- I finished my degree in Social Anthropology
- I got married and divorced
- I had a whole range of jobs from running pubs to project management for charities (when I actually used skills I learnt in my degree...shock horror).
- I did a diploma course in Community Development and Youth Work
- I stopped smoking
- I met Andy
- I moved to Ireland
- I lost friends
- I made lots of new ones
- I learnt to drive
- I started painting
- I learnt to knit
- I became a mummy
(3 times over) - And so much much more...
The beginning of my 20's were so different to the end. Looking back I realised how lost I was, floundering and very unhappy. I had strayed very far from my path and i felt it keenly. Moving to Ireland at that point was the best thing; it simplified my life and allowed me to find my true self again. I re-discovered arts and crafts and community work again. I re-discovered making friends and exploring the world around me.
I know it's a cliche, but the big life changer for me was having children. Having these little people in my life has given me a huge explosion of love and joy. I find them so inspiring and they are constant fuel for my imagination. They make me want to be the best person I can be. They make me want to do everything I can to make the world a safer, cleaner, friendlier place. I feel so at peace with who I am now. I am comfortable in my skin (well will be when I've lost the baby weight ;-)), I feel happy and beautiful and fulfilled. 
I am looking forward to my 30's. I think that it's going to be a good time for me. I believe that more of my hopes and wished will come true, I believe that I will grow even more into the person I want to be. I believe that I will have joy and fun and laughter... it's gonna be great!
In every picture of you with your children, I see your deep contentment. I also hear your deep happiness in every post that you speak of your family. You were destined to be a mommy. We are so blessed as mothers to find our callings. Some people never find their true contentment and calling.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a transparent post that I resonated with so much.
Oh Laura- this whole amazing life you've had! And I agree with you on the life change of having children- it does seem like such a cliche but it's so true.
ReplyDeleteAnd often it seems in order to find your true self, you must simplify things- get down to bare bones almost and start over- and then you'll find yourself.
I had most of my children while in my 20s- age 23, 26, 29- and now age 32.
Welcome to "the thirties" it really is wonderful over here! I have loved every minute of it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Laura- wish I could come on over to Ireland and give you a big hug!
And you are SO darn cute, Laura! <3
Thank you both!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth: your comments are so sweet. I'm glad my deep deep love for my little people comes across. I feel is so strongly and it is the light of my life.x
Melanie: Wish you could come over too, you guys would've loved the party too! x