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Shelby Brenna

Shelby Brenna

Agency Creative Meets Content Creator

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30 Things I’ve Learned Before Turning 30

November 1, 2022 · In: Motivation

Shelby Brenna 30th Birthday Balloons
Photcred: Rosita Palm Photography

The thought of turning 30 has had me going down a rabbit hole of emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It seems as if time is flying by, and I’m running to keep up. Looking back on my 20s, they have really shaped me into the woman I am today. I’m nowhere perfect. To be completely transparent, I’ve lost a few people along the way, had to pivot in several areas of my life, and had to adjust my “plan.” But, I’ve also celebrated BIG wins such as securing 3 degrees and learning to live life on my own terms. As I leave my 20s, I’m so full of gratitude because I understand everything had to happen like it did for me to be here. I’ve never been so content and at peace as I am today, and I’ve worked hard to get here.

Thinking back on the last decade, here are 30 lessons I’ve learned that I’m taking into the next decade:

  1. You are the most important person in your life, so act like it
  2. People come and go, whoever is meant to be in your life, will be
  3. Words matters
  4. Be fully present with people you love and care about, you can’t get time back
  5. If a job makes you miserable, make an exit strategy and find something better
  6. Money does matter, it’s ok to make a lot of it and want a lot of it
  7. Stand ten toes down on your boundaries, morals, and value
  8. Travel often
  9. Save, save, & save! Emergencies happen randomly
  10. Hype yourself up often
  11. It’s ok to walk away from situations and people who don’t serve or appreciate you
  12. Practice self-care regularly
  13. Do things that bring you joy
  14. Always trust your intuition, it’s always right
  15. It’s ok to splurge on nice things, treat yourself every chance you get!
  16. Spend time with God regularly, it makes a difference
  17. There’s no age limit on following your dreams
  18. If you have an idea or dream, go after it, and don’t let anyone talk you out of it
  19. It’s ok to say no or something isn’t for me
  20. Stand up for yourself, and don’t let anyone play you
  21. You deserve to be in every room you desire or walk-in
  22. Sometimes you have to faith it till you make it
  23. You are worthy of good things
  24. Your gifts will make room for you, you just have to step out on faith and put them out there
  25. Everyone won’t like you and that’s ok
  26. Celebrate your wins, whether big or small
  27. Surround yourself with genuine, God-fearing people you can do life with
  28. Bad times will come, but you will bounce back because trouble doesn’t last always
  29. When dating, be honest about your desires and expectations
  30. God is AMAZING and always on time!!!

As I enter a new decade, I’m genuinely excited about what’s next for me. I’m dedicating 30 and beyond to shooting all shots, pursuing my dreams, and showing up authentically as myself in every room I’m in. So cheers to turning 30!!

Shelby sitting in pink chair with 30 balloons behind her
Photocred: Rosita Palm Photography

By: shelbyb · In: Motivation

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