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!
Love it, VaNessa… I love how you’ve grown and found yourself. I remember with each passing decade I would do a kind of recap, similar to what you’ve done here. When you sit down and actually put down in writing what you’ve accomplished and how you’ve grown, I think you inevitably find that you’ve come a lot farther than you thought.
Congrats on turning 40 tomorrow….may your 40s continue to bless you with growth and happiness!
Happy Birthday!
Thanks Bob. You’re right. I actually had happy tears in my eyes as I wrote this post :-). V-
V-
I can tell you that it was a blessing for me to have been introduced to you this summer! You are an inspiring person, incredible mentor/coach, and now proud to say a friend. I look forward to you joining the 40″s with me and I look forward to our business/friendship building over the years to come.
You are a very very special person.
Tom
Aw shucks 🙂 I will say ditto back on everything, except you’re already in the 40’s and now I am catching up. V-
I too feel blessed having met you just this year a few months back. You have helped me and my small team in so many ways. You have inspired us, shown us the way and kept us on that track and you have done this with incredible patience and empathy. You have restored our faith in online marketing not the least of which is online coaching. I know this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship! We are going to do some great and wonderful things together that will not only benefit us but many others and I feel honored to be a part of your life.
I feel the same. We were brought together for a reason. I am here to provide hope and empowerment and then let folks soar to their potential. Like a mama bird letting her kids fly. 🙂 Thank you for the great birthday comment 🙂 V-
So I’m commenting the day after you wrote this post so I guess Happy Birthday is in order young lady! And I say young because trust me, you are still very young so enjoy it while you can.
Personally, I loved the 40’s more than I did the 30’s. They really say that life begins at 50 and as for me, I definitely have to agree. It sounds to me that you have done a lot of wonderful things during your life and so many to be extremely proud of. I can’t wait to see what you conquer in the next 10 years.
So congratulations and Happy Birthday Vanessa. Here is wishing you the very best for everything still to come.
~Adrienne
Thanks Adrienne. Yes, I am still young and glad I have a lot of living to do. This next decade is one I am looking forward to. Fun times ahead! V-
VaNessa, what a touching summary of your last decade. I hope that I can pack as much living into my 40’s as you have packed into your 30’s. Your family sounds very lucky to have you, and you them. I so respect that you ran for office! That takes a lot of belief and confidence. It’s powerful to see how it changed you for the better, and your desire to touch many lives in this upcoming decade.
Thanks Steve. I appreciate you stopping by and your kind words. We all have choices to make. Some of us are just a little more driven than others to follow their purpose and work on it daily. I want that for more people because it makes for a very satisfying life.
Hey there VaNessa!
Happy belated!! I’m sorry I missed you on the 3rd, but I have a feeling you celebrated YOU in style! 😀
It sounds like you’ve truly found your gravity in this life! Way to go! Thanks for the personal account of your 30s milestones! I just know that your 40s are going to rock the cassbah!!!
Best regards,
Cat Alexandra
Thanks Cat! I am totally looking forward to my 40’s! This is going to be fun. V-
Hi Vanessa,
Now it’s already 7 october so I wish you a warm Happy Birthday, peace and joy in this new year of your life.
Wow…what a story. Powerful lessons in that decade.. I believe that anyone has these traits deep inside. Circumstances helped you to become aware of what’s best in you and this is definitely a great progress.
Life is all about growing and giving back. If we take a look in nature every form of life does that. Now it’s our turn.
I love your positive attitude and enthusiasm. With them you will touch many lives for sure:)
It’s always great to meet people who celebrate life with all that it has to offer 🙂
Best,
Radu
Thanks for stopping by my dear. Mindset is the most important piece of the puzzle. Learn, listen, read and grow – the more we do this the better we become. V-
Awesome Thoughts Vanessa. Happy Birthday!! I can completely relate these musings, as my 40th birthday occurred this year as well (three cheers for 1971 birthdays!). The thirties truly is an incredible decade of growth and resiliency. This was the decade my husband and I had our kids as well and now have 3 little ones under the age of 10 – so I understand resiliency. 🙂
You really do learn whats important in life in your thirties and your focus becomes more clear. I love what you said about trusting that you’re in the right place at the right time. This also reminds me of that wonderful poem by Robert J. Hastings, “The Station”, which focuses on the idea that “the journey is the joy and the station is an illusion, as it constantly outdistances us.”
Basically, enjoy every step in your journey, celebrate small successes, enjoy each step of the way, keep moving forward on a daily basis, and you will achieve your success. My Mom gave me the Station poem laminated (in my mid thirties) so that I can always refer to it, and its been a powerful reminder for me that the journey should be enjoyed at all times. 🙂
Have a Fantastic Birthday today!!! 🙂 Enjoy it to the fullest!
Best,
Melinda
Hey Melinda, I completely appreciate your words of wisdom and also totally believe the joy is in the journey! V-
Get the heck out of here Vanessa you look great for you age. I thought you had just turned 30. Im only 31 and will be 32 on December 1st. I love how you compiled everything you learned in the past decade. Awesome!
Thanks for the compliment 🙂 happy early birthday to you!