Dear world:
Today is my birthday!!! Today I turn 30. I’m more excited than is typically expected for a woman reaching this number. But then again, I’ve always loved birthdays. Not so much the celebration part (please don’t make me the center of attention!), but because it marks a new chapter, a new season, something fresh. I don’t like change, but I love growth— and birthdays, much like the new year, are the perfect time to turn over a new leaf, re-evaluate goals, do a thorough heart-check, and set good intentions for the upcoming year. It’s so, so refreshing, and I loooooooooooove it.
I went through Lara Casey’s Powersheets in January, as part of my “New Years Restart.” My word for 2015 is “Foundations”— it’s all about laying groundwork for future years. About digging in deep, doing work under the surface, in the quieter parts of my heart and life, to make it possible to flourish and grow and be fruitful in future years. It’s humbling to recognize the need for this— because it means that, most likely, the most important work (time, effort, investment) done this year probably won’t be seen by anyone. I would rather be in the fruitful season, rather than in the building season. But there’s also a lot of peace and comfort that comes with knowing this is how it’s supposed to be— deep, intentionally, digging in and doing the hard work now, both in business and in life, without the pressure of other people seeing it.
I’m so excited for all that I hope and pray that my 30th year will bring!
I know a lot of people who write “30 before 30” lists, as a countdown to that change of life stage. But I’m excited about being 30, so I want to celebrate by making a list of things to do while I’m 30. Some are deeply personal/private, but in case you want to follow along and celebrate with me, here is most of my list:
- Run a half marathon (I’m training with my Mom! Isn’t that great?!?)
- Lose 20 lbs
- Learn hand lettering
- Buy a house
- Shoot 25 weddings
- Host “Foodie Friday” once a month
- Bike to Mount Vernon
- Read 30 books
- Memorize Ephesians
- Create art to hang in our home
- Teach a photography workshop (in just a few weeks!!!)
- Have at least one wedding published in print
- Do a yoga headstand
- Book a wedding in Europe
- Photograph an engagement session in New York City
- See the Nutcracker at Christmastime
- Vacation at the beach with my family
- Take Buck to Colorado
- Hike Old Rag to see the sunrise
- Become comfortable with rest and inactivity
- Teach theology to women at a conference
- Get a dog
- Drink a martini (I’ve never tried one!)
- Photograph zebras (Becka, we’ve got to make this dream happen!!!!)
- Go sailing in Annapolis with Buck
- Create a “stones of remembrance” box for our family
And now I’m off to celebrate my birthday properly with my husband. HOLLA!!!!!!!!
Photos by the ever-fabulous Abby Grace Photography
your love of turning older always inspires me. And I love your list of things to do! I hope this 30th year is indeed the best one yet. Love you & Happy Birthday!
Sarah, You are a beautiful woman who has already accomplished so much! May this 30th year be full of personal growth in the Lord and in many of your personal goals! Will be praying for you.
yayy! love this adventurous list. can’t wait to see how your year unfolds. all my love + excitement for zebras
<3<3 Love. Happy Birthday Sarah! Have a wonderful of celebration!
Oh Sarah!!
viva italia. hihi.
Love the list! YAY for the europe wedding. I hope you book this dream wedding & we can finally meet <3
Totally for the dog! Which kind of dogs do you like?
And for the Martini
We LOVE Goldendoodles!! Hoping we can get one this year!
Happy birthday!!! Hope 30 treats you well!!!
Happy Birthday!! This is such a good list! I can say for sure you’d enjoy sailing in Annapolis!
Wishing you the best for this year and in working towards crossing everything off this list!
[…] and I went out to dinner last night to celebrate, and he asked me how I feel about my “30 While 30” list, and how much I did and/or did not accomplish on it. I have to be honest, I look at that list with […]
[…] and I went out to dinner last night to celebrate, and he asked me how I feel about my “30 While 30” list, and how much I did and/or did not accomplish on it. I have to be honest, I look at that list with […]