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!

First, happy birthday! I hope that it is/was an enjoyable one!
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much Doc! So far so good! Feeling very blessed! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
The world was blessed with your beauty on this very special day.
Thank you for being so truly great with the amazing personality you portray.
Your grace cannot be matched as it’s unique in every way.
Your heart cannot be snatched as you give love freely anyway.
What I wish for you is for all your dreams to come shining through.
What I pray for you is for your success, which is overdue.
Happy birthday to you from someone who truly appreciates you.
Happy birthday to you for all the good work that you always do.
Happy Birthday Caralyn
LikeLike
Oh my gosh I am so touched by this. Thank you for the beautiful prayer and for al your kindness!! It means the world 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Have a delightful year! 🌺
LikeLike
Thank you so much Shelly!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday. Age with grace✨🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much Chris! I appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday!! God bless 🤗
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Ow~ so late to the party 😭 Congratulations dear~🎉🎉🎉🙈 May all your wishes come true!! and from my part i wish you many more years in life happy and healthy and most importantly safe, you and all your loved ones~ 🥰 and you look so pretty 😭🥰🥰🥰 hope you had a great time sister~ 🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much Yiena! That is so sweet of you 🙂 it was SUCH a great time. I’m walking away from this weekend feeling so loved 🙂 thank you my dear friend. Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Oh glad it was so!! Wish you find only happy times in your road dear sister~ 🥰
LikeLike
you’re the greatest, thanks again! 🙂
LikeLike
My pleasure sweety~🥰
LikeLike
🥰💛✨💛🥰💛✨💛🥰
LikeLike
Happy birthday! August 6th is a great day; it is my wife and my 37th wedding anniversary!
Blessings and many more to you,
Pastor Chuck
LikeLike
Thank you so much! And oh my gosh happy anniversary! 37 years…that is really something to celebrate! Blessings Chuck! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
A day late but, Happy Birthday! Celebrate each year, and each day, you’re alive. God bless, and may you have many more to come.
LikeLike
Thank you so much William! It was a great day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Shauna!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Amanda!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Cool! I’m constantly amazed at how many people have August births. Mine was the 1st, my nephew, the 2nd, my brother, the third, and several others 5th, 6th and one coming up on the 11th! Happy Birthday!!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Jolie!! And happy belated to you!! I know – there are SO MANY august birthdays!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday, young lady.
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
The happiest of birthdays to you! I hope you have a truly stellar year ahead with lots of memorable moments and adventures. In everything you do, may you be surrounded by great friends and loved ones and immersed in God’s love!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Anthony! Aw that’s so kind. Yes! Amen to that! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday!! 💕
LikeLike
Thank you so much!! 🌞 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
No problem! 😊 💞
LikeLike
xoxoxo 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday! I hope it was a wonderful day. You deserve it!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Eliah! It was an awesome day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated b-day. I celebrate mine today! Grateful for every day of this unusual year 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much TaVon! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!! That’s so exciting 🙂 hooray for august! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Belated Birthday Caralyn! Wishing you a blessed, healthy and joyful year to come. 🙂
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much Eddie!! That’s so sweet. Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
You’re right, every moment of life is precious and the time is not coming back.It is also very valuable in our ages. Each age has its own beauty, experience and memory.Happy birthday to you♥️. I hope your new age brings you happiness, health, peace and all the things you want.
LikeLike
Yes! So very precious and valuable. Thank you so much! So kind of you to say! Big hugs to you xox
LikeLike
Hope your birthday was the happiest and grooviest it could be during a pandemic! Thanks for sharing your stories and strength with us!!
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much Ginger! That really means a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Thanks be to God for adding another glorious year free of sickness and sorrow. May He give the grace to celebrate it for many, many more years to the glory of His name in the name of Jesus christ.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
LikeLike
Aw that is so beautiful. Thank you friend! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday 🎂🎉
LikeLike
Thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday Caralyn! Love you 💛✨ thank you for sharing your life, your truth and your faith with us readers over the years. It’s been great getting to know you virtually. I wish you happiness, joy, peace and love this year. May God continue to bless you.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! Oh my gosh that’s beautiful. I agree! I’m grateful that our paths crossed!! Big hugs to you 💛
LikeLike
Happy Belated Birthday!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Joe! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday Caralyn! May you continue to share the love and blessings God has given you.
Carole
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much Carole! That is so beautiful 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Its a bit late but hope you had a happy birthday. My husband and one grandchild birthday celebrations today 🙂 they also had birthdays this week. Many blessings
LikeLike
Thank you so much Jenette! And happy birthday to them!! Yes – it was an amazing birthday! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Hope you had a super day.🎊🎁💐
LikeLike
Happy Belated Birthday! God bless you! Your attitude shows your adaptability to difficult scenarios. Take care. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much! That’s kind of you to say 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday! You are a true blessing.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Lisa!! That’s so kind of you to say! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Belated Birthday. God Bless you.
LikeLike
Thank you so much!!! 🥰 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
O G_d, our times are in your hands. Look with favor, we pray, on your servant Caralyn, as she begins another year. Grant that she may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen her trust in your goodness all the days of her life; through Jesus, Christ our Lord. Amen.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for this beautiful prayer!! I’m so touched. Amen. Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday! -Jeff
LikeLike
Thank you so much Jeff!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Jim! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
🎂
LikeLike
Happy Birthday 🎉🎂🎈🎊
LikeLike
Thank you so much!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I’m a little late but Happy Birthday! 🥳
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much! It was a great day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Essie! It was an awesome day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy Birthday a couple of days late. I hope it was a blessed one.
I look at my age as a testimony of how far God has brought me. As that number gets bigger, I’m more and more in awe of God. 🙂🙂🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much!! It was such a wonderful day! Yes! So glad you feel that too! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I pray God richly blesses you as you are His blessing to so many others!
LikeLike
Thank you Ed, I appreciate that so much! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy birthday!
LikeLike
Aw thank you Jack!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
belated birthday wishes dear 😊have a good time ahead 👍🏽
LikeLike
Aw thank you Jimmy, I appreciate that! It was a great day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday!!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much! It was a great one! Hi
LikeLike
*hugs
LikeLike
Happy Belated Birthday! God Bless You Richly Dear. Thank you for all you do and for all you are. You are a blessing to this generation.
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much! Gosh I am so incredibly touched by such generous words! Have a great day! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday thank for taking time to share your life with us🎂🎂🎂🌹🌹🌹🌹
LikeLike
Thank you so much Arielle! Means a lot! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
My birthday is mid-March, so our state went on lockdown the day after my sweet 16th. Stinks to high heaven, but at least we got to go shopping and celebrate the weekend before!
LikeLike
Oh my gosh, what timing! Yes! At least you were able to sneak in a celebration, normal style! Haha thanks For stopping by! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Heyyyy hoooraa August ina , Happy Birthday , mine was 13 August. Hope you had a great day on your day. Praying Gods favour and continue blessing to your life for the year ahead. You are awesome. Keep shining 😀🥳🥳😷🤗🤗
LikeLike
Oh gosh happy belated birthday to you!! Thanks so much!! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy late Birthday 🎂
LikeLike
Aw thank you so much!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I’m sad that I missed your birthday but it’s been many years since I got anything done on time. My Mother-in-law passed 93 on August 8th. Perhaps I will get it right next year with her as a reminder. God bless. Stay safe.
LikeLike
oh gosh, i am so sorry for your loss. may she rest in peace, Jerrie. sending so much love xox
LikeLike
Please accept my blessings and wishes, rejoicing in the celebration of your birth! My deepest gratitude to your parents in their saying, “Yes” to God, and one another. Here’s to another year celebrating the gift who is Caralyn.
LikeLike
aw, Teri, you’re so sweet, thank you so much! I am seriously so touched by this! yes! grateful for life!!! hope you’re having a great week so far! Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday. You turned 20, right??? 😁
LikeLike
Oh gosh thank you so much! hahahha oh wowwww aren’t you kind!!! ahahha
LikeLike
Happy birthday (probably late) from the Road! Blessings!
LikeLike
Thank you!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike
I wish you a happy (belated) birthday!
LikeLike
aw thank you! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LikeLike