A Letter To My 29 Year Old Self

Dear 29 Year Old Self,


Yes, you're turning 30 in seven hours. Quit freaking out about how old you're getting and that your roaring twenties are behind you and that 30 seemed so ancient just a few short years ago and instead, let's try and focus on the positive. And wow, there is so much to be positive about. In fact, I've made you a little list:

• Your laugh lines that are starting to appear mean you have found much happiness in these first thirty years. Always surround yourself with the people, places and things that bring laughter, and let it keep you feeling forever young.



• Your metabolism that is beginning to slow down just means you have to work that much harder to fight for that fitness you once took for granted. But your health has never been more important to you, and that is a very good thing.



• You can still rock a pair of skinny jeans and stilettos. Yes, your feet ache a little more than they used to but that is the price we pay to be fashionable. For now, at least.



• You still get carded, and it still feels good. Thank you, random waiter/stranger/bouncer/whoever for making my day when you do that.



• You moved to a new city two years ago not knowing a soul. That was gutsy. And the best decision you have ever made.



• You went on a blind date that ended up being your last first date.



• You just landed yourself a handsome, thoughtful, considerate, kind, hilarious husband, who wakes you up each morning and contributes to the aforementioned laugh lines every day.



• You just bought your first home. And picked the paint colors for every room. And persuaded the hubs that a tile backsplash and a wine cooler were in fact wise investments. And you were RIGHT.



• You still look forward to football season, and feel it is rather unlucky to not wear crimson on game day. Some habits die hard.



• On that note, your favorite football team won the national championship this year. Who says college football is only for those in college?



• You have a family that loves you, and a place to always call home.



• You've just added a new family that you truly love to be around, and you've realized that stereotypical theory of not liking your in-laws is just silliness.



• You have met wonderful new friends while not forgetting how dear the old ones are to you.



• You've let go of the people that don't add to your life, and clung to the ones worth keeping.



• Your faith has been tested. Your moments of questioning, searching and being held to the fire has shaped the person you have become.
  
  
• You've started investing in things that are outside yourself, and trying to really spend time on things that matter. And it feels amazing to not be so selfish for a change.



• You've realized that all those worried prayers that kept you up at night in your twenties have finally been answered, and that even better things are to come. How cool is that?

Happy 30th birthday,

Your 29 Year Old Self