In 3 days time on August 3rd, I will be turning 30 years old. If you had asked me when I was younger where I expected to be by the time I had turned 30, I would have assumed I would be living in my own house, married, hopefully working, and just living that general lifestyle. I had many hopes and dreams when I was little: I wanted to be a princess, a vet, a doctor, an actress, a fashion designer… the sky was the limit for my thoughts, but nobody could have prepared me for where I’m actually at.
It’s crazy to think that 30 years have now gone by since I was born. 30 years is a long time when I think about it, it’s madness. There were some points in my life where I didn’t even know if there was a future, or I couldn’t even see myself getting past my teenage years as they were really hard with illness and bad situations etc, so to think I have come out the other side, it’s an achievement. My whole life has been up and down, and after being diagnosed in April with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, I feel like I am in a much better place. I know what’s wrong, doctors now take me seriously, I have ways to cope with symptoms and I’m getting stronger mentally. With that in mind, I thought I would turn this post into a look back at what I’ve achieved, what I’m grateful for, and a general giving thanks blog post for where I am at now. Some of the things I have achieved include:
- Meeting and getting engaged to Adam, being in a wonderful relationship with him
- Building my own businesses and blogs from scratch with barely any help
- Collaborating with amazing brands I could only have dreamed of
- Being invited to Florence in Italy to be with Luisaviaroma for a few days
- Designing jeans with brands that went on sale and sold out
- Being featured in magazines and online publications
- Winning blog awards and being a finalist in various others
- Modelling in a photoshoot for ASOS magazine
- Previously being the editor of DenimBlog and running the site
- Being able to buy my own designer items, saving up my own money for them
- Being able to go on holiday, eat out at restaurants, enjoy life without panic attacks
- Tackle my health problems and try to get on top of them
- Getting to know a lot of you, give you advice, and build a community
- Generally being happy and content with who I am and how I look
- Making a difference in animals and peoples lives by helping them
- Becoming more understanding and open to everything after learning Buddhism
- I would like to think I’m a lot wiser now I’m older, by a huge amount
This one is another achievement too, as after helping Adam start up his own blog and he’s now got a career in it, we got to do a photoshoot with Digby from Made in Chelsea a couple of weeks ago and that was amazing! I wouldn’t have thought that was something I could have done before. It was so good! He’s a really nice guy, funny, down to earth, and even though I was exhausted and had to rest for a few days after, it was worth it! I can only imagine there will be more cool things like this in the future! Well, I hope so!
Some of those might not seem important to others, or even an achievement, but to me, they sure are. I’m really proud of myself for coming this far and as much as I don’t like to toot my own horn because I prefer to keep my successes to myself and look to the future, it probably is about time I acknowledged what I have done and how far I have come, taking a step back to look at the long road I’ve travelled on, rather than constantly thinking what is next or that it’s not enough yet. I’m very driven, but sometimes I can get lost within that drive and be too hard on myself. This is why I wanted to write this post. I’ve been stuck on it for quite a few days, with complete writers block as it’s not something I usually do, celebrating my achievements, it’s an alien feeling, but I’m pushing myself to do it in order to help my growth, in the least big headed sounding way possible – I hope.
Of course I want to look to the future as well, but by not being so hard on myself. I don’t have a bucket list as I don’t see much sense in having a list of things I have to do before a certain age, purely because if I want to do something, I will do it when I can. If you have to fit something ‘fun’ in on a time limit, it takes the fun away from it and makes it stressful instead, and given that things like travel and going places is harder for me as I have to make adjustments and things, I will get there when I can, so Disneyland Paris is still on hold, as is flying on a plane, but who knows what the future brings!
Regarding my health, I’ve come such a long way and am doing so much better, especially with my stress levels, meditation, supplements, managing the EDS etc that I’m actually really happy. I’m having many more good days than bad and I have such a supportive family and small network of close friends that it’s made much easier. I’m extremely lucky in that respect. I’ve always been the type of person that likes to do everything on my own and be independent, but I have to accept the fact that I can’t always do that and people are there for me, which I’m so grateful for. I’m starting physio at the end of August and I can’t wait to try and build up my joints, which hopefully will mean I can do more things in the near future, but as long as I keep a positive mindset and remain happy, I will just get on with things and keep finding ways to do what I want.
I can’t thank you all enough for taking time out of your day to read my blog posts and follow me on my journey. It truly means the world to me that I have the support and love from you all, in this community that’s been built. You’re all amazing and you’re a lot of the reason that I’m in the position that I am in now, so my thanks is going to everyone right now, to all of you who follow me, Adam, my family (mum, dad, brother and grandparents), my friends (Sarah, Kieran, Ben and Andy), the animals that are around me, and the general positive vibes I get from nature. I’m very lucky, but I hope it can show you that if you set your mind to something, even if you have many obstacles in your way, you can achieve what you want. Success looks a lot like hard work, as the famous quote says. I hope this blog post can pep you up for the day and I hope you can celebrate your own goals too! Lorna xx.
P.S. – My main concern right now is telling people I’m 30 when I get asked my age. It was hard enough saying I was 29 and getting told I look 20, so actually not being in my 20’s anymore and telling people that is a scary prospect, ha ha. I’m sure they wont believe me even more now, but I was under the impression we lied about our age to make ourselves younger, not older! Anyway, I am excited to see what my 30’s brings and I’m happy to be this age.
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Happy birthday Lorna! Lovely photos. You are exactly where you are supposed to be in your life. 👌🏻😎
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Thank you, John 😀
Happy birthday, love. You have achieved so much and you should be proud of ALL of it, regardless of how little or big it may seem. It is yours and you have put in the work to accomplish it. Many only dream of living some of the parts of your life, and you have achieved it. So enjoy 30, but ignore the number. Just know that every year you get older, you start caring less about what others think, and you really start to enjoy everything you have. It gets better in that regard. So much better. Especially if you have experiences and opportunities to enjoy from your own efforts – which you do! You seem like such an amazing person, and I’m very happy for you!
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Thank you for your kind words! I actually don’t worry what others think or I wouldn’t be able to have this as my career, I think I would have quit a long time ago, ha ha. I’m excited for the 30’s!
Age is just a number, you still irradiate pure and young vibes of mind and heart 😀 Wishing you a lovely birthday, the number 3 is really special for us so we’ll be celebrating as well!
With love,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
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Yeah, I’m not worried about the age, I am happy where I am 🙂 Thank you!
I think you accomplished in your life more then many people do in their hole life! Be proud of yourself! And more important, enjoy life even if it can be difficult. I whish you a fabulous day Friday!
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Thank you, Nancy!
I didn´t expect you to be 30. You look so much younger. But I´m happy that my 30 ist almost 3 years over…so I like beeing in my 30s… I really hope you enjoy them too :-*
Melanie / Goldzeitblog
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Yeah, it’s what everyone says, as I wrote at the bottom of the post. I am excited for the 30’s!
Congrats on everything that you have done so far. Turning 30 is so much fun.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
Author
Thank you, Amy!
Awesome post Lorna! The 30s are awesome years…as we are more comfortable in who we are and what we want out of life. You are also so fortunate to have accomplished so much on your own, already! Cheers to you and Adam!
xo Lana
http://www.decadentdissonance.com
Author
Thanks so much, Lana! I think the 30’s will be wonderful! I didn’t realise as well that a lot of the bloggers I frequent, and who comment here, are in their 30’s too!
I loved reading this list, Lorna!! You really have achieved so much. I only hope I can achieve this much by the time I turn 30. Congrats on everything you have worked so hard for – you deserve it!!
Lee – layersoflee.com
Author
Thank you so much, Lee! I’m sure you will achieve much more, you are very driven from what I read on your blog! You stand for what you believe in and that always takes people places!
Well done you!! Life can be a real struggle sometimes and as good as we may look and behave to the outside world, no one knows what goes on inside. It’s inspiring to read how you’re overcoming the challenges in your life Lorna and you should take pride in your achievements. It’s good to look back and see how far you’ve come, it proves that whatever lies ahead, you’ll deal with it.
And finally, of all the lovely pictures you’ve posted, the last of you here is beautiful, the best one I’ve seen.
Much love and…
Happy birthday!!!
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Thank you so much, James! That’s really kind of you to say that, I appreciate it! And I thought I would include that photo as it’s more of a genuine me, without make-up, so I thought I would add it in!
Happy 30th birthday Lorna. You and Adam look so good together. Have a fun time celebrating ok. And you’ve achieved a ton in your young life!!!!
Author
Thanks, Idu! That’s actually not Adam in that photo, it’s Digby, included as part of something fun I got to do this year!
I hope you have a very happy birthday! This post is a lovely way to celebrate and look back on all the things you have achieved in the past. I hope the next decade is good to you too! 🙂
Hope that you are having a great week so far 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
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Thank you so much, Mica! That’s so kind! I always look forward to your comments!
Oh you’re so right – time flies when you’re enjoying life and I cant believe that I’m already 28 too. But I guess: 30 is the new 20 🙂 So I think its amazing that you’re looking positive into the future and not panicking about it, as so many do when they are turning 30 or 40 or whatever 😉
Such amazing pics as well – youre such a pretty couple ♥
xxx
Tina
http://styleappetite.com/en/
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment! That’s actually not Adam in that photo, it’s Digby, included as part of something fun I got to do this year!
First—that last photo of you is incredible, Lorna!! So fresh and lovely!!
Secondly, I think this is exactly why we shouldn’t resist and not want to get older!! Because we are so much wiser, and we have all these great experiences to share with others. I would tell you it only gets better!! Especially when we count our blessings like you have done!!
Happiest of birthdays, and what a great life you’re living!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Thank you so much, Jodie! That’s really kind of you to say those lovely things! I hope it does get better!
Happy birthday to you, Lorna! You have achieved so much already. Those are all amazing accomplishments in my opinion.
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Thank you so much, Lindsey!
Happy, happy birthday coming up, lady! Your 30s are super fun and you’re going to rock ’em!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
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Thank you!
First I want to wish you a very happy birthday, hope tomorrow you’ll have another unforgettable day, as I’ve seen you had many already <3
Secondly, I can't believe you're turning thirty, you look so much younger, i'd never guess!!
And last, a huge congratulations on all your achievements and success. I just found your blog and it's really inspirational. I don't think I'd ever be enough determined to do something like this, but people like you certainly inspire me to at least give a try to the things I love 🙂
xx
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Thank you so much, Tanja 🙂 That’s really, really kind of you to say such lovely things! I appreciate it! Hopefully you are able to do what you want to do xx.
This post was so beautiful, love what you’ve written and it was beautiful to know you better!
https://julesonthemoon.blogspot.com/
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Thank you!
I think you are still young and beautiful although age has come. Have fun with your life and I hope I can read more interesting posts from you. Thank you!
https://weekendsale.club/
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Thank you so much!
Hi Lorna
Gregarious look happy birthday dear You look alwes Cute.
http://indoreinstitute.com
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Thank you!
Happy Birthday! What a great list – congratulations!
Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Rosanna x
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Thank you 🙂
Happy Birthday Lorna! Congrats on all your achievements. Wish you a wonderful birthday weekend, gorgeous. xx
Nina’s Style Blog
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Thank you so much!
Happy birthday to you dear Lorna! You have really achieved a lot. You build a career for yourself, took part in so many great projects and are in a stable relationship. It is something to be celebrated for sure. I think that we are often so focused on tomorrow and achieving the next big thing that we forget to celebrate those things we have already achieved…and it is important to do that, not only to self motivate and self appreciate ourselves more but to be grateful….both for what we have and for what we have learned.
I remember reading in one of your posts that you helped your boyfriend Adam build his own fashion blog and it’s think that’s pretty cool- that you’re both fashion bloggers now. I wish I could convince my husband to let me make a fashion blog for him because he has such a great sense of style but I doubt I will ever manage to do that. 🙂
I remember you mentioned Digby on Instagram and said he was a very sweet guy..he looks so tall 🙂 .
Lovely photos all of them! You’re truly an inspiration. I think it’s great you’re open about your diagnosis, a lot of people won’t talk about such things, but having a chronic and/or immune illness does require lifestyle changes and if we don’t talk about these things, we will make things harder both for others and ourselves… I do agree it is easier once you get diagnosed, in one sense it can even feel like a relief, although hearing the diagnosis can be hard as well.
I can understand your age dilemma! People don’t believe me when I tell them my age either. I tried to apply for some volunteer projects and I was met with ‘some kid is here ‘remarks and questions like ‘do you really have a teaching degree?’ and so on.
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Hi Ivana!
Wow, thank you so much for such a thoughtful and heart felt comment. Reading messages like this always makes me smile and remember why I do what I do, so it’s much appreciated 🙂
Yes, Digby was such a gentleman! You remembered correctly. And I’m glad that me being open about my diagnoses is helpful to you and you think it’s a good idea for everyone else. That makes me happy! I can see why some people wouldn’t believe your age either, it’s frustrating isn’t it? You’re wonderful though and so beautiful, so definitely keep going 😀
Wow happy 30th!! Amazing achievements in your life so far and thanks so much for sharing – it was really lovely to read a more personal post!
Heather xoox
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
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Thank you!
Congrats on your wins dear! And wishing you all the best on your Birthday! You two look sooo gorgeous together!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
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Thank you so much!
Congratulations on all you have achieved in your first 3 decades, Lorna. 🙂 It’s certainly a very impressive list and you have so much there to celebrate alongside your birthday.
I hope that you’ll enjoy your 30s. I think that 30s and pretty much the same as 20s but with additional self-awareness and wisdom built in. Still young and fun… but with a better understanding of the world. I know how wise you already are though from our private conversations and the good advice you’ve given me in my difficult moments. 🙂
Of course, for me, being in my 30s is just a retreating memory. LOL 40s are a different matter altogether. 😉 We can talk about that much later though… when you get there and I’m shooting up my 50s… 😉
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Thank you, Steven! Yes! I find I am much more wiser and knowledgeable with a different understanding of the world I guess, definitely different to how I felt when I turned 20!