Reflections on 30

Today is my 30th birthday, and I wanted to take a moment for reflection. I am excited to be turning 30. I am not one to pretend to be perpetually 29 and spend my life longing for a more youthful time. Instead, I am embracing this new decade. I recently went through my closets and purged anything that I didn't think a 30-year old should wear. I wanted to make sure my wardrobe is age-appropriate, and I am embracing more neutrals. To me, 30 is still very youthful but with a bit more substance, a bit more groundedness and maturity. The first decade that represents full adulthood. I see my 30s as a decade of being immersed in being a mom. I will complete my family and watch my babies grow into children. This decade will see Penny go from 2 to 12 and Olive from 0 to 10. I hope to be an involved parent, going on field trips, volunteering in classrooms, packing lunches, and sewing for my kids. I hope to also prioritize being a wife and nurturing my marriage by finding time to spend with my husband. Our relationship is special and deserves special attention. I also hope to be a good citizen of the planet this decade. Respecting our habitat is my responsibility to my children and the generations that follow. Minimizing my footprint is a journey that I hope to continue. I am ready to embrace this decade and do as much as I can with it.

I think I am very much at peace with 30 because my life is so rich, and I feel like I really made the most of my twenties. I started dating my husband, fell in love, married him. I gave birth twice and learned how strong I am. I've lived in 4 states this decade and owned 2 houses. I finished my education, got a master's degree, worked as a professional, and started my own (teeny tiny, but creative and fun) business. I've lived alone and with others, I've learned to keep a home, to cook, to shop wisely and budget. I love being a stay-at-home-mom. I love how important my kids and I are to each other and how close we are. I am deeply and completely happy and grateful for this blessed life I am living.