Today I turn 30, and I’m quite puzzled over the matter.
On the one hand, surely it’s impossible that I’m a day over 20. My spirit is propelled forward by a youthful wanderlust and wide-eyed curiosity. Not to mention, I don’t have a lease, child, pet, or career—you know, the things you think you’re “suppose” to have by 30. I also got IDed at Trader Joe’s last week when buying beer… just saying.
On the other hand, surely it’s impossible that I’m a day under 75. My ideal bedtime is 9pm, I’m obsessed with crosswords, I love things that can be described as “sensible,” I’ve already had gum surgery, and the bunion on my left foot is absurd. Not to mention, I’ve done A LOT of living in a short amount of time.
I wrapped both hands around my 20s and wrung out every last drop of life possible.
I graduated college. Lived in Chicago. Lived in Australia. Lived on cruise ships. Lived in NYC. Worked as a professional dancer. Worked as a fitness boxing instructor. Have gotten paid absurdly well to do things like run around in a hot dog costume and party motivate 13-year-olds. Started a successful foodie blog. I’m engaged. I have strong, meaningful friendships. And then there’s travel. I’ve lived in a van in Queensland. Island hopped around Thailand. Explored tombs in Egypt. Climbed mountains in Patagonia. Feasted on meats in Istanbul. Danced the night away in Barcelona. Fell up the stairs on the Great Wall of China.
I’ve racked up more life experiences in the last decade than I thought I’d have in a lifetime. I’m proud of myself for it. I didn’t give fear or comfortability the opportunity to get in the way of change and risk taking. And it paid off.
For every birthday, I ask “The Birthday Questions.”
You can check out my answers for 27, 28, and 29 if you feel inclined…..
And now I’m taking the hot seat! Let’s dive in!
1.What Was the Best Part About This Past Year of Life?
Informative travel.
Traveling with a “how can this change me and how can I grow” intension is extremely rewarding. But this past year, I embraced my travels with a “what can I learn about this place?” approach. I took time to learn about the history, governments, and cultures of the countries I visited and had a pretty simple conclusion: I know nothing.
Circumnavigating Africa was particularly educational. And you can check out my experience HERE!
2. What was the biggest thing you learned?
In the first chunk of my 20s, I never cried, was always happy, and would boast that I wasn’t emotional. I finally tripped over everything I had shoved under the rug during COVID and the crash landing left be battered and bruised. My brain was like Inside Out— each character representing a different emotion was let out their shackles, and they were raging around with the new found freedom. The kicker was that each one spoke a totally different language that I couldn’t understand. This past year was a journey of learning the languages.
I started figuring out what type of support and help I need from others and myself to work through challenges. And then, the really hard part, has been learning how to communicate it all.
As someone who spent 26 years proclaiming to not have emotions, the journey has been scary, frustrating, and uncomfortable. But one of the biggest lessons I learned in my 20s is the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. It’s not always easy, but it’s always been worth it.
3. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?
I live such an exciting and enriching life, and I’m starting my business of teaching people how to do the same. Most people simply don’t know what opportunities the gig economy holds, and I want to bridge the information gap.
4. If there was one thing you could tell your 80 year old self to never forget, what would it be?
If it’s scary, do it.
There you have it!
I have the gums of a 75 year old, a face of a 20 year old, but today I am 30.
Cheers to a new year and a new decade. Stay tuned to see what the next 365 days entail… I’m sure it’ll be anything but boring.
