It happened. I spent the last week of my 20's at an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas (a surprise birthday gift from my hubby) which is the best way you could ever spend that particular week. I'm a bit surprised that I don't feel even an ounce of intimidation about turning 30. I am 100% excited. My 20's are officially behind me and my 30's unroll before me like a plush, red carpet. It is crazy to think back over all that happened in my 20's...
-I learned more about my identity and who Christ says that I am. I learned a lot about places where I'm weak, but I know those same places will serve as spotlights for His strength and love. I actually crave reading the Bible (teenager Meagan would've never seen that coming) but I have room to grow when it comes to disciplining myself to read it. I've been introduced to and shocked by the power of prayer. I've fleshed out my two dimensional view of Jesus and fallen more in love with His heart and His calling for me.
-I met, dated, was wooed by, fell in love with, was proposed to and finally married my gorgeous husband. Marriage is the hardest thing I do every day, but it also yields the deepest form of support and joy. I am so blessed to do life with Matt. Not only has he walked beside me every step of the way in our relationship, but he actively works to love the parts of me that he doesn't understand. Good Lord, I love that man!!!
-I started regular mani/pedis. My hair still only gets cut twice a year. Gotta leave something to work on in my 30s!
-I had my first drink. And found out how much I love wine.
-I discovered "all nighters" are very different when you're 29 instead of 21.
-I experienced my first car theft while filming a movie in Savannah, GA.
-I voted democrat and republican and realized I don't really care about party affiliation. I just want the best person for the job and want to understand how they will enact their policies.
-I graduated college, moved to Atlanta and worked a lot of jobs that didn't really fit. From waiting tables in a fine dining restaurant to insurance to nanny gigs to advertising firms to acting gigs, I bounced around quite a bit in my early 20's. I struggled with feelings of shame over being "just a waiter" but loved the fast pace on the clock and having freedom around my schedule. I've been proud to say I worked for a prominent advertising firm, but struggled deeply with staring at the clock, willing the time to go faster. It's amazing to think that that occurred less than 10 years ago.
-I let go of ever thinking I'll like country music.
-I had beautiful, special people in my life pass away.
-I found photography. The profession that joins my love for creativity and my deep desire to interact with people.
-I learned how to be comfortable with confrontation.
-I opened my boudoir studio. I met and shot 100+ women who trusted me to celebrate their bodies through photography. I experienced the highest highs and lowest lows through this process. It is on of the most complexly vibrant corners of my life.
-I lawyered up.
-I traveled to a lot of freaking amazing places.
-I watched in awe as my best friends became incredible wives and mothers. I adored meeting each of their children. I was able to lean on them as I learned my place in the world as a Christian, wife, and woman, adding another decade to the tapestry of our friendship. Our bonds are stronger and my tribe is my official safe place. I still count it one of the greatest blessing of my life that God brought them to me so early in life.
-I got my first business mentor and basked in the incredible knowledge that an outside source can bring to the table.
-I got the first stamp on my passport (besides when I was like 2-which totally doesn't count!)
-I learned to love the gym. (Love, hate some days...but mostly love...or maybe I'll keep working on this one in my 30's.)
-I went debt free and learned that I like to live so that my bills don't control me. I never realized what a slave I was to them before. Because of this, I was able to buy my first car by writing a check and Matt and I will be able to put 20% down on our future house.
-I learned to cook really amazing eggs, pancakes, apple pie, lasagna and chili. Like, I'm so good at them, y'all! Seriously. And that says a lot because before my 20's the best thing I could make was cereal.
-I learned that sometimes it's ok to disappoint people.
-I figured out that even though I'm not a "morning person", pretending to be one makes me a better person overall. I also accept the fact that I'll hate the first 10 mins of every day because I don't understand why I'm awake.
-I learned about my boundaries and began to put them in place so I could be healthier in every relationship I'm a part of. I'm still learning how to stifle the "guilt" voice, but I am actively aware when she speaks.
-I enjoyed the relationship shifts that happened with my parents and siblings. My siblings are becoming who they will be and my parents are adjusting to interacting with me as an adult. These are the relationships I treasure and savor.
-I figured out that I don't value rest and that I need to. I need to protect the time necessary to recharge.
There are so many more...but it's 3:54am and I already mentioned how the "all-nighter" doesn't partner well with my current age. But I want to briefly touch on the things I'm looking forward to the most about my 30's:
-How my relationship with God will look. Early in my 20's it was all about "leaps of faith" and "big feelings." Later it became more about a steady pace of discipline and surrender-that He continued to give back to me ten fold. I'm curious how it will continue to evolve through my 30's.
-Having kids. Whether through birthing my own or adoption, I am excited to become a mom!
-Buying a house. We are currently dipping our toes in the housing pool of Atlanta and while the process seems a bit daunting, it's also super exciting! Bring on the yards and walk-in closets!
-Watching my brothers and sisters go through their college years, into their professions and meeting their future spouses. WOW. That's crazy that for some of them that will definitely come true in the next decade! (Pump the brakes Morganne, Alex and Maria! Please stay little forever!)
-Anticipating the growth and direction Meagan O Photography takes. I am FLOORED at how much has happened in the past two years. I cannot imagine what will happen over the next TEN!
All I know is my 30's are going to be AWESOME!