Because the glow-up didn’t stop at 40 — it just got better lighting, better snacks, and better boundaries.

Back in my early 30s, I was deep in the trenches. The diaper bags were packed, the car seats were installed, and I was basically fueled by goldfish crackers and caffeine. I had mastered survival mode, but I didn’t quite know who I was yet outside of “Mom,” “Wife,” “Person Who Always Finds the Lost Shoes.”

Now I know that middle age isn’t the end of youth — it’s the beginning of becoming unapologetically myself. Sparkles, sass, laugh lines and all.

☕ I Know That Peace is Better Than Approval

In my 30s, I still wanted to be liked. I played nice. I kept the peace, even when I was falling apart. I’d go along just to get along, and if I did say no, I’d explain it 47 different ways and apologize after.

Now? I’ll trade your approval for my peace every single time.
I’ve got a full heart, a full calendar, and a low tolerance for nonsense. I’m not mean — I’m just done babysitting grown adults’ feelings while ignoring my own.

🧁 I Know That Rest Is Not Lazy — It’s Sacred

I used to think “rest” was what you got after the work was done. Joke’s on me — the work is never done. So I stopped waiting.

Now, I claim rest like it’s a love language. I don’t need to earn it. I just need to receive it. Bonus points if it includes a cozy blanket, a binge-worthy show, and absolutely no one asking me to find their socks.

🧠 I Know That Wisdom Isn’t Always Loud

Back then, I thought speaking up made me strong. Now, I know that silence can be just as powerful. Wisdom shows up in quiet confidence — the kind that doesn’t need an audience or a gold star.

I still have opinions (obviously), but I’ve learned that not every hill is worth dying on. Especially when there’s fall décor at Target and I’ve got other things to do.

🧃 I Know That Style Has Nothing to Do With Age

Younger me thought she had to “dress her age.” Now? I’m dressing my mood.

Some days I’m business-casual and put together. Other days I’m in glitter Crocs and a graphic tee that says “Mentally at HomeGoods.” Either way, I look good and I know it. Because when you feel good in what you wear, you shine — and not just from the highlighter.

💌 I Know That God’s Timing Isn’t Late

Back then, I was sure I was behind. Everyone else seemed to be racing ahead — careers, milestones, curated Facebook lives, and Pinterest-perfect kitchens while I was just discovering filters and figuring out how Instagram worked.

But now? Now I know that His timing is perfect. Every detour had a purpose. Every heartbreak softened something in me. Every no made room for a better yes. Even my chaos is covered by grace.

To My 30-something Self…

I see you. You were trying so hard, doing your best with what you had, and wondering if it would ever feel easier.
You didn’t know yet that the real glow-up wasn’t external. It was in the way you learned to love yourself.
To laugh louder.
To say no faster.
To trust God deeper.

Growing, glowing, and occasionally spiraling,

Natalie💛