Thirty: A New Decade and a Season to Bloom

Just as turning thirty once seemed so far off—like it would take a lifetime to reach—little did my inner child know time would speed up so quickly. And here I am, stepping into a new decade and season of life. 

If you asked me about my twenties, I honestly wouldn't know how to describe them. I’m deeply thankful for everything that happened (both good and bad), but I feel like my twenties were a time of preparation for what’s coming next. I learned and grew so much as a person that now I can see those changes. I barely recognize myself, and I suppose maturity brings this wisdom. Of course, I still have much to learn, but I’m grateful for these beautiful years—a decade, really.

In my late twenties, I met two people I consider my best friends now, even though we're separated by miles. Who would’ve thought we’d meet in a Facebook group and become friends? None of us expected it, but I’m thankful to have them and cherish these past three—almost four—years we’ve shared. I treasure every single moment and memory with them. Maybe someday, I’ll write about long-distance friendships if that’s something people would like to read.

I’ve also mentioned how I struggled with sadness or whatever it was that caused me to feel so low, but around two or three weeks ago, I can finally say that feeling disappeared, thank God. I felt a heavy weight on my heart, and I just wanted to be free from it—and now I am. I feel much happier, calm, hopeful, and very optimistic. 

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about feeling sad. Some of my sadness stemmed from losing two loved ones in 2021, especially my maternal grandmother’s passing, whose loss affected me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. But I know that was just "the cherry on top." There was the pandemic, being jobless, and many other challenges my family and I faced, not to mention what one of my friends went through, which impacted me too. So many events, so many mixed emotions. But the days of joy are here now, thanks to my Almighty God.

I have a feeling my thirties will be my best season yet. I focused a lot on learning and personal growth, and all those hardships and experiences taught me valuable lessons. There’s still room to grow, but now that I have a solid foundation and strong roots—roots I will keep nurturing—I’m ready to focus on blooming. I feel it’s time.

This time around, I have no expectations. In past years, I imagined scenarios for each age milestone, but things didn’t go as I pictured. God had other plans—and they were (are) always better than anything I could’ve envisioned. So instead of creating scenarios, I’ll let things unfold naturally and let God surprise me.

I feel both scared and excited, looking forward to this new year and decade. My late twenties felt like a book I never quite finished, pages left blank that needed closure. I guess this is it—I’m ready to start fresh. Here’s to a new book and a new chapter. I know beautiful things lie ahead, and I’m finally ready.

This is what I wanted to share. I’ve been working on this post since July, and my thoughts have evolved over time. As I write these words just hours before my birthday, I feel genuinely happy. I was able to put it all into words and convey my thoughts. 

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One last thing…

To my twenties,

It’s time to say goodbye. I know I questioned and wondered about you, how strange a time you were, yet also full of knowledge and wisdom. Today, I see the reasons behind everything that happened.

I’m ready to let you go, and this moment doesn’t feel bittersweet at all—just right. With a smile and happy tears, I bid you farewell. Thank you for everything.

I welcome my thirties with joy and gratitude, and I’m so excited for what lies ahead. Here’s a toast to my thirties and a happy blooming season—with a glass of Coke, even if it’s not the healthiest option!

Happiest 30th birthday to me!

xx  

M.