Fall back in love with yourself and attract the life, work, and love you truly want.

My 35th Born Day Post

I’m not the greatest; I’m the double greatest. Not only do I knock ‘em out, I pick the round. – Muhammad Ali

This is a very special post for me today because, in approximately one hour, I entered this life and this world with a brand new set of eyes and ears as the youngest child in my family.

As I look back on my 35 years of life, I find it interesting how quickly the time has seemed to fly by. Yet, at the same time, it felt like my youth was ages ago.

When I was a little girl, it was my dream to move out of little Green Bay, Wisconsin and become someone of significance. I didn’t know for sure what it was going to be; I just knew I wanted to do and be more than what people told me I was realistically capable of doing.

I was told that high school was too hard for a married and pregnant teenager. I graduated top of class.

I was told that college was too expensive and challenging for someone married with a toddler and average grades. I received a full scholarship for my academic achievement, got accepted into my college of choice, and graduated on-time with a BBA in Marketing. Four years later, I completed my MBA in two years with high distinction. And I am currently attending school to obtain my Ed.D. in Leadership.

I was told that I should stop complaining about my job and just go to work and be fortunate to have a job. I quit my job during a frail economy and launched my coaching practice which has evolved into many facets since then where I get to help people fall back in love with the kind of work and life that makes them excited to wake up every morning without an alarm clock.

I was told that my son would resent the divorce and that it would have negative impact on my life forever. My son is the sweetest, kindest, funniest and most intuitive kid I know and I’m blessed to call him Child O’ Mine.

I could go on and on with these perceived barriers, but that would only hinder my progress, so I won’t.

Instead, I choose to use this day to be grateful for all of the people, things, all good and bad, that have come in to my life to teach me something about me and about life.

I thank my parents for the tough love they’ve given me over the years. They said “no” more than they said “yes.” However, when push came to shove and I needed help, they were always there for me no matter what.

I thank my siblings for teaching me how to be compassionate, caring, nurturing, and meaningful in this world. As kids, we all used to play “encyclopedia” and board games that tested our knowledge about state capitals, state birds, and dog breeds. Mind you, I was the baby so this stuff was always way over my head. But because they were all such nerds, I grew up a nerd too. I couldn’t be more proud!

I thank my son for teaching me how to love unconditionally and stay grounded. Words can’t express what an honor and privilege it is to be a parent, especially a mom.

I thank all my ex-relationships for letting me practice love and compassion. Though it didn’t work out for us, each and every single experience taught me a little something about myself and how to improve so that I can become better with each new opportunity. I carry your heart with me somewhere deep down inside and am optimistic love will be ready for me when it is.

I thank all of my friends for being there with me every step of the way. Whether you’ve been with me all along, started with me at the beginning and fell off later, or started later and stuck with me until now, I am so grateful that you have been a part of my life for a reason, season or a lifetime.

I thank my clients for keeping me on my toes and inspiring me every day that I get to inspire you. You don’t even understand how good it feels to support you; it’s a reciprocal relationship. I am fueled by you when you are fueled by me.

So, thank you for being a part of my journey. I have yet to see where this road goes, but I am so excited to stay on the path even though I have no idea where it will lead. The best part of life is the journey and trusting that the process will get you where you will need to be. You just have to keep seeing through your lens with a fresh set of eyes and ears like when we were new to the world. That’s what keeps us forever growing and learning.

You’ll only get LOVE from this girl today and every day moving forward. Today, I CHOOSE happiness, and happiness I will get.

Peace and love!

Berni “Bumble Bee” Xiong

 

Photo credit: Ritesh Keskar

Tags: birthday post, bumble bee, life coach milwaukee, life coach wisconsin, milwaukee life coach, muhammad ali, wisconsin life coach