I am turning 30 this year! 🥹
I’ve been a little sad about it, but I’m also starting to come around to it haha. And one thing I’ve realized about myself is that I have a habit of minimizing or underhyping things that can actually be kinda cool or should be celebrated.
For some reason, I always thought that was a way of staying humble. Or maybe it was a form of protection. If I don’t have high expectations, then I can’t be disappointed, right? Not that I’ve ever really been let down on a birthday that I can think of. My family and loved ones are the best. But as you get older, birthdays can start to feel like just another day.
But they aren’t just another day!
In fact, I find myself telling my loved ones that all the time when they say the same thing. I wish they could feel as excited about their birthdays as I feel for them, or other things I think are cool! And it hit me to look in the mirror and take my own advice. ツ
I know how it makes me feel when someone I love downplays an accomplishment or brushes off something that’s genuinely exciting in their life. I just want them to be proud of themselves! I want them to celebrate! I want them to let me cheer them on.
….I think the people who love me probably want the exact same thing for me.
Why Do We Downplay Good Things?
Someone once told me that when people constantly downplay their achievements, it can almost come across as fake humility. And I’m seeing how I thought that too, but now I see myself as a little annoying with that 😂
When people tell you kind things or celebrate something in your life, that’s a gift. We shouldn’t be so quick to shrug away gifts from other people.
I’ve also started seeing this from the other side.
One of my favorite things is making someone feel seen. I love giving genuine compliments or encouraging someone in a way that makes their day. When a compliment comes to me, I always think the compliment is for them to hear.
But when they immediately brush it off…
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
“No, not really.”
“I don’t think so.”
…it almost feels like they didn’t receive the gift I was trying to give them.
On the other hand, when someone has a full on big smile and their eyes light up, it blesses me too. It makes me feel like I got to encourage someone in a meaningful way.
I’ve realized that receiving a compliment is a gift to both people, not just the one receiving it. Maybe receiving love isn’t pride.
You’re giving someone else the joy of receiving it!
Jesus Received an Extravagant Gift
I love finding examples in scripture. I was reminded of this when Mary anointed Jesus with an incredibly expensive bottle of perfume.
John 12:3–8 (NIV)
Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages.[c] It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.
Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial.8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
It’s kind of crazy because… He’s Jesus. He didn’t need that gift. He could have told her to keep it. He didn’t have to accept it. But He did.
He received it.
He appreciated it.
He honored Mary’s love by allowing her to give what was on her heart.
For some reason, I convinced myself that deflecting compliments or minimizing celebrations was somehow the humble thing to do. I almost felt like believing kind words about myself was arrogant. I don’t know if that makes any sense?
But God gave us community to do exactly this!
He gave us people who can remind us of the gifts He’s placed inside of us because sometimes we’re too close to see them ourselves.
Maybe those are gifts God planted all around us. ♡
Let People Celebrate You
So whether someone is giving you a compliment…
Cheering you on…
Celebrating a milestone…
Or maybe celebrating your 30th birthday like me…
I hope you receive the love they’re trying to give you!
And since I’m letting myself enjoy this birthday instead of downplaying it, I’m excited to share a few things I’ve been loving lately as I’ve noticed my style has been evolving.
Maybe you’re turning 30 too, and maybe your mom is the best like mine and still buys you birthday presents. 🙂
I don’t think I have any discount codes for any of this stuff as I’m typing this out, but if I find any later, I’ll definitely come back and add them!
A Few Things I’ve Been Loving Lately
Jewelry
Umm… pretty sure most of my jewelry growing up was from Claire’s? HAHAHA.
But recently, I was on the hunt for some earrings that didn’t cause gross buildup and were a little better quality. I also surprised myself because I used to think gold jewelry looked so… old. Now I find myself thinking it’s elegant and cute.
Who am I?!
This website checked all the boxes I was looking for. I grabbed some huggie earrings and some simple gold studs, and I’ve been obsessed. The flat backs are such a bonus too because they’re comfortable to wear, and wonderful quality.
Link: This is one pair I bought!
Christian T-Shirts
One thing I’ve really been loving is finding clothes on Etsy that represent my beliefs or remind me of truths throughout the day.
I love, love, love this shirt. I wear it often, and every time I put it on, I find myself repeating the Bible verse to myself.
It’s funny how something as simple as a T-shirt can encourage me to live out what I’m wearing. It’s also started some really sweet conversations when I’ve been out and about.
And… this one is currently sitting in my shopping cart. ツ
Organic Cotton Underwear
Listen…I love finding a good deal. If I find a shirt I love and it’s $30, I really have to think about it for a while lol.
But I also know that a lot of really inexpensive clothing can be made with materials that are terrible for us, and manufacturing practices that are horrible for the people making them and the environment.
That being said, there are a few things I’m willing to spend a little more money on, and underwear is definitely one of them since it’s covering such an important part of my body.
I don’t stress about buying organic cotton for all of my clothes, yet. But when my son was finally potty trained, that was one thing I decided to invest in for him. Then I thought… maybe I should do the same for myself. ツ
I’ve really been loving the underwear from Pact.
An Analog Camera
This one is actually still on my birthday wish list.
I honestly kind of loathe needing my phone for everything.
At the same time… it’s so convenient!
One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that my phone can sometimes create a little barrier between me and the moment I’m trying to enjoy. Even if I’m only pulling it out to snap one quick picture.
Sometimes I want to take a walk with my son or go on a little adventure without my phone for 30 minutes. But then I think, “What if I want to take a picture?”
That’s what got me thinking about getting an analog camera. Or really, just a camera like we all used before our phones became our cameras.
I love the idea of being fully present while still capturing little memories every now and then.
A boujie massage
I honestly haven’t had a massage in years. But since I’m turning 30, I decided to look around and I found a local massage place that I had no idea existed.
And I booked their most luxurious 2 hour massage!! It even includes a deep scalp massage, and I seriously cannot wait.
I don’t know about you, but starting a new decade (or honestly, just a new chapter in life) like that sounds like a pretty bomb way to celebrate, in my opinion.
I’m usually the person who spends money on practical things, but this felt like one of those experiences that was worth saying yes to. It almost feels like my way of reminding myself to slow down, enjoy this season, and let myself celebrate it a little.
Let people celebrate you, dang it.
So whether you’re turning 30, celebrating a big milestone, or maybe you’re just learning, like I am, to stop downplaying the good things in your life…
I hope you let people celebrate you.
I hope you receive the compliments.
I hope you let the people who love you cheer you on.
Life is full of gifts, both the ones we give and the ones we receive. Let’s stop pretending the good things aren’t worth celebrating!
Much love + I’m rooting for you!
<3 Brittany
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