The End of a Decade

Today (Thursday) is my LAST day ever of my 20's. Yes, tomorrow I will be 30 years old! It's hard to believe, because just yesterday, I remember being 20. I was a naive sophomore in college when I turned 20. It's been a wonderful decade though. My most transformative decade. I've learned SO much, that I'm barely recognizable. I'm still me, but wiser. I'm still me, but with wider eyes and different outlooks. But I'm still me.

I learned so much during my 20's. SO MUCH.

I learned that a four year degree does not mean entitlement. I also learned that no matter how much I went into debt for that private school education, it was worth it. EVERY penny of it. I wouldn't change a thing.


I learned that goodbyes suck. I mean SUCK. The pain is unbelievable, and it's true, life will never be the same. But life will go on, and your friends will always be your friends, and they will always be there for you. . . Even if from a different continent.

I learned that no matter how difficult life gets, take some time for yourself. Because life WILL be hard sometimes. Take some time to sit in a park, be alone, and reflect.

I learned that part of my life truly began when I got a passport. I learned that Holland is awesome, and seeing the ocean for the first time is breathtaking. I also learned that salt water should not be swallowed.

I learned that our earth is huge. There is a lot of world out there. . . Outside the borders of the U.S. And I learned different viewpoints and that not everyone is dying to live in the United States. I also learned that going to Buckingham Palace does not guarantee that you get to see Prince William.

I learned that on a 10 hour flight to Finland, instead of drinking screwdrivers, one should probably drink water. . . AND REST.
I learned that Russia is an amazing place to visit. And that there are friends, who even though you haven't seen them in YEARS, will still drive 10 hours from Moscow to St. Petersburg to see you, because that is what friends do.
I learned that being proposed to by the person you want to spend your life with is one of the most amazing things in the world.


I learned that unconditional love exists. I learned that I'm never alone in life.

On a trip to Norway, I learned that just because my Grandma's Great Grandmother was Norwegian, it does not make me Norwegian. To be Norwegian you must be born there. Yes. . . That I learned.



I learned scheduling vacations without the destinations approved by the husband isn't always a good thing. I also learned that cruises aren't really my thing. But I also learned that seeing two countries I've never been to before (Mexico and Belize) is never a bad thing.


I learned that I could be a professional student. . . If I could afford it. I love learning.



When traveling to Egypt, I learned that humans have far more similarities than we do differences. I also learned that it's okay to be different. Life would be very boring if we were all the same.

I learned that it's okay to stand up for what you think is right. Disagreement on things isn't a bad thing.

I learned that dreams DO come true. Even when no one else gets your dream.

I learned that when life gets tough (and life WILL get tough) don't push people away. Lean on people, and be there when people need you to lean on.



I learned that life is really short. Enjoy it! Have fun! Smile! Don't take yourself too seriously. It's only life. . . afterall. ;-)



I learned that a girl growing up in rural MN, and a boy growing up in the city, can grow up, get married, and realize just how much they have in common with each other.

I learned that life is not about the destination, but all about the journey. I learned that I don't have one single regret about any of my 20's. I lived, learned, loved, and grew. I couldn't ask for anything more. That's not true. . . If I could ask for one thing, it would be that time would slow down a bit. But, I'm ready to move on to another decade. I know myself better than when I was 20.

What have you learned in your 20's? Not in your 20's yet? What do you hope to learn, see, and do?