Today, I’m closing Chapter 31, and opening Chapter 32 tomorrow with a fun trip with my best friend. I spent some time reflecting on my fears of turning 30, what I learned in my 20s, my goals for turning 30, and then reflecting on my 30th year. I won’t lie, but 31 was a hard year all around. However, it was a year where I focused on seeing the positive, learning, and growing, and for that, I am grateful.
Here are 5 birthday reflections as I enter another year.
Don’t let anyone but you make up your mind.
I find myself to be self-reflective, and at times, to a fault. I generally like to get a lot of people’s opinions and perspectives on situations before making a decision. However, I also realized that those opinions and perspectives are shaped by people’s personal experiences and that I make up my own mind based on my experiences and goals. I am lucky to have some great friends who coach me, inspire me, and check me, and also know when I need advice and when I just need to vent. I am striving for more of this in year 32 and less of people telling me how to live my life and cluttering my brain.
Life is short, be spontaneous.
Some of my favorite moments from year 31 were when David took initiative on spontaneous trips. He knew I was distracted and frustrated over the summer, so he took me on a day trip to Topsail Island. On New Year’s Eve, he surprised me with a night out when we normally stay in, and we still were home by 9:30. I really, really loved blowing my calendar to the wind on those days, and want to be more spontaneous in year 32 (note: yes, I’m planning on being more spontaneous. I really am Type-A). I like to have trips scheduled to have something to look forward to, but there is something to be said for waking up and doing something new.
Be selfish with your time and energy.
Last year, I began to be more selfish with my time and energy. I was putting my phone down more, removing myself from negative situations, and put my head down and moved forward with my goals. In order to make it so that my goals are attainable and I’m making progress on them, there has to be more of a focus on that, than on being involved in situations or relationships that do not support those ideas. It was really freeing, and one of the reasons why I delighted in spending a night to myself preparing for how I will maintain my boundaries in 2019.
Be your own hero.
There were two distinct situations where I learned to advocate for myself where, normally, I would not have. I am generally trusting of people and their professional opinions. Learning how to advocate in a proactive way was a great life lesson, and one that I am especially glad I now know how to do.
Be the same person privately, publicly, and personally.
This is one that is especially important to me. I pride myself on being honest, upfront, and being consistent in my responses to situations. I like surrounding myself with the same types of people. Surprise the world. Be exactly who you say you are and tell the truth. And also, stand for something. Anything. But find something that you are passionate about, and go with it. The world needs more of it!
A bonus reflection is that you can wear sequins on a random Saturday paired with your favorite t-shirt, booties, and a denim jacket. Bonus points if your t-shirt is a nod to your home state.
Edge of Urge T-Shirt | Nordstrom Sequin Skirt | Vince Camuto Booties | Quay Sunnies
Mignonne Gavigan Earrings | Amazon Fashion Tote | J. Crew Factory Denim Jacket
Here’s to another year of growing, learning, and being exactly who I say I am. Be sure to follow along on Instagram for a peek inside my birthday celebration this year.
Photos by Glory Roze Photography
Shop this Birthday Reflections Post
