Numbers aren’t scary by nature. But sometimes, in a certain context, they can be. Today, the number 30 scares me just a little. Because today, that’s how many years I’ve been on Earth.
I mean, I suppose in a way it’s kind of thrilling. 30! Three decades of learning and growing and living. It’s easy to focus on what I haven’t done in 30 years, or just how old I will be in 30 more years, instead of focusing on what I have done in 30 years.
Graduated college.
Married my best friend.
Found a writing community.
Started the process of querying in hopes of becoming a published author (a long-time dream).
Bought houses and cars. Went on vacations. Other “grown-uppy” things that I couldn’t really do 10 years ago.
I may not be exactly where I had hoped to be in all aspects of my life, but it’s not a failure to not be on a certain timeline. The important thing is I am moving forward.
And as I move forward, I have two goals for myself that I feel encompass the things I have been learning lately about what kind of person I want to be.
I believe I have been improving in these areas over the past year or two, and I want to continue to do so. When I start to think of myself first, I want to stop and consider others. And when I consider not pursuing something I want simply because of fear, I want to move forward anyway.
I don’t want to think of life going downhill from here. I want to think of life as getting better, richer, fuller, and more meaningful. I want to continue to grow and learn and try.
So here’s to 30.
Do I even have to make my obligatory statement? š
Happy Birthday!
I can hear it in my head right now.
That’s good enough for me!
Happy Birthday Amy! I’m glad I’m saying it on the right day now. š This is a beautiful post, and when you look back on it, I’m sure you will have so much love and nostalgia for this time. 30 is a great milestone in life!
Thanks so much, Charlene! š
Those are lovely goals. Happy birthday! š
P.S. Our birthdays are exactly a month and a year apart! I’ll be 31 on October 27!
Thank you, and how fun! I’ll have to try to remember that in one month. š
Happy birthday!
I’ll be turning 30 in December. It’s so easy to get hung up on the number. Your post is a great reminder that it’s so much more than that! Here’s to 30, indeed.
Thank you!
I’m sorry it’s late but: happy birthday! I hope you had an amazing day.
30 might seem scary, but you’ve done some pretty incredible things in those years! And I really like your goals, as well. I think everyone could benefit from taking them on, even in the smallest of ways.
I hope your 30th year is your best yet! š
Thanks! It was a good day, and I’m hoping for a great year as well!
Happy belated birthday! I’m staring down the barrel of 30, too, and your post is so thoughtful and calming. I hope you’re having a lovely 4th decade so far š
Oh gosh, don’t call it my fourth decade! Ha ha! But thank you. š
Congrats on 30 and happy belated birthday!! I think your goals are beautiful and I’m sure they will indeed lead to a rich and meaningful life š