Today, at 2:59pm, I will turn 33.

A few days ago, I mentioned to an older friend that I was turning 33 and she leaned back, knowingly, slowly proclaiming, “Ahhh, yes… your Jesus Year!”

Some of you may know, Jesus died when he was 33 years old. He had a wildly productive few years before he was crucified— spreading his good news far and wide. Because of this, many people now view the age of 33 as a time to get stuff DONE!

I have met multiple people in my life who claim 33 was their best year in terms of personal health and happiness. Even Time magazine wrote, “70% of respondents over the age of 40 claimed they were not truly happy until they reached 33.” This may have something to do with the fact that people in America are generally expected to gain some financial stability and emotional maturity in their early 30’s. Mastery of new habits and skills can take some time. 33 years old seems like an ideal time to officially let go of the past and fully embrace the present. Right?

Right. Or, repeatedly calling age 33 the Jesus Year may have just turned into a great personal motivator for 32 year olds who are feeling a bit scattered and unclear about their life’s purpose to GET CLEAR!

Ultimately, making a big deal about turning 33 is a choice, just like anything else. I recently lost 50 pounds and could certainly say that I am off to an amazing start in my 33rd year in regard to health and happiness, but it’s entirely up to me to maintain this buy xenical online australia positive trajectory in my life. I could just as easily revert back to my past 20-something samskara and fail to make this year meaningful in any way. It’s entirely up to me, regardless of what happens in the next 365 days. This is both incredibly humbling and satisfying because it reminds me that while I have so little control of my life, I am more comfortable than I have ever been before about the sincere lack of control.

Yoga Philosophy has taught me so much about the benefits of intention setting, practice, discipline and surrender, that now the work is primarily about trust in the process. I must trust in the many opportunities to learn and grow that come my way in my 33rd year.

Age 33 has left me with an intuitively good feeling about what I will accomplish. I am not out to conquer the world this year. I am out to conquer internal contentment, which is quiet, subtle work. I am interested in simplifying. Practicing ‘being,’ rather than ‘doing.’ Seeing what comes from pulling back the layers and trusting in what remains. Knowing that I am good enough and worthy no matter what. Recently, this is far more interesting to me than chasing after external desires. Today, above all, I desire to be present and loving. And though I do not consider myself a religious person, I know that many people admire Jesus, the man, because of his loving presence and compassion.

Elders, please share in the comments section any personal experiences of your Jesus year! Any words of wisdom are much appreciated! ?

Thanks for reading! ~ Megan