Three decades. That’s the milestone I’ll reach next Thursday. It seems like an eternity wrapped in a milisecond, if that makes any sort of sense. A long stretch of time on the highway of life and yet the miles seem to have passed by so quickly, almost without my knowing.
Life is a funny thing, isn’t it? You can never really know where you’re going until you’ve looked at it through the lens of where you’ve been. Life is one wild journey, I’ve come to realize, one with more twists and turns than a twirly, whirly rollercoaster. In just three decades, I’ve…
*Had 26 surgeries.
*Traveled all over the United States.
*Had my fair share of awkward encounters with boys.
*Exposed a long-standing crush on one of said boys.
*Wielded power as editor of my college’s newspapers.
*Molded the future Bob Woodwards as adviser to the same newspaper.
*Survived my father’s suicide.
*Fought against the tide of depression that tried to pull me under.
*Graduated from college.
*Loved, had my heartbroken and broke a few hearts (well, in my mind, anyway…) along the way.
A woman at my church recently commented on her life. She went to her high school reunion, and as her classmates were talking about the paths their lives have taken, she realized her life wasn’t like theirs. I knew where she was coming from, but unlike her, I’ve always looked at that the differences as a bad thing, as some sort of inherent – and fatal – character flaw. She, instead, chose to embrace and celebrate her own life, saying “I’ve led a remarkable life.” There’s such power in that declarative, isn’t there?
I’ve grown, I’ve changed, but most importantly, I’ve learned. Everywhere I’ve been, every experience I’ve had, every encounter I’ve had with another person? It’s all part of the story of where I’ve been. And honestly, it’s sort of amazing to look at your life written out in a list like that. If nothing else, it makes you realize one thing: Life is still a ride you never want to get off of. And that’s something to be celebrated.
Where have you been, friends? What would your list look like? xoxo
Happy Birthday, Father!
Melisande says
you've accomplished so much and i'm so proud of you for everything you've done! that picture of you as a little girl is too cute! happy almost birthday!
Lynnae says
30 is still young IMHO. I am 40-something and feel like I really didn't start knowing how to BE me and take care of me until I was 39 or 40. And that's saying a lot because I was always an introspective person. Even the parts of your life that you don't enjoy made you who you are, and we like you! Happy almost birthday from me too!
Aya says
This was such a great post–it seems like you have lived a great life so far. Many more years to come 🙂 happy early birthday, melissa! xox
Ryan Adair says
Happy almost birthday! A list is a good idea, I am going to work on it for my 25th later this year. 🙂
Wendy says
You have done some amazing things with your life so far and many more wonderful things await you! 🙂
I'll be 43 in October, my list is as follows:
I was wild in my youth.
Traveled all over the world
Fell in love not once but twice.
Been broken hearted.
Broke a heart or two.
Lived through losing my mom, way before her time, to a car crash.
Lived through watching old age slowly take my father.
Had 2 amazing, beautiful daughters
Now have 1 amazing, beautiful grandson.
Worked my way up from nothing to something.
Am surrounded by a wonderful friends and family.
Despite the hard times, life is a wonderful ride.
Happy early birthday, Melissa! Cheers to adventure that awaits!
Monica from Hola!design says
I'll be 30 this year and I'm excited about it! You've done so much already! In the 3 decades I've:
Graduate college
Move to a different country (USA)
Fell in love once
Have my heart broken a few times
Travel to 2 of my favorite countries (Chile and Italy)
I still have lot to accomplish, and I'm looking forward to it!
Have a great day!
mousee23 says
Reading your posts always gives me something to think about.Your honesty makes me want to be more honest with myself.Thank you for sharing you~Anne
Stephanie says
I did a similar post when I turned 30 (my 20's in 20-some pictures). It was so beautiful to go back through the last decade and realize how much I've grown. What a beautiful life we all get to lead, in our own different way. I hope you have an amazing birthday!
Punctuation Mark says
hope this week is full of amazing things because you deserve all the great things life has to offer… 30 is a pretty good age i have to say… you are more clear on the things around you and appreciate them much better… you are a remarkable individual and you'll see that your positive attitude will take you really far!!!
Jessi Haish says
beautiful post!
Rebecca says
This post is beautiful. You should be so proud of what you have been through and achieved in your life! You're such an inspirational person.
sell my phone says
A long stretch of time on the highway of life and yet the miles seem to have passed by so quickly, almost without my knowing.
Natalie says
Happy almost Birthday!!! I love your list! Also, I really enjoy your writing!
Alyson says
Happy early birthday, and you're so right… always important to embrace these distinguishing characteristics about ourselves rather than feeling like it's a bad thing. Yeah, there are bad or crappy things that happen but overall, it makes us who we are. And, when we can't change things, hell, we better embrace 'em!! Wishing you the best 30th a girl could ask for! xo
alyson
ag. says
Great post, Melissa. : )
You really inspire me.
House of Milk says
happy birthday!
Chessa! says
I think the most important thing is to have learned. This is something that I knew about myself when I turned 30 too. And this year I will turn 35 and can say that I've kept growing and learning…
I think where you are is remarkable…and who knows what's to come! that's the best part:) happy early birthday!
World Financial Group Reviews says
Nice post !!Yeah, there are bad or crappy things that happen but overall, it makes us who we are. thanks for sharing such a great post ….