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