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The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Dolores Catania Has Important Life Advice on Her Birthday: "Never Settle for Anything Less"

The #RHONJ mom shares the wisdom she's learned in her 46 years. 

By Jocelyn Vena
Is Dolores Breaking up With Her Ex?

We're gonna go ahead and say it: 46 never looked so good. Dolores Catania is celebrating her 46th birthday with an inspiring message for anyone looking for a little end-of-year pick me up. The Real Housewives of New Jersey mom reflected on the last year of her life, offering some insight into where she's been and where she's heading next.

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"One year can make all the difference. Just about one year ago, I was a shell of myself. I did not know where my life was heading and I couldn’t look in the mirror and love what I saw," she shared on Instagram. As fans saw during her rookie season on RHONJ, Dolores' journey toward a confident, more independent self was evident as she made strides to update her home and also separate herself from her ex-husband, Frank (clip above). She also recently opened up a new gym — her second — without Frank's assistance.

Dolores explained she was able to make all these changes because she didn't take the easy way out. "At this moment, I had to make a paramount decision, which road to take. I could take the first road, the easy road, and conform to the comfortable way of living. The road where I would change nothing and just settle. Or I could take the second road, the harder road, and step out of my comfort zone and make a change. I am so glad that when the two roads diverged, I took the more challenging one, because one year later, I am more confident, I love myself more, and I have never felt better," she wrote.

She also had a key piece of advice for anyone else at a crossroads. "Remember that when life gets challenging, step outside your comfort zone, live the life you have dreamed, and never settle for anything less than you deserve," she shared. "One year has made all the difference, and I look forward to the next with all of you. Here's to turning 46 today!"

And, Dolores turned 46 in style — or we should say, with her "glam on fleek."

The day didn't pass without her pal, Jacqueline Laurita, wishing her a HBD.

Check out some throwback pics of Dolores, below.

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