Dear 30

Dear 30,

When I was 22 I just knew that when I turned 30 that it would be magical. At that time I did not quite know why, but the only thing I knew was when I was 30 I would truly be an adult. Now here I am at 30, and I have to say that life in my 30s I feel will really be magical.

You see, I am more confident than I have ever been at any age. I have been confident, but this confidence is oh, so good. I know who I am, what I want, what I like, and how to set plans to make all my hopes and desires come true.

I understand now that saying, 'no' does not make me weak, but instead sets the precedence that the things I do say 'yes' to are the ones that I find meaningful to me.

I have gotten to the point that I just don't give a darn about what people may say about me. I am who I am and at this point if you don't like me that is okay. At the end of the day it is so much better to be surrounded by the small few that have truly got my back than have an entourage that will toss me to the side at the drop of a dime.

I have finally gotten to a point in my life that I know a thing or two, and I love that. I no longer tense up because I am the young one in the room and why would what I have to say matter.

I am totally okay with my big fun night is binge watching TV.

I understand even more that balance is key. I am a faith and servant driven wife, mother, educator, photographer, and blogger in that order. Setting boundaries and priorities on how my time is devoted will not be tampered with.

Here is what I hope in my 30s...patience. Patience in understanding that all these hopes and dreams I have for myself may not happen...yet. I just know this will be the hardest lesson of them all. You see, I have gotten to the point in my life that growth is so important to me. I find joy in being challenged and being the best version of myself. However, that also means that I must be patient in the process. Growth is a journey and one that will be full of joy and tribulations.

By 40, I hope to say that I am now Dr. Jade Stenger. That I continuously share with other educators of how I am leading others in the vision I have for student learning. My husband and I have finally balanced staying committed to date night. And I am still a joyful and blessed momma. That when I look back at my 30s, I am still in continuous awe that God has written this beautiful story for me.

Here's to 30. I look forward to the journey; it's going to be a good one.