The Building Blocks of 30
Ten things my 20s taught me
Year after year, October continues to be my favorite month. There’s something about the start of Q4 that fills me with excitement — the temperatures drop, the leaves start to paint the fall skies, and, I just generally adore the coziness that begins to settle as we tuck away for the holidays.
But it’s no secret why October is my favorite. I was born in October. Each year, I look forward to deciding how I’ll celebrate my birthday, but more importantly, I love how my mind, body, and spirit shift as the month approaches. I naturally transition into a time of reflection, looking back on the prior year and building up excitement for what’s to come.
This birthday was especially meaningful for me as I embraced entering a new decade: my 30s. I spent so much of the month away, home only one day in October before I’d leave for almost three weeks. October 2nd onward, I enjoyed what would’ve shaped up to be one of the best trips of my life — shopping, eating, laughing, and experiencing new cultures abroad in Asia. Back in DC with just a third of the month left, I quickly found myself returning to all the motion in the city, regrouping with friends, and trying to settle back into a routine.
Thirty came fast. I kept telling myself that I wanted to pause and reflect on how good God has been to me—not just for 29, but for all of my 20s. And yet, with the end of the month already here, I still feel like I need a moment to truly sit in it. I decided that before we said goodbye to October, I’d sit still and at the very least, start that reflection. So here I am, alone at my dinner table, looking back on a ten year run that gave me so much.
My 20s in a Nutshell
There’s so many ways I could’ve captured the essence of my 20s but I wanted something simple, something I could look back on and easily absorb what was top of mind as I stepped into a new decade. Queue “10 things my 20s taught me”. As I think about these lessons, I’m filled with so much gratitude for being able to carry these learnings forward, while having clear evidence of my growth over the last ten years. What I’d say:
1. What’s meant for you will never miss you.
The peace I have in knowing this is incredible. Knowing that God already has a plan for my life allows me to keep my face forward and just focus on doing my part.
2. Every decision counts.
These are easily the top three words of wisdom I’d offer to anyone, about anything. From what you want for lunch, to your spouse, and everything in between, choose wisely.
3. Emotions can paralyze you.
There’s a freedom and productivity that comes with recognizing your emotions, but creating distance between them. That gap is defined by your emotional, mental, and spiritual discipline.
4. It’s about who you know.
Twenty-nine was the year of shoot my shot. I made so many authentic, intentional connections understanding that God uses people to open doors.
5. We’re at war with our flesh.
“Me vs. Me” couldn’t be more true. My biggest battles are the ones I fight in my mind each day—choosing love over fear, patience over urgency, growth over comfort.
6. You are who you hang with.
We’ve been hearing this since we were teenagers, but I’m amazed at how true it becomes as we age. This one hit hard for me my later years, but finally settled right in time for 30.
7. You have what you say.
I’m fascinated by people who have literally spoken their lives into existence — you know the tweet that resurfaces 10 years later? I will be no stranger to manifestation in my thirties.
8. There’s no substitute for hard work.
There are countless ways to cut corners in life, but hard work has no cheat code. The hours, resilience, and dedication speak for themselves when you’re chasing greatness.
9. Ask (the right) questions.
So many times I found myself in situations I didn’t need to be in, had I been brave enough to ask the right questions. Out with the fear, in with the humility for this new decade.
10. Tomorrow isn’t promised.
While I know this to be true, my daily habits don’t always reflect it. This sobering truth is one I hope truly cements in my heart — to live with intention, gratitude, and the highest forms of love each day I’m given.
All Glory to God
As October comes to a close, I thank God for keeping me, blessing me, and protecting me through every up and down, triumph and loss of my 20s. My heart is full of gratitude and deep reverence for all that He’s done for me and all the ways He’s proven Himself true the last 10 years.
Excited is an understatement for what I feel in this very moment, going into this next decade. Even with all that I planted in my 20s, the truth is, we just getting started.
Thank you so much for reading.
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Blessings on Blessings 🙏🏾💝
Love!