That number feels super weird coming out of my mouth. 35. Thirty-FIVE? Officially MID thirties now, right!? Everyone said that ’30’s is awesome,’ buuuut is it….? Let’s see. Maybe reflecting on this phenomona will help me realize it….
I got my first HORSE when I turned 30. Dream come true.
I lost my dream job I never knew was my dream job (voluntarily, that still counts.) Boo.
I got diagnosed with MS. Weird. Tough. Kinda shocking.
I got to meet pregnant teens and mamas and establish meaningful and longterm relationships with several of them. What a cool opportunity!!
We have fallen in love with our church, Northeast Christian, and are meeting new friends.
I ran my self-made mini marathon in my 30’s all by myself, that was cool.
I lived through a pandemic in my 30’s. Weird. Sad. Thankful for healthcare.
I started intentional and semi intense therapy for myself, and my marriage, in my 30’s. That’s been eye opening.
My son got accepted into the best middle school in the district, state really, and I teach there for part of my work day. Pretty darn neat.
I had some really fun and cool partnerships these past few years, and have done well photography speaking. That’s awesome.
Had my first spinal tap, suffered immensely from the post lumbar migraine, and I NEVER want to live through that again..
Got a new tattoo on my bday last year, definitely want another.
Kinda weird, but 35 means a whole new age demographic. I’ve surpassed 25-34 and now I’m in the 35-44 range! It feels weird to tell my students that I’m 35 or that I just had my 35th birthday, in which most say, “You don’t look that old!!” THAT old.
But you know what? I feel like these days and with SOME things, I’m thinking more clearly. Like I can say, “look, this is me being transparent and honest and this is me.” Facing a brand new medical diagnosis was a huuuuge eye opener for me, and it was also one that showed me the greatness of God. Could I be mad and upset that I HAVE this disease? Sure! But instead I see how vastly He is has worked in my favor. Every time I lift weight and run and ride my horses, I thank Him. So this birthday I have decided that that’s statement I feel for myself regarding turning ‘another year older…’ grateful. Grateful for another year. For my health. For the Lord doing ginormous things in my sometimes mundane life. I am grateful for my family and my friends who surround and love me. There will always be another birthday to freak out about or become weirdly reflective during—but each year I HOPE I can always see how far I’ve come and that I’ll be GRATEFUL for all the steps it took to get there.
