13 Going on 30

When I was 13, I thought 30 would look a lot different. 

My younger self imagined a woman who had it all figured out. She wished for a prince, stilettos, and a head full of creativity. 

She pictured me working on movies in LA with a college degree. Maybe even famous. She thought I’d be confident, powerful and put together.

She definitely didn’t know what she was wishing for.

Much like Jenna Rink, she thought 30 was the finish line. A fully baked grown-up. Now that I'm here, I realized 30 isn't the destination.

It's a starting point. 

Turns out my younger self had a few things wrong. I didn't end up in LA. But I did end up behind the lens of a camera. Capturing weddings, love stories and many firsts.

I didn’t become the polished version of myself I once imagined, instead I became someone strong, honest and alive. 

In the years leading up to this birthday, I’ve gained and lost 200 pounds. I found my Prince S, my wife. I applied and dropped out of college. I picked up a camera. I became a mom - twice. And I became the type of mom that my children feel safe with, finding my purpose.

This life doesn't look like the one I wished for at 13. But it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.  

I became the woman that my 13 year old self would have looked up to and admired. One look at my family (and my tattoos), and she would think I’m the coolest person on the planet. 

For me? That’s more than enough.

So here I am, thirty, flirty and thriving. 

If you had the chance to take your 13 year old self out for ice cream, what would they think of you? Would they be disappointed? Or would they be proud?