In August I left my 20s behind and entered what is most definitely the oldest age I have ever been…I’m 30 years old. I’ve never put much thought into getting older or what it “means” but this I found myself feeling different. 30 is a big number and it holds a lot more weight in my mind than previous birthdays. I had a much harder time accepting that I would no longer be in my 20s and would be (in my mind) a full-fledged adult (gasp!)
But thankfully I had my family and friends to help me get over myself and have some fun.As I have done in the past few years, this is my birthday letter…
Here is a letter to myself about what the past year has been and what hopes I have for the year ahead.
Erika, this year has been very full, like most years before it…but also very different. You started your 29th year in a serious relationship and now you begin your 30th year engaged to be married. (what?!)
You went on road trips, flew to Dallas, TX to hang with friends (at a Supernatural Convention) , saw Walk the Moon in concert, and learned more about loving someone and navigating how to love friends and family better. You worked on reconciliation in friendships and put yourself out there to try and repair what had been broken.
Life has taken a few changes recently, the biggest being the move out of Culver City and into the South Bay with R. There were various iterations on the plans for moving (including moving to Fullerton, splitting time between the OC and South Bay, etc.) but now you’re finally settling in with R. I hope you both continue to adapt to one another and give each other grace & patience through the tough moments.
My hope for this next year is that you’ll continue to let go of jealousy and envy and really focus on the life you’ve been given. This is the same desire as last year’s Birthday Letter but I hope you take to heart the values of gratitude, acceptance, and working hard for what you want.
I also hope this year is all about health and happiness. I hope you work hard to build up your strength and re-discover healthy eating and healthy living. This is a lifelong lesson that I hope you put into action this year. Don’t let the voices of laziness in your head keep you from attaining your goals. You know you are capable of achieving success, you just need to push yourself to do it. We both know that you struggle with starting & taking action, but giving up before you’ve even begun is no longer an option. You joined a gym for the first time in YEARS and you’re actually using it! Continue that and delve deeper! It will be a challenge, and you’ll want to give up or doubt that you’re doing a thing…don’t listen! Keep going!
Embrace change and see the beauty in life’s unknowns. Use the picture above (from Ron’s Birthday lunch) to remind you that change produces strength and continues to grow (just like your family). So many people pictured above wouldn’t be in your life if you hadn’t taken a leap of faith and found R. Continue to ask yourself, what more can I discover if I push myself?
To end this letter on a silly note, embrace the awesome hashtag your fiance helped form in all your adventures this year. #CantStopThis30 is more than just a nod to Justin Timberlake’s amazing/awesome/new all-time favorite song…it’s your motto for this year. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from your success (not even yourself). When you put your mind and body to task, this 30 year old can’t be stopped!
Everyday Erika 