It's always so cute to see how animated our little ones get the weeks leading up to their birthdays. Before Brody turned 4 this year, he told anyone who had ears that he was going to be a year older. If only as adults we welcomed birthdays with that same wild enthusiasm. Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying my 30's, but it really does seem like time speeds up over the years. I know I've said it before, but I need to find a pause button!

I recently celebrated my 33rd birthday. As I blew out my candles this month, I apparently had another reason to celebrate. One of my cousins kindly pointed out that 33-years old is scientifically supposed to be the best year of our lives. So, my curious nature lead me to do a little research on that topic. Sure enough, a recent study by the British social-networking website, Friends Reunited, found that 70-percent of people over 40 said they were happiest at 33.

In the study's findings , psychologist Donna Dawson said "The age of 33 is enough time to have shaken off childhood naiveté and the wild scheming of teenaged years without losing the energy and enthusiasm of youth." To me, this makes total sense. I don't know how many times I've looked in the mirror and thought "but I don't feel like I'm in the thick of adulthood!" I can definitely put on my "grown up" hat when I need to and I'm all too familiar with being in mommy mode, but I still love having a healthy dose of youthful spontaneity in my life.

Dawson also said that at 33, "innocence has been lost, but our sense of reality is mixed with a strong sense of hope, a ‘can do’ spirit, and a healthy belief in our own talents and abilities.” Fulfilling professional lives, kids, and a strong support system were contributing factors to happiness at 33.

I'd love to get your perspective. What do you think is our happiest age and why? As for me, I'm going to jump head first into my 33rd year. For the record, I believe we make our happiness, no matter our age. Still, it can't hurt knowing that this year is scientifically supposed to be stellar. Cheers to that!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."
- Unknown