For the last few years of my late 20s, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the day I turn 30. A new decade. A fresh start. But there’s always been that little voice in my head whispering:

Am I ready?
Have I really grown all that much?
Why do I still get the urge to down three White Claws and head out past 10pm in 5-inch heels?

(Okay, to be fair, that urge only hits once or twice a year… but still!)

I’ve had so many people say things like, “Oh 30 is nothing—just wait till you’re 40, 50, 60.”

Y’all… (insert eye-roll)

Here’s the thing: we all experience aging at different times and in different ways—but the one constant?

We’re all doing it.

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Embracing the Shift

Truthfully? I’m actually enjoying getting older.

Sure, my knees randomly stopped working and heartburn is definitely not a myth—but my mind is healing. My heart doesn’t shatter at the smallest things anymore. My worth isn’t so easily shaken.

And I’m just so darn proud of myself—for having the courage (and by the grace of God) to make it this far.

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What My 20s Taught Me

I filled my twenties with doubt. With small dreams. With the fear that I wasn’t good enough to do anything big.

Insert photos of Rachel in her 20’s –

But here’s the most beautiful truth I’ve learned over the last decade:

I am already enough. And I always have been.

I am a child of God.

Whether or not you believe in the same way I do—or your version of faith looks and sounds different—you are too.

You are enough:

• Without the promotion
• Without the approval
• Without the big paycheck
• Without the kids
• Without the house
• Without the perfect marriage
• Without the money, the car, the clothes, the flawless skin, the gym body, or even last week’s meltdown

You are enough simply because you are His.

So here I am at 30. Still growing. Still stretching. Still giggling over ridiculous things and still healing the parts of me that thought I had to earn love, success, or identity.

And I’m finally starting to believe that. . .

I am enough.

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What I Want to Carry Into My 30s

• A softer heart and a louder voice.
• More quiet mornings with coffee, Scripture, and sunbeams.
• Fewer apologies for taking up space.
• Deeper friendships, even if that means fewer of them.
• Faith that doesn’t rely on feelings, but trusts anyway.
• More “just because” hugs.
• Laughter that makes my face hurt.
• Creating just to create—not to sell, share, or monetize.
• Choosing joy, even on the hard days.
• The courage to rest.
• A heart that forgives more freely.
• Saying “I love you” more often.
• Living like I already am who God says I am. His.

I want to share one more piece from my heart with you, reader.

I once came across a piece of artwork on Pinterest. It has stayed with me ever since I first scrolled to it. It stirred up this beautiful dream—a vision I carry deep within me for the day I leave this world and step into the next. A vision I hold onto when all feels hopeless.

In this dream, I’m running. Running harder and faster than I ever have in my life. I feel no fear, no hesitation—just freedom and joy. And across a distant field, I see a figure in bright colors running toward me.

He’s laughing. Shouting. Calling out, “Daughter!”

He doesn’t slow down as we get closer. He speeds up like he just can’t wait any longer to see me. It’s like an old friend you haven’t seen in ages. And when we collide, we fall into an embrace. I’m weeping and he’s holding me.

And through laughter and tears of joy, I hear Him say:

“Well done, friend. You are home.”

Here’s to the decade of becoming—without pressure, without perfection, but with deep purpose. Making it one step closer to home.