I turned 30 this week.

I’m sorry, what?

So if my brain is mush this week, have some grace, because I am now considered a full-blown, established, adult, and quite honestly, I have no idea how this happened.

For the last ten years, I’ve been in my twenties. In my brain, I’m 25. Or maybe 15, especially when I’m listening to Taylor Swift.

Side note: It really hit me this past week when one of my co-workers mentioned that 1989 was her “teenage album”. WHAT. I was almost out of COLLEGE when it came out, and I am of the strong belief that the “teenage albums” of TSwift, are about her ALSO being a teenager. Oh, what a world.

However, according to my driver’s license, I’m not 20 anymore. When I look back over the last ten years, I’ve been busy. I’ve made memories, learned a lot and grown in many areas. I also look back at some painful moments, mistakes, and things I wish I had done differently.

Even when looking back at things I’m not particularly proud of, I find a lot of love for myself - the person I was, and the person I am today. I’m proud of the growth and have grace for the times I didn’t quite hit the mark. I’m not the same person I was, and I’m not even close to the person I’ll be in another ten years. Hopefully, I can start thinking now about who I want to become, and put a few things into practice so that I can be that person in ten years. Or maybe even five.

When thinking about writing a post about this new decade, I wanted to focus not only on my twenties, but also set an intention for how I’d like my thirties to look. So here’s an abbreviated list (I obviously couldn’t fit everything) of things I’ve done in my twenties and hope to do in my thirties.

In my twenties, I…

graduated from college.

became a dog mom.

was really hard on myself.

bought and paid off my car.

met, dated, got engaged to, and married the love of my life.

learned to bake.

lived in California for a year.

learned about my emotions and how to work through them.

worked a bunch of random jobs.

saw a counselor for the first time.

survived a global pandemic.

joined a band.

bought our first and second homes.

started this blog.

traveled the world.

learned a lot about homeownership, personal finances and general adulthood.

became a mom.

In my thirties, I’d like to…

take a lot of walks.

throw parties.

apologize faster.

decorate my house a bunch of different ways

have another baby.

make our house our forever home.

give more.

become an expert in my role at work.

reduce my anxiety.

become a better gardener.

run farther.

create Christmas traditions in our home.

keep baking.

travel.

sit on the porch more.

read a lot of books.

connect with others.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” Proverbs 9:11