Well guys, it’s official. I’m 29. And I don’t know how I feel about it yet. I mean, obviously I better come to terms with it soon since I can’t really turn back time. (cue: Cher appearing out of nowhere and singing) I guess, I’m not really struggling with it per se, but I do feel a little weird that I’m turning 30 in a year. However, on the flipside of this argument, I shouldn’t really be stressing over what is to come, and I should just accept things as they are and live in the moment. This is a major task that I’m hoping to work on over the next year before my 30th birthday. As well as a myriad of things that I’ve listed below. Some are silly, others a little more task-oriented, and a few are just things that have to do with working on myself, so I can begin to evolve.

But, back to what I was saying. So, I turned 29 on August 16. (I actually started writing this post the day before my birthday, but then got sidetracked with life for the last two weeks) It was definitely one of the most lowkey birthday celebrations that I’ve had in awhile, but it was completely perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. It’s funny how I used to be this huge party having birthday girl, and now I’m not even concerned with doing that anymore. It didn’t even phase me in the slightest bit that I kept things simple with dinner and long conversations in bed. And of course wonderful presents. I’m not sure if this has to do with getting older or because I don’t drink anymore. Regardless, at the end of it all, I was happy with how I spent my day, and that’s all that matters. And did I mention that I got the best presents? A trip to Disney World as one of them!

I’m not even sure why turning 29 feels so weird. Maybe because it’s not 30, and it’s not 25. It’s sort of this almost there point in the age. But, really what does that number mean anyway? Although, Brett has explained to me that 29 is a bit of a milestone year for people. It’s the point where people can either get stuck in where they’re at mentally or evolve. I’m hoping to move towards the latter, and evolve into a better person, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

And honestly, who cares if I’m not married, with kids, or sure of what I’m going to do with the rest of my life at 29? Just because society says we’re “supposed to” do something by a certain age doesn’t mean that it’s what will make us the happiest. And I’m completely ok with all my choices and where I’m at in my life.

30 Before 30
1. Learn French
2. Try every single flavor of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
3. Go to Disney World (I haven’t been in 10+ years)
4. Finish my right sleeve
5. Write a book
6. Complete my AA
7. Complete the Jillian Michaels “30 Day Shred”
8. Experience the Marfa Mystery Lights
9. Meet with a psychic
10. Organize and take part in a public reading
11. Take pole dancing fitness classes
12. Practice yoga daily
13. Take a road trip
14. Live completely in the moment all the time
15. Start a podcast
16. Make new friends
17. Run a marathon
18. Attend a writer’s retreat
19. Take a ghost tour in St. Augustine
20. Attend a music festival out of state
21. Spend a day at the Venetian Pool
22. The “Scorpion Pose”
23. The “Crow Pose”
24. Make a zine
25. Donate to a Kickstarter project
26. Learn to cook and do it at least 3x a week at home
27. Do something creative every week
28. Get Biscuit trained
29. Write a piece for XOJane
30. Be completely 100% comfortable in my body and self