Reflecting on my journey from January 7, 2016, when I wrote “30 Is The New 20,” fills me with a sense of pride and gratitude. As I reminisce about the transformative decisions I made then, I realize how those choices have continued to shape my life. Today, I celebrate the wisdom, strength, and happiness that come with embracing each new chapter.
The Turning Point
As soon as the clock chimed 12 on my 30th birthday, something inside me snapped. It was as if I had reached my mid-life crisis. Suddenly, I became very aware of my mortality, my choices, and the path that I was forging for myself and my son. Through that moment of self-awareness, I knew that something had to change.
Becoming More Assertive
In my 20s, I was frustrated and tired of bending over backward for other people, saying yes when I should have said no. Trying to please others made me unhappy. I changed this by reasoning that life is too short to live it for others. Now, I say yes only if it’s something that I would like to do, and it will bring me joy. I don’t force myself to do something that would make me disgruntled later.
Strengthening My Faith
Through many disappointments, life taught me that I cannot depend on others. During some of my toughest times, I have been alone or away from family, and the only thing that kept me afloat was my faith and love of God. I knew that I needed to strengthen and nourish this even more in my 30s since I suspected many more hard and lonely days to come.
Choosing to Be Happy on My Own
I noticed that the guys I thought loved me, loved themselves more, leaving me feeling empty. To change this, I chose to be happy and learn how to be happy on my own. I pushed myself to go out alone, see a movie, explore a new sight. I stopped waiting for a boyfriend to go out. Instead, I seized and cherished these moments on my own, finding contentment within them. In my 30s, I took responsibility for my happiness and stopped expecting a man to make me happy.
Growing in Wisdom
In my 30s, I chose to see the world, experience new things, talk more, be more observant, and get to know more people. Not only does time give one wisdom, but so do experiences. I wanted to take myself out of the shell I put myself in and become someone who is experienced and wise.
Being Stronger
I decided to start nourishing my body through healthy eating, regular exercise, and pushing it to do more each day. The older I get, the more I need my body to be in its best shape to keep pushing me forward. Last year, I completed five races and won third place in one.
Standing My Ground
Before, it was too easy for someone to change my mind about a decision. Now, I am very sure of myself and my instincts. My word is my bond, and my decisions are final.
Present Reflection
As time passes, I am accumulating lessons and knowledge and growing wiser. I am not afraid of getting older or the signs of aging on my body. What scares me is being stagnant, and I am glad that with each year I grow smarter, wiser, and kinder. The fear of stagnation drives me to continually seek growth and self-improvement.
I celebrate the journey of becoming more assertive, strengthening my faith, choosing happiness, growing in wisdom, being stronger, and standing my ground. Each of these decisions has shaped the person I am today. They have empowered me to live a life true to myself, filled with joy, faith, strength, and unwavering determination.
Looking Forward
As I continue to navigate through life, I embrace the lessons from my past and the growth they have fostered. I look forward to more experiences, more wisdom, and more opportunities to become a better version of myself. Here’s to celebrating the journey, the growth, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Join the Conversation: How have you embraced change and growth in your life? Share your experiences and reflections in the comments below!
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