I am constantly in awe of how my life has changed over the last 10 years. I have completely settled into a life of coffee, early mornings, and NPR stories before work. I guess this is what the generation ahead of me would call growing up. Waking up early allows me to see the ice flakes on my windows before the day light melts them.
I almost can’t believe I used to sleep until noon when I was in my early teens. Such a shame. Along with my natural alarm clock waking me up before 7, my decorative taste has matured as well. I find myself being drawn towards rustic, earthy, neutral items, and I constantly day dream about decorating whenever I wander stores.
So simple, yet so wonderfully decorated.
I’m discovering that my idea of a successful day is going for a walk with a thick jacket and wool socks. Wandering the market and enjoying a free cup of coffee. Daydreaming about decorating my own space, and brainstorming new craft ideas. Waking up before the sun, just to hear the stillness of the dark sky. Exchanging a smile with a stranger I’ll never see again, or stopping to savor a moment of quiet with a hot cup of tea.
I’m quite content with the small things I find joy in, and have made it my mission to find something joyful in each and everyday. Chatting with a Starbucks customer about running, or buying someone in need a foot long sandwich, both provide equal feel good. Savoring a cupcake slowly, because these days I’m not sure when I’ll have another one.
My older body doesn’t handle sugar quite like it used to, which has led me to another sugar detox. After one too many donuts and cookies this was necessary. It’s been four days and I thankfully haven’t had to shank anyone. Sometimes I get angry without my cookies. Christmas morning it’s game over and I plan to face plant into a pile of cinnamon rolls.
Snack bowls instead!
Balance is bliss, and one day I will find my balance when it comes to cupcakes…maybe.
Q: What’s something that has changed for you over the last decade?
Blissfulbritt 
59 thoughts on “Not How I Used to Be”
Nicole Marie Story
My dog. 🙂
Nicole Marie Story
Ah, yes, and ending my 11 years of Bulimia.
Alex @ therunwithin
I love seeing where we have all come from, even how much 5 years can make a difference. Great reflection for a Friday!
The Savvy Sister
10 years ago I was “asleep”. Since then I live life and see things differently and I’m so much happier for it!
thoughtsappear
About 8 years ago, I said I’d never date a guy who had kids. We both know how that worked out.
Davida @The Healthy Maven
I’m the opposite and have learned to appreciate when my body decides to sleep in! Nothing more glorious to me than 12 hours of sleep. Maybe because it’s a rarity these days.
Change of Pace
I love this reflection and growth on a Friday- beautiful post!
How have things changed for me? I’m more willing to try new things, possibly things that used to scare me (and maybe still do a little)! And I let me body sleep; I go to bed early when I crave it!
Catherine @ A Two Storey Home
Beautiful. I love the ways I’ve changed and grown since my teens as well. Have a great day!
kathy @ vodka and soda
i love this. i love that you are enjoying the little things like peace and tranquility and all the things around you. this is what life is all about – enjoying those moments alone with your thoughts.
i wake every day around 5-530am and like you, i used to wake late in my teens/early 20s – like, 2pm! what a waste of a day.
then again, i’m an old hag so what do i know LOL
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m pretty sure I’ve been victimized by a body/brain snatching, because who I am today is SO far from who I used to be that I hardly even recognize myself. Waking up at 5 AM, enjoying quiet nights in, craving simplicity, eating healthy, being at peace with myself… I’ve gotta say that I like this version of me a whole lot better
Megan
Hi pretty lady. I would say the biggest chance is my boozing and running. I drank WAYYYYYY to much from the age of ohhhh 15 to lets say 23/24…. now I have a 2 beer queer and I pass on a night out for a 10pm bed time and a 8am run. The party scene has continued on with out me….
Brittany
Ah yes, I left the party train a good three years ago..never want to jump back on it either!
An Unrefined Vegan
Girl, you are awesome. I just love you to bits. Or Britts.
I’m SO not the person I was 10 years ago. And I’m very happy about that. Veganism, confidence, independence…all good changes.
Laura
Wonderful post. For me, it’s been learning how to sleep in again, to relax and be content with what I am now.
Taryn
THIS: “I’m quite content with the small things I find joy in, and have made it my mission to find something joyful in each and everyday.” This is my goal in life. I do find joy in the smallest things, but it makes life so much more fun. It doesn’t take much to excite me, and as a result, I’m in a good mood most days. Love it.
The Vegan 8
That’s so wonderful you find so much joy in all the simple things…that’s the best way to live. What has changed for me would take up this whole screen… But I got married, had a baby, found confidence and really love my life.
The Vegan 8
Oh I forgot! I no longer consume awful processed junk, hamburgers. Hot dogs, crap…I eat a whole vegan lifestyle now and never been more grateful.
Brittany
AMEN to a whole vegan lifestyle!!!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I love looking back and seeing how much things have changed from the past… I think if someone hasn’t changed in 10 years there’s a problem, haha. I think the biggest change for most people our age is the wake up time! Great post lady!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Lovely. Reading this made me feel peaceful.
I’m definitely more comfortable with who I am now. I don’t know that I’ve changed too much, but I’m more accepting of myself than I was then.
gabrieleneumann
I can still sleep until 11 in the morning if I’m tired enough. It’s rarer and rarer though. I know more, even though I feel like I know less…you just think you’ve got it all figured out when you’re 18, don’t you? I’ve also developed a fondness for savoring a cup of coffee rather than pounding a Mountain Dew. Thank god.
Britta
I am just so so in love with this post. Beautiful. I think its so important to find something happy in every day – because there IS something wonderful about each day. I think the biggest change that has happened for me.. and this is just recently, I am finding I don’t need so many things. I think I need a new knitted sweater, but in reality have 5 of the same ones at home and I don’t need it at all. I am learning to simplify my life and am finding life is so much better when you don’t have all that “stuff” – plus, it gives you the money to do other things like travel, go to a concert etc!
Brittany
Oh hi there…TWIN! I am so obsessed with “minimal living” almost too much because I try to convince my mom to be the same! HAHA! If I don’t have an immediate need/use for something I WILL NOT BUY IT! I JUST let my hair down for the first time in forever a few days ago and bought a decoration piece that I would adore in my own place when the time comes..it was $6 so I figured WHY NOT!
Kristina at damntenpounds
I just love everything about this post. I think as we age, we naturally slow down and learn to appreciate the small stuff. When I was a teen and in my early 20’s, I was rushing through life, eager to see what the next chapter had in store. I refused to spend a Friday/Saturday night in because I didn’t want to miss anything. Now, I enjoy quiet mornings with my coffee and my downtime. I finally see the tranquility and things that really matter that I was really missing out on before. God, I’m getting old.
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
Balance is bliss. I hear you sister. Why is balance so hard this time of year??
Amy
I was nodding along throughout your entire post. Well-said and well-written! We must be a couple of old souls. Although it’s still hard for me to wake up super early (like for your opening shifts!), I still love the calm peace of the mornings, and I’ve always enjoyed the rustic/classy/naturally elegant decor and designs. That partially comes from my dad; he woodworks as a hobby, which has taught me a great appreciation for all things from nature!
So proud of you for sticking to your sugar detox! That must be incredibly hard, especially right now during the cookie/truffle/candy/sweets holiday season. I’ve started hitting my sugar limit a lot sooner too, and on some days during recipe testing, I have to force myself to take a bite of the cookies or brownies I developed for the blog. Crazy how things change!
Brittany
OHhh my!! I love that your dad woodworks!! I just LOVE wood and its simple yet classy decorative aspects. As for the sugar..there are times I would legit gnaw on a piece of that wood because I want a cookie so bad, but then I notice small changes not only in my body, but in my mood and energy that makes it all worth it!! I can’t imagine how you make it with all your recipe testing!!
Amy
COME VISIT ME!! And my dad will literally make you something — anything you ask for. 🙂 Recipe testing is extremely difficult some days, and there are times where I can legitimately only manage a single bite of a cookie, even if it’s full of chocolate. It’s the strangest thing!
brickhousechick
I have learned to always listen to my body. That can be good but also bad. I rest when it tells me to but I eat when it tells me too also! That snack looks pretty good. If I had someone to make me healthy snacks and meals I would be content; making it is what gets in the way. We do cinnamon buns on xmas day also! 🙂
Christina Does It All
Love this post! Yay for the small joys! 🙂
Matt @ Runner Savvy
We are a lot alike 🙂
Luv What You Do
I am so much more confident in myself than I ever was 10 years ago! That is a great feeling! What a wonderful post. That snow flake picture is stunning! I would frame that!
Brittany
Thank you, I thought it was a great shot too!
pickyrunner
It’s amazing to look at how different life is between now and back even just a few years ago. Usually it makes me feel like I’m actually going somewhere with my life haha but I have to say, my body is a lot more sensitive to sleep and food now than it ever was in high school! Love this post 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities
WAIT a second… You savor cupcakes slowly?!?! LMFAO.
I cannot wait to see all the donut face plant photos you will send me. It will look about as sexy as I look after wolfing down 18 bushels of Brussels Sprouts. LMFAO!
Brittany
Actually, you have caught me..I eat cupcakes like a dog in heat that just found his bitch. I waste no time. I will TRY to slow down though, because that moment when it’s just me and a sugary cupcake is like pure magic. I should be checked out by a psych ward for this comment.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
You will be in the LOONEY BIN for cupcake HOOVERING and I will be in there for my SALMON OBSESSION!!! ha ha ha!
Elizabeth
time does change things. I am always amazed to look back at who I once was………so grateful for who I am NOW, and excited for who I might someday BE.
xoxo
B
Hmm, the last decade? Probably not caring what others think. I do things that I enjoy, not caring if others find it silly or weird. It’s not always easy to close off outside voices!
P
That first picture is so gorgeous!
Also love the three different colored carrots!
karla @ finding my fit
This is such a good read. I went from being titled as the SWIMMER to trying to figure out my place in life. But I’m learning to enjoy the ride regardless.
I want to fly out to Seattle and drink bottomless coffee, and maybe attempt a run again, with you!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
It is so funny how what you are happy and content with doing and having can change over time. I used to be a lot more materialistic and think that more new stuff would make me happier and I’ve realized it just doesn’t. As well I used to go out drinking and dancing every Friday and Saturday night and now I’m more content staying in watching a movie and falling asleep on the couch at the party girl hour of 10pm 😉
Arman @ thebigmansworld
It is ironic to look back on our past and see how far we’ve come or new behaviours we’ve adopted. I actually had a discussion with a friend today how we had the stamina to booze and go out 3 nights in a row AND work as well. These days, 1 night out probably takes a good 2 days to recover!
allieksmith
Love this post! So reflective!
Something that has changed for me in the last decade? Hmmm… I think I have come to appreciate my family a lot more! I’d also have to say that my work ethic has vastly improved!
Katherine
Ooh this post is great Britt! That rustic decor is marvelous! The older I get, the more simplistic I get. I really try to focus on what matters and the simpler aspects of life in a lot of situations. I’ve also learned little by little how to accept myself for who I am and time management! Whew, that’s a lot!
jessielovestorun
What a beautiful post to read. One thing that’s changed since my younger days would be sleeping in. Just like you I cannot believe sleeping in until 10 or 11 was a regular thing. I mean heck, I’m lucky if I sleep past 5:30 in the morning these days – with or without an alarm clock.
sincerelylily
I love this post. It sounds like you are so content and like you found yourself, while soul-searching for yourself. Doest that make sense? Anyways, it is probably the most vital thing one can achieve, so I applaude you in your early-morning lifestyle, finding joy in little things, your decor of rustic/chic items and love for being in the open air. Growing up, as long as you keep doing things you love and enjoy, make all the difference. Life is truly amazing…. you can choice exactly what kind of life you do or don’t want.
Love this post and all the pretty pictures. So happy that your hear is full. 🙂
PNWRunner
I also used to sleep until noon or even past that. I cannot believe it. I try to always get up on the weekends by 9am if I am not working. Lately, my body has been so tired from always being on the run. I need to remember to slow down and enjoy the little things! 🙂
Missy
It’s amazing how we change right? It’s like we change almost everything all the time which makes us appreciate those “core” parts of us that may be cast in a different shade depending on what stage of life we are in but are absolutely solid aspects of what makes us… “us”
It’s a beautiful part of life… and I am so charmed by how you are living it!
PS – I am dying about those snowflakes …err…ice flakes? anyways I have never seen them and they look… just like snowflakes (which in my mind are the fake decoration kind I am so inexperienced in snow).
GORGEOUS!
katalysthealth
I doubt I will ever find my balance with sugar. Im seriously just so addicted to it. Im ok if it’s not in the house, but if there are brownies, or cupcakes or cake around, you can be sure that my hands are on it!
Life After Swimming
Your life is exactly the type of life I am hoping to get to one of these days. Currently, I need the financial stability of working two jobs, but I hope to get rid of the one in a year or two and have more time to do the crafting, reading, etc.
Mary @ Fit and Fed
Oh gosh, ten years ago I was homeschooling three children, it was a completely different lifestyle. Now my youngest just turned 19 and I have so much more time to explore my own interests, and my house is so quiet! As far as sleeping in, I just can’t do it, like you I have that natural alarm clock that just works at dawn. I kind of envy the people in my household who can sleep in, although I do enjoy the early morning peace and stillness.
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen
Lol yes the only type of balance is my love for cupcakes and all sweets. It’s so funny how much we change, especially in our 20s. It’s non-stop too!. Just enjoy the ride, right?
Katy
I’ve always been a night person but I want to make an effort to start waking up early too. Nothing feels better than a productive morning!
di @ life of di.
I can really relate to this post. I used to be such a night owl and now I can’t imagine missing the sunrise. On the weekends I can barely handle sleeping past seven. I know sometimes my body needs the extra rest but it just feels like I’ve wasted so much of my day if I wake up too late (I’m talking 9AM is too late!) 😦 Also, I used to love to drink a ton with my friends but now I barely drink a glass of wine once a week. Oh how things change.
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
I wasn’t into health and fitness AT ALL ten years ago. I mean I’m only 23 so as a 13 year old it’s definitely normal not to give health and fitness and second guess. But in the later years of high school and into college I fell in love with working out and in the past two years I’ve fallen even more in love with eating whole, creative, delicious, natural foods. Some parts of growing up are awesome 🙂 I’m with you on the sugar thing, though. I used to eat 3 cookies AFTER lunch (3/$1 in my high school cafeteria). Now a days that much sugar will give me a crazy stomach ache. I just have to pace myself more these days!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I adore this post, and yes you are growing up. Don’t worry about the extra sleep you grabbed in your youth; you needed it then and it was part of that piece of your life. I find myself having reflecting thoughts or nesting for lack of a better word. Part of its age and part of its seasonal winter hibernation. It’s all good, and it’s so important to find joy in the simple things and to share that wealth. Well said.
Lauren
What a precious post!! It’s funny how we look back and see how much we’ve changed – even in a year – like the saying, ‘what a difference a year makes’. So true!
Rach @ This Italian Family
It’s crazy how much we change as we get older and mature. One of the biggest things for me has been going to bed early. When I was in college it was the norm to stay up until 2-3am and now I’m in bed by 10. This is what happens when you have to get up at 5:45am for work, haha!