So, it’s official…my 30’s are over, and the chapter on my 40’s has begun. I’ve been spending some time thinking back to when I turned 30 and how I reflected over the previous decade of my 20’s. What seems like a lifetime of experiences has transpired.

When I turned 30, I remember thinking that after the demise of two serious relationships and feeling like I wasted time in my 20’s on other people, I would live my 30’s for myself.

Looking back on the past decade provided some interesting reflection. Throughout my 30’s I’ve had the following experiences that stand out:

1 quasi-stalker

8 different employment positions spanning 2 states and 2 countries

10 national travel experiences

13 international experiences

4 volunteer/charity work experiences

6 different addresses

3 volcanoes

3 passports

MANY international friendships developed

2 surgical procedures

21 consistent months of no travel 😦

1 pandemic

1 hangover (my first and last)

Multiple dates with seemingly good guys that went nowhere

1 awesome husband

Various continuing education/professional development activities and courses

3 moments of “What am I doing with my life?”

3 distinct periods of “starting over.”

2 moments of “This is exactly what I’m supposed to do.”

Countless books read

Countless books still to go

Looking back always makes me appreciate all that has occurred, good or bad. Life experiences help to shape us into the form we exhibit today, and I can’t really complain about where I am now and who I have become.

Some fun notable items from the past 10 years:

-I met international celebrities and went on a date with their son before realizing the family was famous.

-I got caught in a tear gas crowd control maneuver after a recent bombing had authorities on high alert.

-I received a fantastic marriage proposal from one of my high school students in Indonesia. He struck out, but at least he earned an A.

-I finally saw the northern lights (even if it was just a little) after three previous opportunities didn’t work out.