Reflections on Turning 29: Lessons from My Twenties

As I recently celebrated my 29th birthday, I've found myself reflecting on the journey of my twenties. Climbing the 29 stairs of life has offered me a wealth of experiences and insights. Here are my key takeaways as I reach the final year of this transformative decade.

Family: Imperfect Yet Uniquely Ours

Growing up, family life often felt like a series of crises handled imperfectly. Our parents, like us, were navigating their own challenges without a perfect playbook. We might have experienced a father who wasn't always around or a mother who yelled about things we considered trivial. Expressions of love might have been scarce or absent. Yet, looking at my adult self, I realize that we are not so different from our parents. They, too, were figuring out life as best they could. As we strive to understand the best ways to live and respond to situations, it's clear that we are all human beings learning and growing, regardless of where we are in life.

Work and Career: Embracing Change and Growth

Leaving the corporate world was a significant decision. There are moments when I miss the deadlines, the rush, and the daily interactions of office life. Sometimes I feel left behind. However, when I ask myself if I would trade my current life for that, the answer is a resounding no. The process has been slow, with many baby steps, and managing myself has proven to be more challenging than managing others. Yet, it's also more rewarding. At 29, I've learned that nobody has it all figured out. I have the time, energy, and capacity to climb my stairs, to learn, and to embrace whatever the future holds. So, bring it on.

Friends and Community: Finding My People

I used to wonder how my parents managed to surround themselves with such loving people. Now, I understand. I've found my own community—the friends who stand by me, who say "I've got you" when I stumble. We are social beings, and life is richer with a supportive network. Living in isolation is not an option; we thrive in connection with others.

Marriage: Redefining Expectations

As a 29-year-old Asian woman without a husband or children, I am often viewed as "leftover." However, I've come to see that I am managing just fine. I don't have everything figured out, and that's okay. Not planning a wedding at 25 doesn't mean I don't want a husband and kids. It simply means that life unfolds on its own timeline. Now, I even question how I would raise children in today's world. Only God knows the answers, and I'm learning to trust the journey.

Embracing the Future

Turning 29 has brought clarity and acceptance. My twenties have been a time of learning, growing, and discovering who I am. As I stand on the threshold of my thirties, I am filled with a sense of readiness. I am prepared to face new challenges, to learn from both successes and failures, and to continue growing into the person I am meant to be. Here's to the next chapter—bring it on!