Ralph Lauren Lace Sleeveless Dress [on sale! true to size] // Steve Madden Santi Strappy Sandals [true to size]
Oh 30, you were something. When I think about the year as a whole, one word comes to mind – change. Some good changes, some unwelcomed changes, a lot of intentional changes, a few unplanned changes, but mostly just change. Getting older is a funny thing. When I was younger, I welcomed change like it was my job. I thrived off of change, I wanted something different every single day. “Can we have a child?!” “Okay, what about a new house?!” “I think I need a new job!” “At least let me get a different car!” “Are you sure we just shouldn’t have a kid?!” “You’re right, a new furniture set would be easier.” That was my thought process nearly every single day. Trying to redo anything I could regularly. Now that the past year has been full of change, I want everything the same. No surprises [unless it involves macaroni and cheese] and a life full of “normal” again, whatever that means.
I went into 30 full of anticipation for what the year was going to bring – I was very unclear of what I really wanted it to bring, but here are a few of the “big” things that happened the past year:
- Quit two jobs
- Lost our dog of 11 years, Maggie [which in being totally honest, rocked my world upside down]
- Installed a pool
- Started blogging full-time and hired 3 people
- Became a mom to two new boy puppies
- Rented and furnished an office space
- Poured my focus into Facebook which resulted in hanging out with 5,000 people there to over 230,000!
- Traveled 15 times
- Experienced extended anxiety for several months in a row in a real and paralyzing way
And that’s just the first few things that came to mind. With all of that being said, however, as 31 arrived this week, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace and routine. I feel like I am finally finding my footing with this new lifestyle. I feel happy, I feel hopeful and I am full of anticipation of what’s to come.
Each year, I like to take a few minutes and think about what I’m really hoping to achieve for the coming year. When I thought about it the other day, one thing just kept ringing out in my head – enjoy the adventure. I’ve found myself in a habit of approaching everything as one big to-do list. It could be a great, exciting adventure and yet, my mind lumps it into the category of “just another thing that needs to be done”. I am constantly waiting for it to be over so I can cross it off the list. I don’t want to live this way. I want to enjoy every morsel of the journey, not long for it to be over so I can move on to the next. My goal is to change my mindset from viewing a task, no longer as a task but an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to make new relationships, come out stronger and wiser, experience a new environment, be an inspiration to somebody else. To approach something with joy and come out of it thankful for the experience.
Inc International Concepts V-Neck Tank Top [true to size] // Bar Iii Draped Faux-Wrap Skirt [crazy comfortable, true to size] // Call It Spring Asadolla Block-Heel Sandals [true to size] // similar shoes
31 – may you be full of smiles, laughs, cheers and a few less gray hairs. Here’s to the journey ahead! 
Inc International Concepts Popsicle Cold-Shoulder Top [true to size] // similar jeans // American Rag Easten Slide Sandals [true to size]
All of the outfits above came from one of my favorite places to shop, Macy’s. I have been so impressed with their inventory recently and the price points are even better. If you are looking for a great place to shop without spending a fortune, be sure to check out Macy’s for a ton [we’re talking a ton] of options!
Easily shop all of the items I’m wearing in the post below —
