I just celebrated my 39th birthday.
Birthdays have a way of making you pause and reflect—not just on the past year but on the woman you’ve become. And truthfully? I’m proud of who I've become. But if I could sit down with my 30-year-old self, I’d have a lot to say.
At 30, I thought I had to have it all figured out. I thought success was a straight path, that self-care was optional, and that putting myself last was just part of the deal. I’ve learned so much since then—about life, health, family, and what it truly means to choose wellness.
So today, I’m writing a letter to my younger self, sharing 39 things I wish I knew when I was 30. My hope is that these lessons resonate with you, no matter where you are on your journey.
And when you finish reading, I want to invite you into a moment of reflection. Think back to your younger self—what would you tell her? What wisdom would you pass down?
At the end of this post, you’ll find a guided activity to write your own letter and create your personal Life List. Because growth is worth celebrating, and wisdom is meant to be shared.
Dear 30-Year-Old Me,
You’re standing at the edge of a new decade, full of ambition, love, and an endless to-do list. You want to be everything to everyone. You’re trying to juggle motherhood, your career, your dreams, and your health, all while keeping a smile on your face. You think you have to figure it all out. You think you have time.
But, my girl, let me tell you—life moves faster than you can imagine. And through the next nine years, you will learn, unlearn, break, heal, and become a woman you never expected but always needed to be.
If I could reach back and whisper in your ear, here are 39 things I wish you knew when you were 30:
On Health & Wellness:
Hormones rule everything—learn about them now.
Sleep is just as important as exercise (stop sacrificing it).
Strength training will change your body and your confidence.
Food is medicine. Eat with intention.
Drink more water than you think you need.
Gut health is the foundation of everything—don’t ignore it.
Stress will show up in your body. Learn how to release it.
There is no “perfect diet,” only what works for you.
Movement should be joyful, not punishment.
Take your supplements—but make sure they’re the right ones.
On Motherhood & Family:
You don’t have to do it all. Let people help you.
Your children need your presence more than your perfection.
Teach them wellness young; they’ll thank you later.
Motherhood will stretch you in ways you never imagined.
Give yourself grace—you're doing better than you think.
On Love & Relationships:
Your marriage will evolve—be willing to grow with it.
Friendships will change, and that’s okay.
The right people will celebrate your success, not just tolerate it.
You deserve relationships that pour into you, not just take from you.
Protect your peace, even if it means walking away.
On Career & Purpose:
You are not just your job.
Your dreams are valid—pursue them without apology.
Building She Chose Wellness will be one of your best decisions.
You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.” Just start.
You can create wealth doing what you love—believe it.
On Personal Growth & Self-Love:
Confidence is built, not given—show up anyway.
Stop playing small to make others comfortable.
Boundaries are love, not rejection.
You are allowed to change your mind.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.
On Faith & Perspective:
God’s plan is better than yours—trust Him.
Your trials are not punishments; they are preparation.
You are stronger than you realize.
Let go of the need to control everything.
Find joy in the little things—life is made of them.
On Living Fully:
Travel more. Experience the world.
Stop waiting for the “perfect time.” It doesn’t exist.
Celebrate every win, big or small.
Love yourself fiercely—no one else can do it for you.
The Life List Moving Forward:
Now, at 39, I make this commitment to myself:
To prioritize my health like my life depends on it—because it does.
To build She Chose Wellness into a movement that empowers women to do the same.
To create a life I don’t need a vacation from.
To show up, not just for my family and business, but for me.
To live with intention, purpose, and joy.
So, dear 30-year-old me, hold on tight. Life is about to get beautiful, messy, and everything in between. But through it all, remember this: you are becoming the woman you were always meant to be.
With love,
Your future self
Closing & Community Reflection:
Now, I want to hear from you.
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? What lessons have shaped you into the woman you are today?
Take a moment to reflect, and if you feel led, share your letter or a few of your biggest lessons in the comments. Let’s inspire and uplift each other with the wisdom we’ve gained along the way.
And if you want to take this exercise a step further, I’ve created a simple template to guide you. Use it as a personal reflection or share it with our She Chose Wellness community.
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