“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream” ~ C.S. Lewis

I turned 30 yesterday.

It is so unbelievably weird to type that, as I absolutely do not feel like that is my age. “Hello, my name is Courtney, and I am 30 years old.” WEIRD. I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around this, as I have always been mistaken for so much younger than I am. Most people think I’m lying when I tell them my age. I mean really though, who lies about being 30?? As it is indeed an occasion worth celebrating, I thought I would share why I think turning 30 is so awesome.

I feel confident in myself

I am an introvert. Social situations full of small talk with a room full of strangers was, at times, debilitating when I was a young teen. My 20s were rife with insecurities and bogged down with self-conscious thoughts. I created plans and chose paths that I knew, even at the time, weren’t right for me. I can proudly look back on my 20s and remember all that I learned, the mistakes I made, and the changes I found in myself to grow and be more confident in following His path for me. It has been a lot of learning to say no, taking risks, falling down and getting back up. I feel the most comfortable in my own skin then I have ever felt and it is liberating. People often laugh at me now when I admit I’m an introvert, as they don’t feel I am at ALL, which makes my shy heart burst with joy.

I am on the path He chose for me

I have had a love affair with Olive Garden since my teens. Soooo much alfredo-y goodness in one place!! I mean really, how could you possibly go wrong there?? Every time Jon asks me where I’d like to go if we end up eating out for dinner, I have to surpress my inner teenage child from shouting with glee “Olive Gardeeeeennn!!!!” Well wouldn’t you know, the kiddos and Jon treated me to a night out at my favorite place for my birthday! Major points for them 😉

So many of my most meaningful moments – birthdays, graduations, anniversaries- have been celebrated gathered around a table there chowing down on breadsticks, I’m not surprised it was there I had a personal revelation. It is so weird how in the times you least expect, God speaks to your heart the loudest. As I sat waiting for my dinner to arrive, I took a moment to sit back and look around the table at those who mean the most to me. Harper’s puckered lips as she decides what morsel she wants to try next and clutching a fork almost as big as her arm, Jackson twirling his spaghetti around his fork like a boss with his knees peaking over the table top because his legs are a little too long for a booster seat anymore, and Jon supervising drinks to ensure the kids don’t knock them over or suck them down in one gulp. In that moment, I knew with all my heart that THIS was undeniably the life I was supposed to be leading. These three were made for me and I was made to be theirs’. WHOA. Now I’m crying…..pulling it together! Seriously though, I will continue to thank God every day for the blessings he’s given me in the three beautiful souls I get the joy of coming home to each and every day.

I can remember what things were like before they were a thing

Remember when the the internet wasn’t a thing?? No?  Then you’re probably too young. Remember when you walked or rode your bike to a friend’s house to see if they could play because cell phones weren’t even invented yet? Or when you would have friends over to compare how well you were keeping your Tamagotchi alive or swap Beanie Babies before setting up your stage and performing a Spice Girls concert in your living room at the top of your lungs. Oh the stories I will be able to tell my children!

It’s a huge milestone

I’ve completed 1/3 of my life already and there’s no going back. Yikes! Looking back at all I’ve accomplished already has me excited to see what the future holds. Ten years ago, in the middle of my care-free, late-night college years, I never would have guessed my life would be the way it is now, so to think of what it will be in another ten years is a surprise I am excited to watch unfold.

Regardless of all the ups and downs, high and lows, I’m thankful for everything I have now more than ever. I look forward to continuing to follow my heart along the path God made for me with my sweet family by my side.

Here’s to another 30 years!