Thirty Lessons From My 30th Birthday

Things I wish little me knew, words I hope I never forget

A decade ago I turned 20. The last 10 years have been full of ups and downs, depression, joy, love, tears, new connections, and some I’ll never talk to again.

I traveled the world, from the horn of South Africa to the corners of West Canada. I competed on the largest stages, from the bottom of the world ranking list to the top. I wouldn’t change a thing because all of it made me who I am today. I wouldn’t be me without the trials and tribulations, but even still, maybe a heads-up would’ve been nice ;p

If I could send a message in a bottle back to little me, these are the things I’d want her to know. And as she transitions into her thirties, what I hope she never forgets…

1. People aren’t always kind, but never let that stop you from being kind to others.
2. The way others treat or feel about you has less to do with you and more to do with them.
3. Your worth is not determined by any other soul on this planet.
4. You are not inherently bad or evil.
5. We all make mistakes.
6. You are not defined by yours.
7. Your smile and joy are contagious.