HOLY SH*T, I’ve been 30 for almost two whole months now! I intended to share this big, elaborate post about me turning 30 in September for my birthday, but it’s been nice to sit in the feeling of being in a new decade before I share my thoughts. Birthdays are special and fun. I’m not a “birthday month” girl, but I have chosen to travel the past few years to celebrate. Even if you don’t want to receive gifts, I think it is still nice to feel celebrated and give you an excuse to have fun in your most ideal way on your special day.

Thirty has been weird for me so far. I’m single. I’m a homeowner. I’m a business owner. I love my life, my friends, and my family. It really is the BEST! I am beyond grateful for the life I have and recognize that I am extremely privileged and fortunate in so many ways. Although I don’t internally feel the pressure to date, find my person, and do the whole wedding and babies thing, I do wish for that in my future. It is really interesting to me that so many people (friends, family, and clients alike) feel the need to be invested in this part of my life. They know people who are “nice” that I should meet, they suggest I should try dating apps, they think they “have to find me someone”. I guess it’s assumed that the only thing single people aspire to have is a partner?

Something I’ve been reflecting on since my birthday is why I want a partner. I want to go on adventures, travel to new places, watch sports games, have dance parties, workout, and spend weekends at my cottage. Of course I know there are specific things you can only do with a significant other, but most of what I want to do can be done on my own, with friends, and/or with family. As of right now, the right person has not yet entered my life and I’m not going to wait around and not enjoy my life because of it. So I’ll continue to do all the fun things with my family and friends and respectfully, you can stop trying to suggest what I should do to not be single any longer.

I feel like I know exactly who I am, what I stand for, and what I want in my personal relationships, friendships, and client interactions. I will always speak my mind (some may think TOO often) and stand up for myself. I am so proud of myself for taking all of my past experiences in relationships and friendships to get really clear on what it is I need and want in this next decade. A big thing is letting go of the expectations of others, their opinions, and how their life may appear on the outside in comparison to mine. Multiple things can be true. I can be happy for my friends and all of their successes, both personal and professional, but I can also hope to experience some of those for myself. I can be proud of my accomplishments and also cheer my friends on who may be going on a completely different path than me.

Life is short. Age is just a number. If you wake up healthy, happy, and proud of the life you’re living, what more can you ask for. Spend time with the people you care about the most. Thanks for supporting me in my 30 years so far. Can’t wait for what’s to come!

Yours in self-discovery,

Rachel

Thirty, flirty, and thriving!