7 Days to 31...

 I was always told that your 30s would bring a sense of peace and reckoning to life. I couldn't wait! My twenties were phenomenal. I learned so many lessons, traveled the world, met many acquaintances, nurtured friendships, and even found love a few times. Then I lost my mother.

I entered my thirties feeling lost, unsure, and afraid. Death changes you. No matter who you lost, you will never be the same. 30 was anxiety filled. I had constant thoughts of losing my dad although he's probably the healthiest person I know at young age of 71. I launched successful businesses - Tanny Broughton's and Kinfolk Coaching and am launching my travel business, Welluxe Travels, in December. I finally mastered the licensure exam and am now a LMSW (licensed master social worker).

I have high hopes for 31. Throughout the years I've learned two important things - I rarely get the love I give in return and true love is hard to find and hard to maintain.

I rarely get the love I give in return. Some people are givers while others are takers. There's nothing really wrong with either. They both are necessary to create balance. Some people are truly divine and irreplaceable. They require less affection or attention but provide a love so profound its presence lasts for a lifetime. I know I'm one of a kind. The way I put others before myself, the way I invest in people, the way I always tell people I love them (and mean it when I say it). I get this from my mama. I'm content with knowing this is one of the reasons I was designed. Importantly, I'm content in knowing that I am a safe haven for so many. I'm a keeper of secrets and a shoulder of support no matter how far I am from someone. That brings me joy. That let's me know I have purpose.

True love is hard to find and hard to maintain. True love comes when you least expect it. It's more than baecations and pics for social media. Ture love is experiencing all of life's challenges with a life partner - someone you argue with and still love, someone you forgive and forgives you, someone you vow to protect and take care of, someone who you truly what to reach their potential. I pray everyone experiences true love at least once in their lifetime. It's the most beautiful and rewarding experience to be able to be vulnerable and completely naked with someone who cherishes you through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

31 will be here in 7 days. I'm ready. I'm unsure of what lies ahead but I can say I'm prepared for whatever comes my way. I hope to journey into motherhood during 31. I hope to put in the work to make my businesses even bigger. I also hope to prepare for retirement from the 9-5 grind and working full time for myself. Cheers to 31 and many more.