Buhbye Twenties, Hello Thirties

 I’m writing all of this down, because I don’t want to forget a thing. And I wouldn’t be me if there wasn’t something written regarding reflection, introspection, and gratitude. 

I continually feel so blessed in my life, and my 30th birthday celebrations were no exception. 


Every single person I’m close to in my life made me feel so unbelievably loved. Josh’s family planned a birthday celebration and we went down to celebrate with them. We shopped, walked, ate yummy food, and played penny poker. 


My mom planned 30 days of surprises leading up to my birthday. She pretty much drove to my house every day for 30 days, would text me riddles and clues to find the present, and planned out everything to a tee. I seriously don’t know how I got her. She is unreal. 


My baby sister also gave me a present a day leading up to my birthday - all of them things I absolutely loved. And she threw in some surprises which was so much fun. But what meant the most to me is she bought me a pair of real ruby earrings from a shop we both love. They were more money than she ever should have spent, but it was truly one of my favorite presents not just because they are beautiful but because she bought them for me when she really shouldn’t have. 


My best friends took me up to The Container Store for some bins I wanted. And then they treated me to dinner at The Melting Pot. And then we changed into sweats, opened some very sweet and thoughtful presents, and talked on the couch until it was time to go home. 


Josh very sweetly agreed to let me drag him along to brunch and shopping on my birthday. And that evening we got dressed up and went out. Josh and I have somehow coined Harry and Izzys our spot for celebrations. We spend way too much money on food and drinks and we always end up having the best conversations and laughing a ton. And it’s one of my favorite things in the world. He seriously treats me like I am gold, and I am so happy he is mine. 


Josh and my family planned a surprise trip to go to The Ark Encounter. I’ve always wanted to see it. It was so very cool. And it meant the most that they took the time to plan out something that they know I’ve been wanting to do. 


I’ve been really thinking about the lessons my twenties taught me. And this is the list I compiled. I have most certainly learned more, but this is a pretty comprehensive list. 


Twenty things I learned in my twenties •

  1. If it is under 40 degrees and you’re going for a run outdoors, best to wear a headband and gloves. 
  2. Always keep a change of comfy clothes in your car. Also probably tennis shoes. And a case of water, ya know, just to be safe. 
  3. Pay off your debts. Don’t owe anyone a dime. Live under your means. Give generously. But have some fun every now and again. 
  4. Always always always choose kindness. Be sunshine in human form every single day. 
  5. Eat clean 80% of the time. The other 20% do whatever the heck you want. We have tastebuds for a reason. 
  6. If people don’t like you without truly knowing your heart and intentions, don’t waste a second of your time caring about their opinion of you. 
  7. The Notes section in my phone is where I keep my most valuable information. It’s full of some of my best kept secrets, some of my favorite words I’ve ever been told, words I was too afraid to say, some of the hardest prayers I’ve ever prayed, goals I have for myself, and unspoken dreams. I write it all down, because it matters. Also Twitter...sometimes I put things on Twitter. 😂
  8. Harry Potter is better than Twilight. And I can’t believe my ignorance caused me to ever believe otherwise. 
  9. If he treats you like you don’t matter, it’s not because you don’t matter...it’s because you don’t matter to him. Ditch him. The right person will always choose you and make you a priority. Value yourself. Set standards. Don’t compromise on things important to you in a relationship. And I would highly recommend marrying your best friend. Be with someone who challenges you, loves you for everything you are, but sees who you can be and pushes you towards becoming that version of yourself. 
  10. Take time off work. You work to live not live to work. 
  11. In everything you do, do it to the very best of your ability, and do it with the upmost integrity. 
  12. Family is forever. (And mine just so happens to be the absolute greatest.)
  13. Embrace who you are, but always push yourself to be better. Don’t beat yourself up trying to fit into a mold. God designed you intentionally and intricately. 
  14. You make great friends by first being a great friend. Find friends that truly accept you and love you through all of life’s peaks and valleys. Also find friends that will stay up until 2:00 AM with you taking personality tests, because self-awareness and discovery are important and fun. In the last decade, I’ve learned that my family helped mold me into who I am, but my friends really showed me who I am. To my girls - I love you forever. I am nothing without you. Friendships change, but it doesn’t mean they ever need to end. 
  15. Lorelai Gilmore is one of the best characters in all of television. And if I remind you of her, that would somehow be one of the greatest compliments in the world to me. 
  16. DOTS are the best candy candy (chocolate not included). Dumb and Dumber is the greatest movie ever. And I’ve tried to overcome my secret love of trashy music but have proven unsuccessful. Don’t @ me. 
  17. Another decade has passed, and Taylor Swift is still my girl (and always will be...haters gonna hate, hate, hate). 
  18. Running, reading and writing are my benzodiazepines. 
  19. Put down your phone. Really communicate with people, and quit talking about yourself all the time. Invest your energy into others. Experience and live in real moments with the people God puts in your path. 
  20. Fall in love with Jesus. Walk with Him, get to know Him, believe in Him and trust Him with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 



“It was the end of a decade, but the start of an age.” Hey thirties, what’s up?

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