The Path to Embracing 30: Love For 30 Project

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I felt the clock ticking on my 29^th birthday. One more year until I turned the BIG 30! I ran through the list in my head about what I had expected for my love, career, and social life by the time I turned 30.  I definitely had an expectation of feeling more satisfied, settled, and at peace. Thinking about my unmet expectations only compounded the pressure to figure out what I was doing with my life! However, to an outsider, everything seemed on track. In the uncertain economy, I not only had a secure job, but I was also offered opportunities for promotions. I lived in a modern studio apartment in the Washington, D.C. area.  Financially, things were looking good since I didn’t owe money on student loans. Socially, my life blossomed with activities and an abundance of new people to meet.  But, something was missing. I felt completely perplexed by the life that I had created. After all, wasn’t climbing the corporate ladder, dining at nice restaurants, and living in a posh apartment supposed to make me happy?

After much reflection and working with a life coach, my aha moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I had created a life that didn’t align with what I truly valued personally or professionally. Whose life was I living? It seemed like it was the ideal life that society had told me that I should want. The part that was missing was ME and the opportunity to express my true self! Part of how I wanted to express myself involved unleashing my entrepreneurial spirit. It had been waiting patiently for me to pursue and embrace it!  I envisioned launching my own business, specializing in helping 20’s and 30’s women who were experiencing similar struggles in their quest to figure it all out.

I contemplated all of my options in deciding how to move forward. The logical side and emotional side often battled it out in my head. I could have waited another five or 10 years until my savings account would be fat enough for me to feel comfortable making the transition that would lead me to a greater sense of fulfillment. Would it ever be enough? This approach was one that many of my friends talked about, and viewed as the “sensible” option. However, every essence of my being was telling me that the time was now and not years in the future.

A decision to make a radical change required me to knock down the limiting beliefs that were holding me back. I also had to let go of the need to seek approval from family and friends. This was a big one, since everybody who cared about me expressed opinions about what I should do with my life. Even though I respected their opinions, I realized that it was ultimately my decision. Plus, I knew that I would regret not following my dreams.

In June 2012, I made a bold decision to resign from my well-paid, secure job. To an outsider, it would be viewed as a risky, and even foolish decision. I was giving up working for a wonderful company and a comfortable salary. But, in my heart, I knew that it would cost me much more if I stayed. If I didn’t move forward, I would miss out on the opportunity of living my something more. Even though this decision put me totally outside of my comfort zone, I knew that taking this leap could be the path to the satisfaction that I deeply desired.

Looking back, I see that taking the leap of faith and launching my business, Turning 30 Coach, was one of the best decisions that I ever made.  I now have the amazing opportunity to provide inspiration and empowerment to women who want to play full out in their lives! They know something more is out there and they’re ready to experience it. I partner with clients to help them to overcome what is holding them back. We develop step-by-step personalized plans to design a road map, which will lead to creating the life they want. I feel blessed to have experienced the bumps on the path to turning 30. Without the bumps, I wouldn’t be where I am today.