Turning 29: Things I’ve Learned and Love this Year
Today is my 29th birthday! I thought I’d take a note out of Rachel Dawson’s book and write about all the things that I’ve learned and loved over the past 365 days. The last couple birthdays have been tough, but I’ve felt so much more peace and assurance with 29.
Here are 29 Things I’ve Learned This Year:
- Global pandemics can happen. They bring fear, anxiety, and chaos when you can’t imagine there being more. But in the midst of the unpredictable there can be peace and healing and gratitude. We have a far greater propensity for change and adapting than we give ourselves credit for.
- Sabbath is essential. God didn’t create it for His benefit, but for mine. For me, rest looks like going on adventures, naps, gardening, taking out the big camera, and chasing the dogs in the yard.
- Staying consistent and building daily habits is key for me.
- Documenting my life continues help me see big and small blessings.
- Making goals and checking in with myself regularly helps me to consistently reprioritize and shift my focus to what really matters and let go of what doesn’t.
- Finding gratitude in the mundane has kept me sane during these “unprecedented” times.
- Yes, I can. Sometimes I hold myself back for no reason other than that I don’t believe in myself enough.
- Showing up is 90% of the battle.
Here are 29 Things I’ve Loved This Year:
- Quiet Time Baskets.
- Airpods.
- All the plants (but specifically: Pothos, ZZ, and Jade).
- King-sized, Purple Mattresses.
- Essential Oils.
- Memes.
- Powersheets (always).
- A pocket reminder of my One Little Word.
- FinalVibe Podcast.
- Long walks (bonus points if friends tag along).
- Supporting local businesses.
- The Enneagram.
- Schitt’s Creek.
- Books that are part of a series.
- YouTube.
- Tailgate szn.
- Cotton candy sunsets.
- Best pups.
- Audiobooks from the library.
- The Marco Polo App.
- Roomba.
- Gatorade Zero.
- Sheer curtains.
- Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore.
- Making Lists.
- Naps (forever).
- Massage Gun.
- Outlook and Google Calendar.
- Time outside during sunset.
Wishing For Twenty – Nine
Just inching closer to the big 3-0. This feels like the first birthday in a while that I’ve actually been excited about. I’m not sure why that is, but I’m glad I’m happy where I’m at. I’ve seen a couple of my favorite bloggers share their birthday wishlist, so I thought I’d do the same. Even though i’m not expecting these items, I think it will be fun collage to look back on in the future. I’ve almost been blogging for 11 years at this point, and looking back on some of the things I’ve shared has given lots of insight into what life was like at the time. Here are a few things that are catching my eye.
ONE. I don’t have a particular brand in mind, but I’d love a phone belt to tuck my phone into when I’m out walking or running. The arm bands just aren’t it, and these have raving reviews.
TWO. So I may have already bought us this (whoops) but huge fan of massage guns lately and couldn’t not include it.
THREE. I’m a huge fan of the Hemnes line at IKEA.
FOUR. This is my favorite camera bag of all time. I love that it’s inconspicuous, and looks like a purse so I could take my camera anywhere. Carrying a camera bag and a purse, or just camera bag as a purse can be a little clunky. This fits just the camera body and a lens which will be perfect for what I typically need.
FIVE. I’m currently swooning over Air Force 1s. These and these.
SIX. I’m a fan of anything green, and pothos are my current favorite because of how easy they are.
SEVEN. Apparently these aren’t as easy to care for, but Monsteras make a statement. Would love to have one of these taking up residence in our home.
EIGHT. Floor length mirror? Yes please. We’re currently using a $3 mirror that was sold when one of us was moving into a college dorm. I love the clean lines of this one and that it can be leaning or mounted to the wall.
NINE. I am loving these watch bands (and bracelets) from Victoria Emerson. I’m not normally a bracelet gal but I love the stacked look and how these are all technically one piece.
Open Through the Lens of Photography
Currently | August 2020
C H O O S I N G
Each day, I’m choosing to show up and have a positive outlook despite the ups and downs of this weird season. “Show up” has become a side kick to my one little word, open, and has really had a huge role in this year and how it’s shaping up. One of the biggest things that I’ve been learning is how my mood and intentionality affects my life. I have the choice to make in how my day and ultimately this year looks. So far that has meant: professional growth, weight loss, starting a business (with Kevin), celebrating others, practicing gratitude, and putting others first. It’s been a huge year of growth.
C O N S U M I N G
In all honestly, I’m consuming way too much content on social media. Whether it’s friend’s opinions of politics, IG Stories of every person I follow, or just vlogs of stranger’s daily lives, it’s too much (and I’m working on setting better boundaries).
E N J O Y I N G
I have thoroughly been enjoying the sunshine and warmth on my skin this summer. Whether it’s getting outside for a sweat sesh or laying out by a pool, the sunshine and vitamin D just hits different in 2020.
O R D E R I N G
I have lots of friends who are celebrating big life events, so I’m over here ordering all the gifts online. It’s honestly so much more enjoyable to me to pick something off a registry for a friend than it is to order something for myself. Pandemic 2020 is really making all the things look a little different and I’m really doing my best to make sure that they feel celebrated during the exciting moments of their lives.
R E M E M B E R I N G
It has almost been a year since we adopted Willow, and I’ve been remembering back to the days of potty training, waking up every night at 2am, and chewing on all the things that made up her first 6 months of being ours. I’m very glad that we’re sufficiently past all that fun and that the dogs are continuing to get along with each other. It truly feels like we just got her and simultaneously had her for our entire lives.
Weekend Wrap Up – Family Lake Weekend During COVID
A brand new deck of cards, morning hikes with a million stairs, a great view of boats passing by, and the best bubbly margaritas.
Amazing time with my sweet fam.
About
Hi, I'm Jacqueline - believer, learner, and all around hobby enthusiast. I'm married to my highschool sweetheart, Kevin, and we live in the midwest with our sweet pup.
On this blog I share all kinds of things about my life - from my faith journey to the garden in my neighbors backyard. I've been blogging for almost eight years and use this space as a way to document my daily life.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet.