Wow. 39.99 years of my life, coming to a close and that’s not dollars. You’ll have to forgive me for this blatantly self-serving recap of my life blog post. I figure it’s my blog and if I want to use it as a means of sharing this, I can do that.
You see, tomorrow I turn 40. And yes, there will probably be a post for that too.
When I turned 30, I cried for days. Seriously. I cried for days because I wasn’t where I wanted to be in life financially, emotionally, spiritually, etc. I had been studying personal development for about 5-7 years at the time and I was in self discovery mode still. By this point, I had many businesses that I started and stopped. I had my share of good and bad in relationships, I had traveled, studied, moved out of state away from everyone I knew and loved. I had “done” a lot in my first 30 years, more than many my age, but I was also still searching and going through the motions of life.
I was sad and didn’t really know what to do but cry. It was this day that one of my friends, who was in her late 40’s sent me a note. Her words echoed the following:
Cherish Your Thirties – This is When You’ll Grow The Most – It is An Awesome Time
At the time I read her email, I didn’t quite believe her but I tucked it away in my heart because she did make me feel better for at least a moment. Why? BECAUSE SHE GAVE ME HOPE. Just like I want to do for so many people in business and life. GIVE HOPE.
I then took action in my life to move toward my dreams.
While I was going through my 30’s I did stop at times of true growth and remember my friends written words. Whether it was a good time or a hard time, she was in the back of my mind. We’ll, at my early birthday party last week I reminded her of her email and that I heeded her words of wisdom and that they stuck with me 10 years later. We hugged and it was a nice moment. (Yes, I’m sappy!)
Now, as I look back on my 30’s in the rearview mirror, I can tell you this: THEY WERE AWESOME! (And yes, we had some really hard times)
Here’s a short recap of what I gleaned or learned from the last decade:
I am resilient.
I am strong.
I am courageous and take chances and risks
I am intense.
I am driven.
I can handle anything God gives me and trust that I am in the right place at the right time, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
It was during my 30’s that I got married and had 2 kids. I’ve learned more patience that I thought I could have being pregnant, having kids and being a mom and wife at the same time as a working woman.
I ran for office and had a 21 month campaign that I didn’t win – but I learned a lot and grew by leaps and bounds in who I am and what I care about and value. I touched a lot of lives for the positive.
I became passionate about volunteering and community giving. I was able to touch a lot of lives for the better.
I learned how much I truly love business and coaching and helping others. And I learned mindset is critical to anything you want to do in life.
I learned I have great friends – old and new and I love them all from my heart.
I suffered great heart pain and grief with the first loss of loved ones like my Nana, Tata and Uncle Mike.
I love my family, near and far and wish we had more time together but even though we don’t they are still in my heart.
I realized, life is worth living and learning and growing. If we stop any of these we shrivel and are not the whole self we are meant to be.
And most of all I realized that I am the most beautiful UNSTOPPABLE me that I can be on a daily basis and I will not stop being driven, intense, courageous and caring. It is who I am meant to be.
Ok thirties – out you go with a kiss and a hug. You rocked and I will remember you fondly.
Forties – bring ’em baby! Let’s see how many lives I can touch in a positive manner in the next decade.
Big hugs to you all!
