My 31st birthday is this Saturday, January 30th and I cannot help but reflect on my past year as a 30-year-old.
When I first turned 30, I claimed it as my golden year because I reached 30 years of life on the 30th day of not only a new year, but a new decade as well. It was the closing of one decade in my life (my 20s) and the start of a new one. I was also about to embark on a new chapter, knowing that by the end of the year, I would be married. It all felt so significant and symbolic.
So, it only makes sense that I create a blog post like this to share with you all.
This past year did not turn out the way I expected. Honestly, it is the opposite of what I envisioned. But I have learned and grown so much in the past year that I must express gratitude. And when you read this, try to be present and intentional in understanding; you may have some realizations of your own.

Without further ado, here are my 30 self-reflections.
- It is okay to love someone from afar.
- Ultimately, life happens for me, not to me.
- Life is short. Eat the dessert.
- Whoa. I’m a married woman?! Amazing.
- I no longer want to feel guilty for saying no.
- He’s not kidding. I do have a body of a goddess.
- My trauma does not define me.
- It is not my responsibility to meet the expectations of others.
- I am no longer afraid of separating myself from anyone who disrupts my peace.
- I must do a solo travel trip soon!
- I am way too hard on myself.
- Not everything requires a reaction.
- Vulnerability will always equal strength.
- Stop apologizing for feeling so deeply.
- I never want to plan another event again.
- Progress over perfection. Stay consistent.
- I think I am ready to seek a therapist.
- Relationships do not fit one mold.
- My anxiety is not a crutch. I am stronger than that.
- I’m getting old for real because these knees…
- I am getting real good at voicing and honoring my boundaries.
- I still have a lot of anger and resentment within me to resolve.
- I control NOTHING and it drives me insane, but I am learning to accept it.
- Stepping out of my comfort zone does not get easier but it gets familiar.
- My presence, time, and energy are gifts that should be given wisely.
- My resilience is a God sent.
- I need to actively work on my level of patience.
- Amid madness, unintentionally, my faith became stronger.
- I have some amazing individuals in my life.
- I’m that bitch. Always have been, always will be.

What I experienced in the past year, the good and the bad, has been thought-provoking, uncomfortable, epiphanic, and transforming. And I must admit, I’m feeling bolder because of it. I am thankful for the lessons, even when I have a hard time accepting them. Because honestly, I don’t handle obstacles and inconveniences very well. But I am equally thankful for learning how to revisit and reevaluate the past experiences in my life.
This is how I learn and continue to grow.
I have no regrets. I am confident when I say all the lessons served its purpose. A year that felt infinite with them. So, as I welcome and celebrate a new year of life, I hope this post sparks something so fierce within you. May you feel inspired and hopeful. May you continue to discover yourself in a way that becomes a beacon of light for others. And may you always remember to love yourself freely and unapologetically.

Xoxo

Loved this ❤️
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Thank you for reading! ♥️
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I loved reading this post. Self reflection is so important! X
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Thank you so much for reading! ♥️ yes, I love reflecting as I am about to start a new chapter of life. It allows me to process what I have learned and experienced ✨
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“I’m that bitch. Always have been, always will be.”
THAT PART!!!!
Love the post! Def can relate to your self reflection list.
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Sometimes you just gotta remind yourself especially when you have done negative self talk for so long! Thank you for reading and commenting love ♥️
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Happy birthday! Loved this post, it’s made want to sit and reflect! It’s amazing what we can learn in just a year.
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Thank you for reading and the birthday wishes! ♥️ I always love reflecting as I enter a new year in life. It puts a lot into perspective and is a way to champion myself for all that I have learned and overcame ✨ you should def do it!
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Happy Birthday. It needs the courage to write something like this. I am glad that you have grown a lot and taking yourself positively. Coming out of your comfort zone, and dealing with negative criticism is a great way to grow and learn.
I hope you will achieve your milestones.
Sara xx
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Thank you so much for the kind words and birthday wishes, Sara! ✨
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Happy birthday for this coming Saturday. Also, damn right you should never feel guilty for saying no. We all need to learn that lesson
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Thank you for the birthday wishes! And hell yeah! I’m learning to be less apologetic for putting myself as a priority. Thank you for reading!
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I hope you had a lovely birthday. Self reflection is so important and so beneficial. I turn 30 on the 11th so I have been reflecting a lot also. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren.
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Thank you for reading and the birthday wishes! I love to reflect as I approach a new year in life. 30 was a magical year for me and I wish the same for you ✨
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Thank you!
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Love this! Beautiful photos too 🙂 I think these are all amazing reflections you’ve had! I can imagine 30 is quite a milestone. I’m 30 next year (2022) and I’m already a bit nervous about it!
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Definitely a milestone but I love it here! 30 puts so much into perspective about where you are headed in life and those who will join you on this journey. Thank you for reading!
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I believe this in divine timing. This low-key spoke to me & made me realize a few things I needed serious reminding of. When you said… “I am thankful for the lessons, even when I have a hard time accepting them. Because honestly, I don’t handle obstacles and inconveniences very well. But I am equally thankful for learning how to revisit and reevaluate the past experiences in my life.”….hit my soul lol. I completely related to this. I feel like I have moments I revisit & that pain revisits too sometimes, but at the end of the day I’m always grateful for the growth that came from that. Great read, Ang. 💜
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Girl I’m not even gonna front, when I wrote that, it hit my soul too! lmao. Sometimes, reevaluation is needed and can provide a form of closure. I’m so happy to read that this post resonated with you so much. Thank you for reading! ❤
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* I believe I read this in divine timing.
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I’m just starting out my year as being 30 and I feel everything you say in this. I’m still learning myself and it’s hard to break habits you’ve been accustomed to for so long such as trying to please everyone when you can’t. Still a long road ahead for me but this was a great read! Thank you love!
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