting caught in the rain at the park for.
And as a result, I’ve really grown super close with “my people.” Because not only have they become a priority in my life, but we survived a pandemic together. And that means something.
So…all that to say…I’m really grateful to have the immense privilege and blessing to have another year under my belt. And even though my pride may not want to admit I’m getting “older”…the fact of the matter is that, I have so much to be grateful for…and life is certainly one of them.

So — I hope you have a wonderful evening. I’m going to go meet up with “my people” right now, and have a little socially distanced, SMALL, outdoor get together, and celebrate, COVID-style!
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

A huge shoutout to Reason Nutrition Beverage! Their all-natural, high calorie drink is not only delicious, but it has no “garbage” in it! Utilizing the wholesome goodness of coconut oil, it’s a phenomenal option for those needing to gain weight in recovery, or for those simply looking to supplement their diet with convenient and fast nutrition. Check them out!

A big thank you to my foundational sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy. I cannot begin to express how beneficial therapy was for my recovery from anorexia. Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.
***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***Click to order your copy!

SIGN UP BELOW FOR MY FREE NEWSLETTER!
GET MY DAILY VIDEOS, RECIPES AND POSTS DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!
[mc4wp_form id=”30616″]
Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A
MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!Get a tube!

Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!!
Huge shoutout to my favorite: Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit, New Jersey! Located just outside of NYC, this gorgeous medical spa keeps my skin healthy and bright! Stop in and treat yo’self! 🙂

STAY CONNECTED!
@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram

For Podcast versions of my posts, please check out Patreon! It’s only $2 a month!! You make this blog possible 🙂

And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!

Wishing you a Happy Birthday, Caralyn
With thanks for you,
David
LikeLike
thank you so much David! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday !!!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, lovely! Squeeze all the joy out of it that you can…at least Covid parties are way less pressure that the usual ones. 🥳
LikeLike
thank you so much Anna! haha yes! squeezing the joy like orange juice! 🙂 heheh Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday C !
LikeLike
thank you so much!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Have a very blessed and Happy Birthday! I hope you continue to stay safe and healthy.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Caralyn. God bless you in the coming year for the positive difference your life makes in the world … for Him.
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much! I appreciate that a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday and many blessings.
LikeLike
aw thank you so much!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Day of thy Birth.
LikeLike
hahha thank you so much JB! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Hahha!!! You are very welcome. Hugs and love to YOU!!!
LikeLike
🙂 🙂 🙂 xoxo
LikeLike
🙂 🙂 🙂🙂 🙂 🙂🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Wish you a very happy birthday dear babe,enjoy life with abundance of grace ,and a very sunny ,bright future.Take care.🎂💕🌹👍💐🙏
LikeLike
THank you so much Francis! means a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday, lovely!!🥳🥳❤
LikeLike
thank you so much Heather!!!! 🙂 hope you have a great weekend! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Shannon!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happiest birthday ever 💝
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday!!!🎉
LikeLike
thank you so much!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday! I think it’s great you have a great attitude about getting older…many do not have a good attitude about getting older.
LikeLike
thank you so much Brendan! at this point, there’s no other option! hahaha Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday.🎂
LikeLike
thank you so much! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl – Hugs and kisses xxxxx
LikeLike
Happy birthday, I love you, keep growing beautifully inside out.
LikeLike
thank you so much Veronica!! 🙂 aw, you’re too sweet!!!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, Carolyn!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Robin!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday, my friend! You’ve made my life another year richer with your kindness and support, just as I’m sure you’ve enriched many other lives. God bless!
LikeLike
aw thank you Jeff!! gosh, this brought a smile to my face — thanks for saying that. Grateful for another year around the sun! hope you and your girls have a great weekend! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday, Caralyn! 🎈❤️ Next year, you’ll just have to celebrate double! Yes, I too learned a lot this year, plus my second grandbaby was born. There are still good things! 😻
LikeLike
thank you so much Paula! haha i like the sounds of that — double the fun! 🙂 and oh my gosh congrats on your second grandbaby!!!! thats so so so exciting!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Thank you! 💗
LikeLike
xoxo 🙂
LikeLike
Happy Birthday. May God richly bless you on your special day… My approach to age is this.. this year I will celebrate my 33 anniversary of my 39th Birthday.. you can stay young forever, just some days it doesn’t feel like it..
LikeLike
aw thank you so much Dennis! That really means a lot. i love your mindset! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy happy b day!
– prayers + xoxo –
LikeLike
thank you so much Brian! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I already said this on Instagram, but again, happy birthday!!!!!! (Mine is coming up too, I think we’ve had this discussion before)
LikeLike
awww, thank you so much Greg!! i appreciate that! and happy early birthday to you! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday!!! Many happy returns and all that jazz!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!! i appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Hope your birthday celebration turns out to be wonderful.
LikeLike
thank you so much Keith! it was just wonderful! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday!
LikeLike
thank you so much Greg! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I hope you had a very happy celebration. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much Ian! it was such a great day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Alles gute zum Geburtstag!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Matt! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happiest of Birthdays!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Dino! Means a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday, Beautiful!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, it is my birthday too, Wishing you a great day! Julie
LikeLike
Thank you so much Julie!! 🙂 and oh my gosh TWINS!! 🙂 Happy birthday to you too!!! hope you had a spectacular day!! 8/6 babies!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
HaPpY BIRTHDAY! Life is a Gift! 🎉🎂💐🎶🍫🍹🌷☀️🎊
LikeLike
Thank you so much Virginia! You’re so right about that! it’s a gift! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Wishing you a wonderful Birthday!
🎉🎁🎂
LikeLike
Thank you so much Laura! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
As C.S.Lewis said ““You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ” Dream on beautiful lady!
LikeLike
I love that quote so much! thank you thank you!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, Caralyn! I love your outlook on growing older. God bless you … His goodness isn’t interrupted even by pandemics.
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much Shelly! I really appreciate that! amen! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday
LikeLike
Thank you so much Styron!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday Caralyn! Wow, our birthdays are only 2 days apart (mine was on Tuesday). Yay for August birthdays! 🥳🎂
LikeLike
Thank you so much Hilary! oh my gosh happy belated birthday! yes! i love August!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I hope you had a good birthday, Caralyn! Thank you for the birthday wishes.🌻🌻
LikeLike
It was a fabulous day! Spent with good friends! I have another celebration on Saturday which I’m really looking forward to too! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I just realized that tomorrow is Saturday. This week flew by so quickly! Have a lovely weekend 🙂Hopefully there’s lots of sunshine!
LikeLike
Haha I know! Warp speed!!
LikeLike
Happy birthday Caralyn! Thank you for blessing the world with your great posts.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Temiloluwa! that’s so sweet of you to say 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday!
LikeLike
Thank you so muhc Kenesha!! means a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
No problem! Hope you have many more blessed ones!
LikeLike
🥰✨🥰✨🥰✨
LikeLike
Hope you enjoyed your special day!! Happy birthday 🎈🎉 I’m an August baby too 🙌🏾
LikeLike
Thank you so much Kamina! oh it was a spectacular day! And happy birthday month to you!!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
You’re welcome Caralyn!! I’m so glad it was spectacular, you deserved it 😄 Hugs & Love xox
LikeLike
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
Oh, my dear Caralyn – so I wish you “Many happy returns of the day”,
that all your good wishes come true, that you stay strong and healthy, that you continue to share your heart with us, that your head and heart continues to analyse situation which you digest to bring them on the table for all of us to learn from. Allow me to hug you many many times, my dear friend Caralyn – I am so happy for you. You are a wonderful person and in my heart as well.
From heart to heart – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Caralyn!
Much love, many hugs and light to you
Yours Didi
LikeLike
Aw, thank you so much Didi! that really means a lot! yes! what a beautiful sentiment – thank you! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Welcome, dear Caralyn 🙂
Make the best of your special day, my friend 🙂
Hugs and love .)
Didi
LikeLike
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
Wishing you many happy returns of the day on your special day and what a wonderful privilege it is to read your thoughts and inspiration at such a difficult time for many people.
Life though has you said is a gift and we have a choice to make each and every day and I am grateful for the gift of being able to read your words and share a part of your birthday celebrations. XOXO.
LikeLike
thank you so much Paul! I really appreciate that!! amen – it is a huge gift and blessing! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Interesting..may the day bring joy and more love
LikeLike
aw thank you so much 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
🥰😇
LikeLike
xoxo 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for spreading sparkle and love-I couldn’t be more happy.
LikeLike
Aw thank you again!! Sparkle and love — that’s the goal! Haha
LikeLike
😇🤩🥰
LikeLike
✨✨✨✨✨✨
LikeLike
Happy Birthday beautiful! Xx
LikeLike
thank you so much!! means the world! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy personal new year to you
May God always bless you with a happy life, soul and keep you always healthy
LikeLike
thank you so much M! that really means a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Really – 2020 isn’t worth to be counted! Happy Birthday, Beauty and God bless You! Yours Volker
LikeLike
thank you so much Volker! means a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Beautiful mindset! Happy Birthday!!! I hope you had a great time and that you feel even more special, loved and cared for!
LikeLike
aw thank you so much! it was such a great day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday .. God bless you… many many happy returns of this special day 🎂💐💐💐
LikeLike
Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
🤗🤗😑
LikeLike
xoxo 🙂
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! August is a great month to have a birthday. It’s my birthday in a couple of days.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Jillian! And happy early birthday to you!!! i agree — August is a great GREAT month! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Blessed Beautiful Birthday to you, beautiful friend!!! Hugs!xo😄❤
LikeLike
thank you so much Tonya! that really means a lot! 🙂 love you friend! grateful for you! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
😄❤
LikeLike
🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday to you. Hoping that you find your heart’s desires in the years ahead. 🎉🎈🎊🎁
LikeLike
Aw, thank you so much! what a beautiful sentiment! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike