Flashback Friday: Writing Your Story One Week at a Time

 

Last week on Flashback Friday, we explored reminiscing about the best part of our twenties, so it might not surprise you that this week, we’re fast-forwarding a decade to write about the best parts of our thirties.

            The questions are the same, but the answers look different: What lessons did you learn that shaped you? What were the highlights of the decade? What life-shaping decisions did you make? What are you glad to not repeat?

            I discovered travel in my thirties, going on my first ever grown-up vacation (with my friend, Amber) to Hershey, Pennsylvania. From that one trip, I fell in love with seeing anything and everything I could in this country, and I had no idea just how much of it I would see IN this decade!

            I also discovered lake life, when my sweet friend, Ronda, got a little lake cottage. She invited me to visit and visit often – and I did. I loved the boat rides and sunsets and life on lake time, which truly is all its own time.

            I published my first book…and then my second. I never thought I would see milestones like these, but I did, and I was grateful for both experiences.

            I had my heart broken and thought I wouldn’t survive it, but the Lord used it to be a powerful and transformative piece of my story. I wouldn’t want to ever live through anything like that again, but I am so grateful that it did not defeat me!

            I left my first grown-up job and took a dream job in radio. Both were among the bravest things I’ve done, and both were life-changing. I am so grateful for both.

            I went on my last first date, found myself in love, said yes to a proposal, and got married. All among the best yesses I’ve ever said.

            Ryan and I embarked on home renovations and learned we are great team. We had so much fun, and even though I don’t think we’ll be the next Gaines duo, I think we have made some beautiful homes together!

            Had oral surgery and gallbladder surgery and wasn’t a big fan of either one. 😊

            Ran a 10K and a couple of 5Ks and while I learned I’m not a runner, I was proud of myself for training and doing hard things.

            I left my job in radio and spent some years as a stay-at-home wife, which was one of the greatest gifts ever. I am so thankful for that job.

            We packed up and moved to a new town, which was a life-changing experience in a good way.

            I learned and grew so much in my thirties. I began to really discover my deepest passions and saw so many dreams realized. I am grateful for the molding and shaping. I’m grateful for the strength I saw and didn’t know I had.

            How about you? How did your thirties shape and define you?