In July I turned 30. It’s a big milestone to pass as I’m now in my 4th decade. These are some thoughts and personal reflections of where I am in life now.
I’m Happy to be Where I Am
In kindergarten I used to wish that I had my friend’s toys. In primary and secondary school I wished that I was as cool or smart as my friends. In uni I wished I had more freedom. I was also quite obsessed with obtaining washboard abs. And when I began my career I wished I had more money, more success, a bigger car.. the list goes on.
In March 2008 I married Pei Chyi and last year we had Zachary. Our home is a modest apartment (though we are moving to a larger but still modest place) and I drive a not-very-flashy Proton Persona.
My life now is definitely not what I had dreamed it to be 10 years ago, but it’s ok because I’m happy to be where I am. I realize that God has blessed me abundantly and I am contented with what I have.
Reflecting on my goals from 10 years past, I realize the money, success, respect and material things I had wanted were merely representations of the happiness that I truly wanted. Now that I am happy, my list of wants are not important at all.
This realization of happiness and contentedness has been a major theme for me in the past few years and it was front and center as I celebrated my 30th birthday.
On a Lighter Note…
The other thing that struck me while approaching my 30th birthday was the fact that I am aging. I’m feeling the years in the form of aches and soreness that I didn’t have before. Thankfully these are pretty minor right now, and weren’t a problem when I climbed Mt Kinabalu with Pei Chyi earlier this year.. phew!
Babysitting Zack is also becoming more of a challenge. He’s now learnt to walk and is starting to run. He can get up and running from a sitting position faster than I can! I’m glad that he’s here to help me keep my fitness up
Here’s Looking Forward To 40
The past few years starting a family have been great. I foresee the next 10 will be really exciting as Zack grows up and as we all settle into our new home. I can’t wait.
Sep 12, 2011 @ 11:00:23
happy belated birthday (haha….mine was in July too and you also wished me this month at FB anyway I totally agree with you. I never picture my life this way 10 years ago, thus I am not projecting anything for next 10 years. I strive now to live in the moment and enjoy what I have. Cheers to more life to come!
Sep 23, 2011 @ 22:55:59
LOL What perfect timing! I turn 30 today, and have found myself in a similar place as you. I have 4 children (2 mine, 2 by marriage) and live in a nice neighborhood near the kids’ schools, have a good, stable job with benefits – and have recently begun doing all sorts of other boring “grownup” things (like investing)… Not things I ever imagined would be part of my life or priorities! Also, my metabolism has completely tanked within the past year or so.
Regardless, I am happier now than I have ever been – and very appreciative of what I have! I am grateful for my ever-increasing wisdom and improved perception, and looking forward to approaching life with a slightly different view than I did in my youth.
Happy belated birthday, and kudos for having such a great perspective on life!
Sep 24, 2011 @ 00:03:23
Happy birthday Briana! Nice of you to visit my blog on your special day. Did I read correctly – you have FOUR kids at 30? You’re a super-woman!