30 lessons in 30 years

1. forgive generously. you’ll be happier + the world will be brighter.

2. apologize quickly. an exercise in humility for us all.

3. take risks. life is more exciting when we step outside our comfort zones!

4. go to counseling. it’s the best gift you can give yourself.

5. make time for rest. we were created for rhythms of rest + work, and we’ll put our best foot forward when we’re rested.

6. prioritize the things that bring you joy + life. every aspect of your life will benefit.

7. invest in your local community. we’re called to be stewards of land + people.

8. cultivate an attitude of wonder. awe is good for the soul.

9. do the scary things. you’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish, and your tolerance window will widen.

10. fail fast. learn from your mistakes + then try again.

11. your identity is more than what you produce.

12. embrace hope + joy, even when they’re scary.

13. we’re complex beings who occupy both/ands rather than an either/or, black + white world.

14. be unashamedly you. so much freedom here. even when you feel alone in the wilderness. embracing your whole self is way better than wearing a mask any day.

15. God loves redemption + restoration and invites us to partner with him in that work.

16. God knows suffering intimately + is close to us in our pain.

17. healing happens in community. it’s worth the risk, even if you’ve been hurt in community.

18. God has a great opportunity for you that aligns well with your passions and gifts—and it will come in His perfect timing.

19. never apologize for crying.

20. you’ll only find as much belonging as your level of self-acceptance. so learn to acknowledge all parts of your story and accept your beautiful uniqueness.

21. take care of yourself—mentally, physically, + spiritually. you won’t regret it.

22. it’s okay to be ambitious + have goals, even when those goals threaten others. that’s on them.

23. it’s okay to let people go. sometimes relationships are only for a season, so cherish the joy that friend brought you.

24. invest in a community of women. there’s nothing better than women who fight for each other, cheer one another on, pray behind each other’s backs, and want the world for one another.

25. have a next goal + know the steps, but throw out the idea of a 5-year plan.

26. fight for what matters, even if you think you’re the only one. friends, social justice, equity…whatever you believe needs to be redeemed + restored.

27. people change + grow. it’s okay—good even—that you’re not the same person you were 3 years ago, and it’s okay that your friends change too.

28. you can only take people as far as you’ve been yourself. so let the Holy Spirit work at you. do the hard + necessary work of healing.

29. Jesus welcomes us just as we are. we don’t have to clean up our act to find mercy, grace, comfort, or solace. what a model. be like that—God in flesh for others.

30. every yes is a no + every no is a yes. choose your yeses and nos so that everything you do brings you closer to the person you want to be.

and a bonus one I’m taking into the next year: you’re worth celebrating. any day, for any reason. don’t ever forget that.

year 29 was just as hard as 28 + 27 (scroll back to see), but this was the year I chose my health and wellbeing over the “shoulds.” and what a difference it makes.

I don’t take a single day or blessing for granted. this is the beautiful, hard, messy, glorious life + work I’ve been called to. and it’s delightful.

soli deo gloria