Three decades.
The big THREE-ZERO.
As this milestone birthday has drawn ever nearer, I've found myself increasingly reflecting on my last ten years... pondering regrets, counting blessings, and wondering how things might have turned out differently had I made different choices.
There are a host of things I always thought I'd do by age thirty that I haven't. At first I felt disappointed in myself... but then I realized that I was looking at it all wrong. You may or may not be familiar with the "30 by 30" trend that my generation has been passing around. I wasn't until I was already 28 and it was sort of too late... But it's a list of life goals that you make when you turn 20; things you hope to accomplish in the next ten years. The point is to give yourself motivation to always be working toward something worthwhile and encourage yourself to live meaningfully.
I never made a 30 by 30 list. I wished I'd thought of it when I was 20. But I decided that writing one backward was just as good... Maybe better. Instead of focusing on the things I failed to accomplish, I was able to zero in on all the things that made me a better, stronger person.
30 by 30 Photo Album
1. I married my best friend.
2. I bought a house and made it a home.
3. I owned a camaro and took it over 100mph at 2 AM.
4. I rode a motorcycle.
5. I learned to snowboard.
6. I learned to golf.
7. I became an NFL and NBA fan.
8. I understand fantasy football.
9. I have been blessed to have Nate all to myself for nearly a decade.
10. I drove across the country.
11. I learned who I am and developed the courage to be unapologetically myself.
12. I became an athlete.
14. I went on a cruise.
15. I learned to finally love myself.
16. I found a passion and shared it.
17. I ran 5ks for fun.
18. I made new friends.
19. I changed my hair. A lot.
20. I changed my attitude.
21. I paid off debt.
22. I developed a real testimony and relationship with my Heavenly Father- one that is all my own and no longer reliant upon the testimonies of others.
23. I became self-reliant and self-sufficient.
24. I learned how to budget.
25. I learned how to let go of control.
26. I learned how to heal a broken heart.
27. I did one frivolous, costly thing, all for myself, and I have zero regrets.
28. I learned how to get a job.
29. I learned how to love, forgive, and support another person unconditionally.
30. I learned how to humble myself and accept help.
I grew up, gained wisdom, and now I know what I want and how to get it. So here's to year thirty. It's gonna be legen - wait for it - dary.
