More than just a milestone

December 25th, 1994; that is where my story began. A sudden interruption of Christmas dinner ending in the sweet baby cries of my parents’ greatest Christmas gift, ever!
Exactly 10,950 days since then I finally reached the ripe age of 30. I have mixed emotions about it. On one hand, age is part of the natural course of life. You can no more stop or thwart it than you can hold back a tide from coming in. Another year older; another year wiser (or at least I’d like to think).
On the other hand, I have friends telling me this birthday should be exciting as “your 30’s are way better than your 20’s.” I’m not quite yet convinced, but time shall tell. Ask me again in 10 years and maybe I will have a different answer for you.
Comparison is what hits me the hardest at this age. Looking at people, both younger and slightly older, who seem to have life more “figured out” than I do. Friends and strangers alike, seemingly happily married with a few kids already. When Teddy Roosevelt said “comparison is the thief of joy” he wasn’t kidding.
If I truly think about it, I have a lot to be grateful for. I have my health, family and friends who love me, a roof over my head, food in my belly, and a cute mini Bernedoodle pup to give me endless licks and cuddles.
Going into my 30th year, I want to work towards certain goals and priorities:
1. Keeping God the center of my life – He has a plan and purpose for me. I may not always see it or know the details, but the closer I am to Him, the more content I am able to be through the daily unknowns.
2. Be more health conscious – Not just with the foods I eat, but the products I wear or consume. It is important to educate yourself on what ingredients are harmful to your health, look for and use brands that are committed to clean ingredients that benefit your body and don’t use harmful chemicals.
3. Strive to learn new things – I’ve realized I don’t have to take on large, complex topics to always be learning something new. I want to start small with foundational/basic tasks or topics that already connect to my life: Different gardening techniques; medicinal benefits of plants and herbs I already grow and use; cooking new dishes; and even learning how to give my dog regular haircuts (that actually look good)!
There is a lot to be said about hitting this birthday milestone. One of the many more to come (Lord willing). Each year brings new life lessons. It brings tears; it brings laughter. More and more situations that make you stronger.
With that being said, welcome to my “sturdy” 30 era!
REBEKAH MEAD can be reached at advertising@ hamilton.net