Bye Bye 30's

Bye Bye 30’s

Yesterday was a milestone, so I hear from people.  Although, I would rather not admit it, I turned 40.

I spent some time leading up to this just reflecting on all the life that I have lived the past 10 years, accomplishments, goals, lessons learned etc.

I thought I would write a goodbye letter to my 30’s. I haven’t blogged in a while, I have much to say, much that has been going on. Transition has left a thick cloud in my life as I walk through it. So, maybe this is a way to kick off the blog again.

Dear 30’s,

You were a wild ride to say the least. As I reflect on all the life changes that you brought, I dub you the wild ride.

It started with walking my future Father in Law home one month in. 5 days after that I got engaged, and 6 months later I was a married woman. Marriage has proven to be nothing short of sanctify. Has been good in every way and trying in every way.

I also learned the value of being debt free, and continuing to stay that way. The fact will continue on as long as I live.

I have stayed with the same line of work for the past 10 years. In fact my 30^th, was my first birthday at this company and was lucky enough to celebrate my 40^th this past week with them as well. What a treasure it has been to be at this place.

I traveled the world in some sense. 6 trips to China, one to Italy and countless trips across the US. I can’t really say how many airline miles I have logged, but it is nothing short of thousands.

I survived 7 surgeries, losing several body parts in the process. I battled a nasty disease, that resulted in my womb being evicted forever. This was rough to say the least. Three years later I can say that I am better for it, although the label of infertile, will always haunt me. My body has changed in ways that I am still working on trying to fix.

I became a mom, that was no small feat. 30 months, lots and lots of paperwork, social workers, background checks, medical exams, allowed me to be a mama to a sweet girl I traveled 12,000 miles to bring home. Not what I thought it would look like, and yet everything that I imagined and more.

I walked my Grandma home. I miss her everyday, but what an honor it was to be present through her last years of life in a real big way. It allowed me to see her more, love on her and have the honor of knowing that I served her as best I could.

Both my parents got married and divorced in this decade. It has been a good learning process to say the least walking with them through these processes.

I have watched, walked and learned through many relationship changes. Someone so close to home, they have broken my heart, however I have full trust in the fact that they can be redeemed someday.

The great move to Texas. We had built a community in GA, a family that we dearly loved. I had to leave those who know the depths of my soul, and learn that community does not have to be right in front of you. It can come in all forms and be good.

And these are just a few small listings of things that took place. There are so many many more. But I think the greatest that I walk away with from my 30’s is the work I did on myself. It was a decade of ups and downs that came with hours upon hours of work on my heart. I have processed through the past, years beyond what I thought I could. I have learned to not let others actions rule my emotions, to know when to step away and let things be. To say it is not ok to treat me this way. I have learned that I truly am a person of value and a person who deserves to be loved. I have learned the value of serving others, loving till it hurts and even when it does not make sense.

I don’t think I could be looking at 40 with the set of eyes I am without the 30’s taking place. This world is a crazy place, people are up in arms for small things and big things. People can hate and allow that hate to grow and grow to a wall bigger than the Great Wall and hurt because of it. For me, that is not who I want to be. Doesn’t matter if what color runs through me, my belief in Jesus and my love for others will guide my 40’s.

I am learning to embrace this new decade, with a thankfulness for all that I have lived so far, all that I have seen and with the notion that I was put on this earth for specific reasons. My hope is that I can execute those reasons even better than I did in the last decade.

Thank you for your birthday wishes and kind words,

Jennifer