Reflection on 30 years

Birthdays, for me, are a time of reflection. How have I lived the past year and what are my plans for the next? What many of us do on New Years Day, I do on my birthday. This birthday is more than just reflecting on the last year, but also the last decade. The first decade of my life I have been a "grown up" through all of it! As I turn 30, I want to capture the lessons I have learned through many major life experiences of my 20's. No doubt others have memories of their own tied to many of these.

• Maturity doesn't trump life experience
• A little fun goes a long way
• A goal never set cannot be reached
• Your body is capable of more than you think
• Love is richer when you first get to know yourself and love who you find
• Forgive. Accept God's forgiveness. forgive yourself, and ask others for forgiveness
• True, long-lasting friendships are harder to find and much more meaningful the older you get
• People who are no longer in your life can remain in your heart
• Mistakes do not define you
• Hair grows back
• Friendships with other women can be more meaningful than I ever considered
• God always meets our needs
• Beauty changes
• Excuses can define who we become
• Family is forever
• A paycheck does not determine self-worth
• There is no substitute for education
• Perfection lies in imperfection
• Growth cannot happen without change

Purpose

For most of my life I have thought and prayed about what my purpose, or calling, is. I went to school, accepted jobs, volunteered, etc. all in search of this destination that is the reason I was put on this planet. Although I realized long ago that this calling in all likelihood was not just one thing (i.e. parenthood, a career, etc.); it was only recently I came to realize it is not even a destination. Callings grow and change over time just as we do. There is a peace knowing that what I do now is exactly what God has called me to do at this moment. In time that will change and evolve. He has given us all a multitude of talents and gifts and it takes a lifetime to explore and stretch them all! I may still concern myself with living purposefully and making the most of the time I am given, but I am not weighed down by the thoughts that I am wasting time/life trying to figure out my purpose and beating myself up for not having it all figured out by now. Be the best you you can be today and keep your eyes open and your feet moving toward the next opportunity to take your calling to a new level.

Inspiration

Such an interesting thing. People who don't have it think those with it are just lucky. Or think of it as simply having passion. But passion does not always equal inspiration. I'll tell you something, inspiration takes work! It may start with passion but it takes effort, dedication, and commitment to keep the fire alive. It's amazing how if neglected the things we feel most inspired by seem to dwindle away. Never ignore your passions--never let life get in the way. Always carve out time for those things that make your eyes light up when you think about them! Here is a poem I wrote about 10 years ago. Seems fitting to include it today.

Inspiration

 

Seeing the beauty in all that surrounds you

No timers – just follow your heart

Recognizing the spark that can lead to a flame

You can find your inspiration

 

Learning to stop and listen to nothing

No sound – just calm, quiet breath

Pushing beyond your minds natural boundaries

You can grasp your inspiration

 

Living by both your mind and your heart

No deviations – just focus and yearning

Expanding within your heart and your mind

You can capture your inspiration

 

Failing in your best attempts at life

No regrets – just learning to grow

Helping yourself to understand what is right

You can grow in your inspiration

 

Expressing your gifts from all that’s inside

No pride – just open connection

Sensing the moment to turn on a light

You can fly with your inspiration

 

Loving enough to lift with your words

No reservations – just the hope of conviction

Sharing a blessing you found in your life

 

You can give your inspiration