5 Things I Learned In My 30th Year
Honestly, what a time to be alive.
My 30th year was full blown insanity. Filled with all the fun, so much travel, incredible new experiences, and a global pandemic one will surely never forget. This year, I’ve learned a lot about myself, my people, my passions, and truly how much I live for a good list. I don’t have it all figured out, but it sure has been fun giving it a shot.
Here are 5 things I’ve learned in my 30th year:
It’s okay to not be in control.
If you haven’t heard all about Caleb’s party planning skills, read all about it here. Only a handful of times has Caleb completely caught me by surprise, but last summer, the man got me good. He orchestrated a birthday extravaganza paired with a surprise vacation and my anxiety was through the roof. The thought of the professional event planner not being in control of a week’s worth of events was enough to send me in to a full on let-me-speak-to-the-manager-rage. But you know what? My favorite humans were all in one place, queso and Nothing Bundt Cakes were within arms reach, and all I had to do was show up! Is this how the other half lives? I could get used to this.
Travel as often as you can.
My 30th year started off with a poolside pineapple margarita in Cabo, and I was sure I wouldn’t be able to forgo the tradition. In that moment, we made a pact that we would travel and experience something new every month: we floated the Guadalupe River, ate donut french toast on the River Walk in San Antonio, explored Estes Park, and saw the sites in Charleston. We skied in New Mexico, walked the beach in Miami and ate all the cheese in my beloved Wisconsin. What fun we’ve had. In this day and age of the pandemic, I’d settle for a trip to Target right about now, but patiently waiting for the all clear to return to my jet-setter lifestyle. What they say is true, travel is good for the soul.
Life is too short not to stay up late to see Pitbull.
I was fortunate enough to work and experience Super Bowl LIV earlier this year. It was an absolutely unforgettable two weeks that is nearly impossible to put into words. As a Kansas gal myself, it was incredible to work directly with the Kansas City Chiefs. Immediately following the game, we hosted the post-game afterparty where Flo Rida and Pitbull performed for nearly 3,000 friends and family members of the newly crowned Super Bowl 54 Champions. At 3:30am I found myself dancing next to Eric Stonestreet, singing “Don’t Stop The Party” at the top of my lungs with Mr. 305 and the Lombardi trophy within arms reach. Undoubtedly, one of the most magical moments of the year, or perhaps decade; I’m not sure how I’ll ever top it. The whopping 45 minutes of sleep I managed to get between the concert and the start of my work day were completely worth it.
Just say yes.
On more occasions than I care to admit, I’ve been tempted to say no to an invitation simply because I had already committed to becoming one with my couch. A FaceTime workout class? You serious, Clark? A socially distant picnic? Who will be responsible for bringing the queso? A Zoom game night? Can my dog play too?. Every single time I’ve said yes, I’ve managed to create some of my most cherished memories or new friendships I never knew I needed. Life sure is funny that way.
Find your people, and never let go.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. I have one incredible of a group of insanely supportive, hilarious, level 10 hype-man, one of a kind friends. Like, is my mom paying you to be here? Did my dad put you up to this? Maybe they keep me around because I’m funny, or at least that’s what I’ll tell myself. They’re my people, and they’re stuck with me until the end of time; honestly, whether they like their compensation package or not.
Here’s to another year of fun, but hopefully maybe a little less pandemic.
Yours Truly,
J
