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?
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.
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!
Those are lovely goals. Happy birthday!
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.
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!
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
Oh gosh, don’t call it my fourth decade! Ha ha! But thank you.
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