As we entered a new decade, I couldn’t help but look back on the last ten years—on all the change, growth, and lessons that have shaped my adult life. Honestly, when I first thought about writing this, I hesitated. My mind went straight to all the things I haven’t accomplished. But after sitting with that feeling, I realized there’s so much I have learned.
Here are a few lessons that the past decade has taught me:
I Can Do Hard Things
Birthing humans is a feat in itself, however you do it. Let’s celebrate all mamas!
If there’s one thing I’m proud to lead with, it’s this: I birthed all of my children naturally, with zero medication. It was something I set my mind to long before I was ever pregnant. It all started after watching The Business of Being Born, a documentary that completely changed my perspective.
Once I became pregnant, I worked toward my goal by reading everything I could about natural birthing and breastfeeding, taking a natural birthing class, and finding supportive midwives and women who encouraged me every step of the way.
That experience changed me. Birthing my children this way gave me a confidence I didn’t know I was missing. I learned that I can do hard things. And now I know that if I can do that—three times!—I can do anything I set my mind to.
Resources I recommend:
- The Business of Being Born (documentary)
- Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
- The Bradley Method childbirth classes
- Hypnobirthing classes (I personally never got a chance to take it, but it’s another great resource for mental preparation)
We Can Live — and Thrive — Anywhere
At the beginning of our marriage, Dion and I lived abroad in Taiwan for two years. That experience completely changed us as people and as a couple.
Dion had studied abroad there during college and dreamed of going back to teach English. I told him, “I’m not following you anywhere unless we’re married.” (We already planned to get married, but still—I like to keep things clear!)
So, we got married, and a month later we packed up our lives and moved to Taiwan. We sold and stored most of our belongings, boarded a plane, and trusted that the opportunity would work out. Somehow, we found a place to live, figured out transportation, learned how to order food in Mandarin, and built a community from scratch.
That season of life taught us that we could go anywhere, together, and make it work. It gave us a sense of freedom I’ll never forget.
Our Marriage Can Grow Through Anything
When Dion and I first met (over twelve years ago!), we were completely different people—and our relationship reflected that. Over time, we’ve evolved through travel, finances, parenthood, and the everyday work of learning to love each other better.
We’ve traveled together, which means we’ve also bickered our way through airports and train stations. I like to plan things; he likes to wander and discover. Both have their place, and we’ve learned when to lean into each.
We’ve been broke and we’ve been comfortable. Finances can test any marriage, but we’ve learned how to talk through it, stay patient, and keep moving toward financial freedom together.
And raising kids—well, that’s a whole new level of teamwork. Parenting can stretch a marriage thin, but we’ve made it a point to keep each other a priority, even when life feels chaotic.
We’ve learned that marriage isn’t always 50/50. Sometimes it’s 80/20 or 30/70. There are seasons when one of us carries more, and that’s okay. That’s the ebb and flow of real love.
Material Possessions Mean Less to Me
Since moving to and from Taiwan, my view of “stuff” has completely changed. We had to downsize drastically before moving, which forced us to decide what really mattered.
Now, I’m more intentional about what we bring into our home. Every few months, I evaluate what we actually use. If we haven’t touched it in a while, do we really need it?
I’ve also learned to value quality over quantity—especially with toys and home goods. I’d rather have fewer, well-loved things that serve a purpose than clutter that overwhelms our space.
My goal is for our home to feel calm, cozy, and meaningful—filled with items we use, love, and cherish, not just things that take up space.
I’ve Learned to Forgive and Release Expectations
Without going into too much detail, I’ve had my share of unhealthy relationships—both growing up and as an adult. To move forward in a healthy way, I had to put my mental and emotional well-being first.
That meant accepting some relationships for what they are, releasing unrealistic expectations, and creating strong boundaries. I’ve learned that forgiveness doesn’t always come with closure or an apology—and that’s okay.
Now, I can honestly say I’ve forgiven, let go, and built relationships that thrive within the boundaries I’ve created.
I Care Deeply About What We Eat and Use
I wasn’t raised eating terribly, but I also wasn’t aware of how much our food systems impact our health. Over the past decade, I’ve watched documentaries, read articles, and slowly changed the way I shop and cook.
Now, I read labels, avoid harmful ingredients, focus on whole foods, and choose organic whenever possible. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress and being informed.
If you’re curious to learn more, these documentaries really opened my eyes:
The past decade has shaped me in more ways than I can count. It’s been full of challenges, growth, and gratitude. And while I don’t know what the next ten years will hold, I do know this: I’m stronger, braver, and more grounded than I was before—and for that, I’m thankful.
