I have officially been in my 30's for a full month! I decided it was time to write about this milestone birthday. I was lucky to spend the day with family and close friends at my Mom's lake house in North Georgia. It was a comfortable, cheery, and celebratory day!
In the years leading up to 30, I have learned that truly loving myself allows me to love others better. I'm making every effort to walk towards the mess and complexities in life, and embrace them (not easy!). I'm beginning to realize that we don't need to fix each other, we just need to listen to each other. Everyone has a story, and it is healthy for our stories to be told.
My hardships, challenges, and times of grief have turned into ways to connect with others - whether it be with family, friends or strangers. When I share my struggles, and tell friends or family what is really going on, I find that this opens the door for a more "real" relationship. It's not awkward, it's refreshing (and relieving in a way). I've seen this when sharing about the passing of my Dad and I'm seeing it happen now, as Paul and I continue to make every effort to bring another baby into our family. I'm trying to embrace the twists and turns in life while resisting the urge to be fearful.
In my 20's I tried to figure out who I wanted to be; and I pray that in my 30's I'll spend more time loving and accepting the person, mother, wife, daughter, and friend that I am.
Many, many thanks to my mom for ordering this beautiful cake (gluten free!) by Jackie Scarborough. She is a local baker in Dawsonville, GA and incredibly talented. Highly recommend! you can contact her at jackiskitchen@aol.com.
