Find out what happened when I started to live out loud in this post sponsored by LISTERINE® and Socialstars. #LISTERINE

Something amazing happened to me when I turned 30 a few years ago. For most of my life before that, I went through life always a little tentative, cautious, and more worried about making sure everyone around me was more comfortable and happy than I was. I was a people pleaser, and used that to hold myself back from living a courageous and fulfilled life. All of that changed at the age of 30.

It wasn’t anything that I had even planned. I went to sleep at 29 on the eve of my birthday, and woke up the next morning feeling like all of the self-help books I’d read finally made sense. I got it. This is the only life that I was going to be given, and so I needed to actually act like it meant something to me. Gone were the days of spending years agonizing over a decision, or wasting energy being concerned about what folks would think about me if I decided to leap at something new. Instead, I was going to go all in and expect that great things were going to happen for me.

See, that’s the most important part of living a life that’s brave and courageous. You have to anticipate great things. If you try something new, if you think you’re going to fail, there’s a good chance you will. Instead, you go in an optimistic attitude and determination to win. Even if you don’t, then you know that it wasn’t because you didn’t try, but because it probably wasn’t meant for you.

What are some of the things I did? Well, for starters, I gave my job an ultimatum. I wanted a promotion. I deserved a promotion. And you know what? I got a promotion. Later, I uprooted my entire life and moved to California for love. Wondering how that worked out? Well, you’ll have to ask my husband. Wonderful things really do start to happen when you make the choice to live out loud. I had to let people know that I was here, and I had needs, wants, dreams and goals that were important and that mattered. Doing that wasn’t always easy, and it wasn’t always comfortable, but I’m glad for the fresh new outlook on life that came once I turned 30.

Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing stories of living life out loud with LISTERINE®. Makes sense, right? When you feel good, look good, and smell good (yes, even your breath!), your smile is brighter, your walk has a little pep in it, and people have no choice but to acknowledge you when you walk into a room! Stay tuned!

Do you or any of your friends live in the NYC area? If so, make sure to swing by Union Square on April 14 from 8 am – 2 pm to interact with the LISTERINE® team. They will be setting up stages, where you will be invited to participate in fun activities for free product samples!