30 Things: About Me + What I've Learned

Over the weekend, I turned 30!!! What?! In some ways it's absolutely bizarre that I've arrived at this milestone, while in other ways it makes total sense. I'm so thrilled for my 30s and all they will hold. It feels like a new, more stable, and self-assured adventure that awaits. And I'm heading into this new decade more certain of who I am than I've ever been before. If I could tell 20-year-old me anything, it would be how confident and happy I would be knocking on the door of this special birthday. While my 20s were a lot about figuring myself out, my 30s will be a lot about fully stepping into the person I know the Lord designed me to be. Considering just how much I am taking away from the last ten years, I'm excited for all the next ten years will bring. It feels like I'm about to step into the decade where I fully hit my stride!

As I close out one season, to start another, I have a lot of gratitude for all that transpired to bring me to today. I will forever cherish my 20s for all of the good and wonderful things they brought...my husband, our babies, a home to call our own, a church family of the most genuine friends & community, traditions created, lessons learned, self-growth, etc. Even through the stumbles and hardships of discovering myself, more than anything there was inexplicable joy. And I'm really proud of the person who has come out of it. 

To celebrate my 30th birthday, here are a combination of facts about me + things I've learned over the course of the last thirty years...

FUN FACTS

1. I found my first gray hair when I was 27. 
2. I cannot sleep with socks on, and use Pete's legs as a way to warm them up in bed. He loves it.
3. I'm a night owl, even though I would love to be a morning person. My mind, thoughts, and ideas are always going full tilt in the late night hours.
4. Morning sunshine is pure magic to me. I love the light and the way it streams through the windows.
5. Nine times out of ten, I will go with an iced coffee over a hot one. Even in the freezing cold of winter.
6. Pete and I received the same collegiate leadership scholarship our freshman year, putting us in the same small room for a meeting on it during our second week of college. We didn't meet each other until almost 3 years later.
7. Speaking of meeting Pete, we worked at the same place (in totally different departments) our senior year of college. By chance, we were put on the same project, and the rest is history!
8. I'm almost always cold. My feet and hands might actually be made of ice.
9. Fresh flowers make me terribly happy.
10. I danced (ballet, tap, jazz, pointe) for ten years, then played volleyball and soccer in high school.
11. I didn't start liking pink until I had daughters. 
12. I love a good cozy sweatshirt. Give me all of them!
13. Since I was young, I've known I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mama. It's hard, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. 
14. I enjoy house projects and DIYs more than the average person. I'm really glad I found a partner who is so on board with it. 
15. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Greece.
    
    
    
    WHAT I'VE LEARNED
16. Authenticity is golden.
17. Celebrate yourself.
18. Saying "no" is okay. 
19. Taking time for myself is crucial for being the best version of myself in all of my roles: mom, wife, business owner, etc. 
20. It's just paint.
21. I don't owe any explanation for who I am, and I don't need permission to be myself.
22. While validation can feel nice and encouraging, it's not integral in my success.
23. There's enough pie for everyone. 
24. Doing things you didn't think you could is so empowering. 
25. Confidence and humility do not cancel each other out.
26. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a huge gift you can give to yourself.
27. Living your truth is freedom.
28. Not everything you do will you love and/or be successful at, but at least you weren't afraid to try. Never let unnecessary fear hold you back.
29. You like what you like, and that's quite alright.
30. You were given dreams and goals for a purpose. Pursue them even if it means putting them aside for the time being. They will always be there, and you'll always feel pulled to them. Sometimes, things just require seasons of waiting, and that allows you time to dream bigger, plan more intricately, and feel more confident in the direction you're going.