While there are still so many things I’m learning and figuring out, I know I’m truly starting to settle into myself, becoming the woman I know God created me to be, the woman He refines and prunes a little more each season (and really, a little more each day).
As I wrote here, I’ve had mixed feelings about turning 30.
There’s some restlessness in my heart that I’m learning to sit with and surrender.
But I BELIEVE in the plan He’s writing for my life, and I want to keep seeking Him and going where He calls me — with all the confidence and courage I can find.
As I head into a new season, I’m handing over a heart full of hopes, asking Him to weave them into something beautiful and new like only He can.
30 Things for my 30th Year
1. Invest in creating life-giving community.
2. Look for ways to help others find their creative voices and share their stories.
3. Learn how to use the manual settings on my camera — and stop relying on automatic all the time.
4. Learn how to shoot and edit video for the blog. (I’m so inspired by adorable videos like this!)
5. Visit Nashville.
6. Find the perfect fedora.
7. Master the cat-eye make-up look.
8. Memorize more scripture.
9. Attend local art walks.
10. Go to more live music shows.
11. See Once on broadway.
12. Eat brunch at a local French cafe.
13. Further develop my brand: Create a media kit for my blog, and pursue some new partnerships/opportunities/collaborations.
14. Set up some kind of meet-up for local bloggers and creatives to inspire creativity, collaboration, and goal-setting/achieving.
15. Participate in a 5K like this one.
16. Take Kal Barteski’s Script Class.
17. Learn how to vectorize my handwriting in Illustrator.
18. Attend The Influence Conference again.
19. Join a local gym.
20. Learn more about loose-leaf teas. (Because how yummy does this andthis sound?)
21. Try the ombre look.
22. Get involved with Holy Yoga.
23. Organize my office and art supplies.
24. Live out this amazing truth about art spoken by Shauna Niequist: “The myth is scarcity, and the truth is abundance…as an artist, you want the world to be filled with more art.”
25. Date intentionally — with wisdom, hope, and courage. (I sort of feel lame even including this, but let’s face it, it’s a major thing on my heart in this season of life, and I want the Lord to be guiding this and orchestrating it in my life.)
26. Continually speak His truth over myself and the people in my life.
27. Live fearlessly, wild and free, and with big belief.
28. Keep dreaming and creating with Him.
29. Find fresh new ways to celebrate my current season.
30. Break free from anything that’s holding me back from FULLY living the life I know He has for me.
*Some of these aren’t quite brand-new… ;) You’ll recognize a few from my29 Things list.
::images — left to right, top to bottom — 1. 4. (images 2. and 3. are mine)::
a place to dwell 
Hey girly,
I’m so pleased I’m getting to know you through blogging. What a doll you are! I really liked this list. A lot. I especially liked the purple tights one. Now you are talking! I set up an Etsy shop and had 500 views to my shop and no sales. It made me a bit sad. I came up with this idea and I think you would like it. Instead of opening an etsy shop, you could take pix of what you have for sale, and intermittently add them to your right side bar as an image, and link them to a paypal buy button, less clicks. It’s what I’m going to do {or} I could add it to my list I haven’t made yet. ha ha ha.
Happy blogging!
Julie
Thanks for sharing about your art and Etsy experience, Julie! It takes a lot of bravery to put what we create out into the world, doesn’t it? Your artwork is beautiful, and I think you should definitely pursue a Pay Pay button. :) I might have to explore that, as well! I hope you’re having a beautiful weekend!
i sooooooo love this….
i am planning to start blogging. You really inspired me. i haven’t read all your entry but would love to do it… if you don’t mind asking are you a Born-Again Christian?
Hi, Varna, thanks so much for visiting! I’m happy you’ve found some inspiration at A Place to Dwell. :)
My faith in Christ is a central part of my life, and it’s an area I’m always learning and growing in.
Thanks again for reading!
I should write something, came here by accident, found one poem about Bravery. Ty. All the best in attaining your goals :)
This is such a great list! I recently posted my 26 things before 27 on my blog but now that I’ve read your there is a few I would like to add on!
I love #11 -good luck!
Hi, Chantel! Thanks for stopping by! I’m looking forward to checking out your blog and your 26 Things list. :)
This list motivated me a lot! You seems so adorable and bold and self-confident! Well done:)
Aw, thank you! I’m so glad the list inspired you. I love making lists! :) They keep me inspired and motivated and feeling creative. Thanks again for reading and for your sweet comments!
This list is awesome!
Thanks, Nadine! :)