so many people have asked me how i felt as i approached my 30th birthday. and honestly, i didn’t know how to answer. i mean i’d be lying that by just typing out the words i’m turning 30 didn’t freak me out. what am i going to do when i have to say, “hi, im shayla and i’m 30 years old”?

i’ve struggled it with it the closer i got to closing out my 20’s. everyone has an opinion about it, and before really taking the time to sit down and think about it, my opinion was not one i’d like to admit; like i’ve got one foot already in the grave. my parents had me young; i remember them turning 30 and thinking “holy crap! that’s old.” but now, that’s me.

but why do i have to be so negative about it? what is so bad about starting a new decade; a fresh start?

my 20’s were full of so much life; it allowed me to discard the things that i needed to let go of and move forward. hell, i spent a lot of this last year doing just that. my 20’s were exciting, stressful , yet so full of adventure…marriage, expanding our family, graduating college, landing my dream job, divorce, buying a home, and finding myself.

in those years i learned the bounds of my life and exactly where i intended to be, which is the greatest gift my 20’s could have ever given to me.

i see a woman who has grown and changed so significantly. i can see a shift in my confidence, my purpose, my passions. most importantly i see a woman who has learned the importance of patience, kindness, an open heart, and love.

so being in your 30’s does NOT mean you’re old. i wholeheartedly believe that these are about to be the start of the best years of my life. so break out the party hats and tequila; i’m ready for you 30.

join along on my 30th chapter because in this chapter, i’m exactly where i’m supposed to be.

( my fun 30th birthday photo shoot was done by the most-talented, Chelsea Marie Photography. you can see her blog post about it here. )