30 Lessons in 30 Years
I’m 30 years old. A new decade. A decade that carries the weight of being a “real adult.” Mostly, though, I don’t feel any different. I just feel like me. Sometimes I wonder if I should feel anything in particular about turning 30. It’s supposed to be a major milestone. In the end, it feels mostly like any other birthday, a day to do my favorite things with my favorite people. And what’s not to love about that?
That said, turning 30 makes me think about the last 30 years, the places I’ve been, the people I’ve loved, and the lessons I’ve learned. The more I reflect, the more I appreciate how much I’ve grown and changed over the last alone, and so much more over the last decade. So how much more will I change in the next year? In the next decade? I can only imagine what’s ahead. But it makes me grateful for the memories, the girl I used to be, and the woman and mom I am today. It would be challenging to distill the last year, never mind the last decade or 3 decades in a single post, but I thought I’d share 30 lessons I’ve learned. Some are serious and some are silly, but they all say a lot about where I came from and who I am.
So, in no particular order…
There is nothing more magical than hanging out with a bunch of puffins. Unless it’s a sunrise hike along oceanside cliffs and you randomly see two whales come up to play.
How cold swimming in mountain lakes is. No regrets.
I can hike 13 miles in one day. Even if it’s by accident.
It takes 35 minutes to get anywhere in London on the Tube, no matter how close or far away.
Just how small small towns are. And how wonderful and terrible it is for everyone in town to know you.
How to get up and go to work and sound sane on a client call on minimal sleep after waking up to nurse a crying baby 3 or more times in the night.
How to run a summer camp.
Christmas carols make me cry.
The mountains will always feel like home.
What true love looks like, feels like. Is.
Dressing well is about what fits and makes you feel, not what the size number is.
Being a runner has nothing to do with how fast or how long you can run or what brand of sneakers you have or how many races you run in. It’s about running.
I’ll always be a bit of a Disney Princess inside.
What it means to have made lifelong friendships, with people who know you and love you for exactly who you are, even if you forget to text back for waaaaaaaay too long.
Being a mom is the best thing in the whole world.
How to make croissants.
Being a photographer isn’t about what gear you have or how long you’ve been doing it. It’s about doing it. And loving it.
The best chai latte in the world is an oatmilk chai latte from Gail’s in London. IYKYK.
Ice cream parties are great for bribing your friends to help you pack for a move.
Creating perfect harmonies with 29 other choristers is one of the best ways to teach teamwork and self-empowerment, especially if sports aren’t your thing.
Spring won’t arrive until it snows in April.
The best burgers and shakes are from Shake Shack. You can’t convince me otherwise.
Few things cannot be improved by a cup of tea, a nap, or a shower. Or preferably all three.
How to load a film camera.
The simplest things in life are often the best.
Sometimes people can be hurtful and sometimes people can be wonderful.
I really don’t like coffee. But I love coffee shops!
How to make bread out of ice cream.
I love traveling in Nordic countries.
Life together is bigger and better and sweeter and kinder than I ever could have imagined.
