Thoughts on Turning Thirty

Yesterday, I turned 30 years old. At a time when many women begin celebrating the first anniversary of their 29th birthday, I am proud to say I embraced my birthday and the new decade it begins. Maybe it is because I have been so preoccupied with other things that I haven't had time to be concerned about my age, or maybe it is because that finally, at 30 years old, I feel I have found my place in life. Have you ever wanted something so bad that you're afraid to talk about it or admit it because doing so would leave you too vulnerable to the pain of defeat? I have. For a long time, I hid behind a tough facade focused on getting an education, building a career, and collecting tokens of success, while what I've really wanted all along is to be a wife and mom like my mom. Since finding the right someone to marry seems to be an incredibly difficult thing in this world I was afraid it might never happen for me. If I didn't admit that is what I wanted, then I could never be disappointed. I am so glad I hung on to my secret wants, for now I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful daughter who I love very much. While I have reached many goals in my life, none have been so great, or as challenging, as becoming a wife and mother. "What is next?" I ask. Who knows. Maybe becoming a skilled photographer. Maybe an accomplished chef. I have the rest of my life to work at it, and this time, I won't keep it a secret. Whatever may come, I do know that at least one time, I helped create something truly great. Thank you Ryan for helping me.