Friday, August 20, 2010

20's

With my 30th Birthday fast approaching I have been reflecting on my 20's. The last decade certainly has been a full one...
  • 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!

3 comments:

  1. 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.

    Thanks for such a transparent post that I resonated with so much.

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  2. 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.
    And 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

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  3. Thank you both!
    Elizabeth: 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

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