Death to My 20s: A Farewell and a Fresh Start

It happened... my 30th birthday.

At work, we have this tradition: when someone has a birthday, their desk gets completely trashed. For mine, my coworkers went above and beyond—they held a funeral for my 20s. My VP laughed so hard, she cried. It was dramatic, hilarious, and oddly therapeutic.

Some people view turning 30 as a crisis point—a moment to reflect on all the dreams they had in their 20s and panic over why they haven’t come true yet. Marriage? Career? Kids? The checklist goes untouched for many, and the pressure sets in.

Me? I didn’t feel any different.

Sure, I took a moment to reminisce. In my early 20s, I thought I’d be married by now, thriving in a career I adored, maybe even with a kid or two. But that’s not where I am—and that’s okay. Because the truth is: I’m genuinely happy.

And that’s what matters.

Living fully in the now, embracing whatever comes your way—that’s the sweet spot. You can't control everything, but you can control your mindset, your choices, and your circle. I had a conversation not long ago with a friend’s brother who looked at me and said, “You created your life, didn’t you?” It stopped me in my tracks.

He was right.

Every decision, every pivot, every mindset shift—I crafted the life I’m living today. In my early 20s, I hit rock bottom. But even in that darkness, I told myself: I will not stay here. I will become the best version of me. And step by step, that’s exactly what I’ve done.

So, here's to the 30s. I know amazing things are ahead, and I’m ready to greet them all—wide-eyed, open-hearted, and fiercely me.