Welcome to 30

For years I dreaded my 30th birthday. Everyone talks about how old 30 is, how your life is supposed to change, what you’re supposed to be doing, and all the negative things that people tell you when you’re approaching 30.

At age 28, my outlook changed. Hell, the world I knew it changed. I was terribly trying to make it to 29. Once I got to 29, I was desperately training to maintain to make it to 30. Today, I hit 30. I am so grateful to see this birthday. Having stage four cancer is terrifying and the outcomes are not always good. I am determined to let my diagnosis be who I am.

So today, I reached a milestone that at 28, seemed unreachable. I am 30 years old and celebrating like tomorrow maybe my last day. I am surrounded by people who care about and love me. I am fulfilled with the work I am doing at Hayes and I no longer dread getting older. I embrace the chance to grow old and be here year after year.

This year is going to be amazing. Sam and I are welcoming our first child in June, I have so many opportunities to help people who need it, I am in a place that allows me to give to others and I am cautiously optimistic that there is more joy around the corner.

I have spoken before about living every day with gratitude. Every day, I write down and often share with others what I am grateful for. Some days, it’s just fresh air, during the snowstorm two weeks ago it was electricity and water. Today, I am grateful to have completed a year of my life and look forward to another year of adventure with my family and friends.

Over the next year, I challenge you to find something to be thankful for every day and show your appreciation not only through your words but your actions. How are you living your life every day? I pray you live life to inspire others and invoke kindness to those you encounter. Your life isn’t just yours; your life can impact everyone around you positively if you let it.

Thank you to those who got me to 30 and to many many years more to celebrate.