A New Decade

I’m turning 30 - tomorrow.

I remember turning 20 – it was the 20th anniversary (year, not day) of Star Wars. I thought I was so old, so mature, an adult. Twenty long years of experience; I knew who I was and what I wanted from life. So I thought. Just for fun I tried imagining turning 30 and couldn’t – it was so far off, I’d be so…old.

I don’t feel old, maybe because I’m practically in the same spot as I was a decade ago. I’m still single, no kids, renting, not dating, and just playing every chance that is given to me or that I can take. Of course, there have been changes, improvements. I’m a college graduate (thank the stars!), I have my own apartment (no roommates!), and I’m making more money than I did ten years ago (how did I live on $10 a week in groceries???). I’ve also served a mission, lived in New York as a nanny, travelled a bit, and have met some wonderful people. I'm an aunt and have three sisters I didn't have when I turned 20 (one half-sister and two sister-in-laws). I'm more comfortable with who I am, what I think, and what I believe.

I’ve also actually learned a thing or two; like…

… working hard and putting forth my best effort has always been worth it

... love is a choice

… life is a balancing act – I haven’t worked out all the balances, but I’m trying

… chocolate is a potent drug and I’m addicted

… I bond with people through talking

… I’m meant to be a brunette, not a blonde – I may have to relearn this lesson every couple of years, but that’s okay with me.

… broken hearts don’t kill, though at the time I wished they did

… it’s easier to forgive others than myself

… only boring people get bored (one of my favorite “mom” sayings)

… the gospel brings peace – why do I have to keep relearning this lesson???

… agency isn’t just a gospel slogan, neither are repentance and hope

… tormenting brothers who know where you’re ticklish = bad idea (good thing I’m no longer ticklish!)

… a reputation continues long after the bad habit

… I’d be lost and hopeless without the many, many good friends who have blessed my life

… differences are good and should be embraced

… sometimes dreams have to be tweaked a little to fit reality

I can’t help but try to imagine myself in ten years when I reach the big 4-0. I feel the same excitement and anticipation that comes with starting a new journal – the possibilities are endless and I can’t wait to see how my life unfolds, what happens next.

Thank you, all of you, for the parts you have played in my life these 30 years. I hope the next decade brings us even closer and that we get to share lots of blogging and nonblogging moments together.