At 30...

I turn 30 on Saturday. 

To me, 30 seems like much more of a milestone -- almost "epic" if you will -- than 18, 20, 21, or 25 ever did.

Maybe it's because I'm in that so called "prime" of my life.

Maybe it's because I'm more secure in my life - happier about my day-to-day - than I was at any of those previous age milestones. 

Maybe it's because at 30, I finally feel like I know who I am. 

At 30, I will have been employed by the same company for a solid 8 years.  The better part of a decade.  A company that has taught me growth, responsibility, and far more communications skills than I could have ever even imagined learning in my 4 years pursuing a BA in Communications.

At 30, I will have been married for 3 years.  A solid 3 years.  To a wonderful man.  A man who restored my faith in the ability to have a solid, loving, successful relationship.  A man who surprises me daily with his strength and commitment to our growing family.  A man who loves me no matter my age, weight, or amount of days I have gone between hair-washes.

At 30, I will have been a mother for 19 months.  To the most incredible, beautiful, intelligent child I have ever encountered.  A toddler than tests my patience and my mothering skills by the hour, but softens my heart and brings me to my knees in prayer and gratitude with every kiss and every hand-hold from his tiny little fingers. 

At 30, I will have been a daughter, sister, granddaughter, and niece for 30 years.  As part of an amazing family - built on solidarity, loyalty, and above all unconditional love.  A family that has always stood by me and supported my decisions.  A family that would give their lives for each other.  A family that I only wish I had appreciated my entire life, as much as I do now - at 30.

At 30, I will look towards the future with anticipation, excitement, and gratitude, for everything and everyone that has helped to shape my past 30 years, and everything and everyone who will be cheering me on through my next 30 years.

And at 30, I will spend more time being grateful, and less time being jealous.  I will spend more time with my family and less time only wishing I had done so.  I will be more patient, more respectful, more mindful, and more punctual. I will be more forgiving of myself if I stumble on any one of these.  And I will finally love me for who I am -- and for who I will become. 

30 already sounds awesome.