30 Notes on Turning 30

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Heeey lovely people! Can you believe your girl just turned up on the THIRD FLOOR?!
Guys, my heart is bursting with gratitude!
Weirdly, turning 30 doesn’t bring me down like previous birthdays did; in fact, I’m feeling awesome! I have no birthday blues; no wallowing in deep pits of disappointment or regret (praise the Good Lord!).
A couple of weeks ago, during a work trip, I had the pleasure of meeting two incredible ladies, Cece and Bella. Our interactions turned into meaningful conversations where I found myself opening up and sharing a significant part of my life story. These exchanges were truly enlightening, and they served as a timely reminder of all that I have achieved. I couldn’t have asked for better companions at that moment. Cece and Bella, I’ll always remember your kindness! I hope I can bring that kind of light into people’s lives, too, just when they need it.
It’s truly a privilege to be here. I have battled countless illnesses and incidents in my 20s that almost took my life. I decided to take a hike with my friends, Martha and Phalles to close this chapter, and at one point I just thought about how far I’ve come. Me? Hiking a mountain as big as Michiru? With this body that was so full of sickness? Honestly, I didn’t expect to even live to see my 30th birthday, but here I am, grateful and alive. And strong! Ambuye ndiwabwino ndithu! 

Martha, Fai & Phalles at Michiru Peak

My 29th year also turned out to be the best yet, teaching me the value of leading a quiet, peaceful life. So, as I enter this new chapter, I want to share with you 30 things I’ve learned along the way.
  1. The world is huge. You are small. Not everything is about you. People really do not care as much as you think they do.
  2. Relationships are complex and delicate; matters of the heart are rarely black and white. Be careful about giving relationship advice. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ formula.
  3. Social media is not a real place. Never mind the unrealistic standards people set there.
  4. Fight the urge to compare your life to others. Fight it everyday, if you must.
  5. Fight the spirit of envy and jealousy too. It’s nasty. Clap for others and patiently wait your turn.
  6. Do not pass up time spent with your loved ones.
  7. Read. Grab a book and actually finish it.
  8. You don’t need to read every book on these “Books Everyone Must Read Before They Die” lists. Most are overrated anyway.
  9. Be wary of advice from motivational speakers. Be realistic. They are, too. Notice how most of them are still employed despite quietly urging you to quit your job to pursue your dreams.
  10. “Nobody digs a pit with a spoon when they have a shovel.” Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about having an ‘easy’ life.
  11. Have friends. No man is an island.
  12. Most of us are in survival mode. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
  13. Don’t underestimate the power of playing music you love as you get ready for the day.
  14. Swallow your pride and apply for that internship. Sometimes the smallest packages hold the greatest treasures.
  15. Take lots of pictures and videos. Of your feet, of an old building, of your parents having a regular meal on a Tuesday night. (And learn to back them up!)
  16. Make your living space your little haven.
  17. Friendships can end. But family is forever. Don’t neglect your relations.
  18. Don’t live above your means. Avoid debt like the plague.
  19. Be reliable.
  20. Use sunscreen. It doesn’t matter that you’re black. You still need it.
  21. Take your leave days. They’ll be fine without you.
  22. There’s a thin line between self love and self obsession.
  23. Having a content heart is one of life’s greatest hack.
  24. It’s ok to not have an opinion on something.
  25. The world is not fair. This fact will remain till the end of the world.
  26. Most ‘rules’ on double texting are ridiculous.
  27. Have principles. Have a backbone.
  28. As a Christian, having a personal relationship with God is the best thing you can do for yourself. No church will save you.
  29. Don’t let people walk all over you. Stand up for yourself.
  30. As a human, you will fail. Sometimes your fall will be embarrassing – you will fall flat on your face and in front of the whole world. Sometimes you will fall in private. Either way, let it always inspire humility.
And that’s it from me! I hope next year comes another blog post about how well my 30s are going. I can’t help but feel excited for what lies ahead. I really feel that the best in my life is yet to come.
Thank you for stopping by!
-Fai
Posted in Growth, Lessons, Lists and tagged , , , .

22 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing the “30 lessons.” I will be back next year, same place same time, to read lesson #31.

    “For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

    May the loving God grant you wisdom.

    Happy Birthday!

  10. Happy Blessed Birthday my beloved sister♥️♥️♥️
    This is a nice piece.
    Everything you stated there is good.
    This is Truth…
    28.As a Christian, having a personal relationship with God is the best thing you can do for yourself.
    No church will save you.
    29.Don’t let people walk all over you. Stand up for
    yourself.

    I pray God continuously guide, protect and lead you.
    God bless your new age magnificently in all aspects of your life.
    Keep pressing on my dear.
    The Lord is your strength.
    God bless you sister🙏
    Shalom!!!

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