Dear 30s: A Love Letter to the Decade That Defined Me
“I step boldly into this new decade with gratitude for where I’ve been and excitement for where I’m going. I release old fears, honor my growth, and welcome abundance, love, and ease into my life. I am worthy of expansion, joy, and every good thing waiting for me in this next chapter.”
Dear 30s,
Can you believe it? We made it! Today, I turn 40. A new decade, a new chapter. But before I step into what’s on the other side of this new era, it only feels right to pause and thank you for everything you have given me, and everything you have helped me to blossom into.
I remember how afraid I was approaching 30. It felt old. Like life was over and I was behind. But the truth is, at 30, life was only just beginning.
You brought me experiences that shaped me, challenges that grew me, and blessings that changed me forever. You shifted my career path, gave me the courage to find true love, blessed me with my daughter, and showed me time and time again that I am more than enough. You helped me discover my voice, taught me bravery, reminded me it’s never too late, and made me proud of myself for trying. You broke me, healed me, and ultimately transformed me into the grown ass woman I am today. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
At 31, I endured my deepest heartbreak. But in that heartbreak, I rediscovered my love for writing. That love led me to launch my first blog, The Art of Single, which led to my rebrand, With Love, Racquel (which has since been rebranded lol) at 33, and opened doors to freelance opportunities at 34. Further paving the way to the career I’m thriving in now.
Career-wise, I stumbled plenty. I started three different master’s programs (yes, three!)…and dropped out of each one of them. Yet at 36, while in the middle of that third program, I interviewed for a new job. During the interview, my (now) supervisor told me she could teach me the very thing I was in school for. And she was right. Today, I not only work in that field but I am excelling in it. Which is proof that growth is not linear and that it doesn’t matter what path you take, as long as it’s a path forward.
Love showed up, too. That early heartbreak made space for the man I would fall in love with at 32, and together we welcomed our beautiful baby girl, Sweetpea at 37. And nothing has made life more fulfilling than the two of them.
You also forced me to face my health. At 33, a fibroid diagnosis pushed me to take charge of my wellness—making lifestyle changes, finding the right care team, and learning how to speak up and advocate for myself in the doctor’s office.
You tested my resilience. I lost jobs at 30, 31, and 33. I relocated during the pandemic at 35 (and moved back a year later). I started therapy. I learned my worth. I learned how to truly love myself. And at 39, I faced my greatest fear, fought my way through postpartum depression, reclaimed my voice, and began betting on myself more boldly than ever.
So to my 30s, thank you for being the decade I didn’t know I needed. Thank you for the lessons in life, love, and laughter. Thank you for protecting me from what I thought I wanted, and for being the launchpad for what’s to come.
Forty, I hope you’re ready for me because I’m ready for you. If my 30s were about discovery, may my 40s be about expansion. If my 30s taught me resilience, may my 40s be where I rest in softness, ease, and abundance.
Here’s to what’s next. Happy Birthday to me!
With love,
Racquel