31

On Sunday 7 August, I became a whole year older. Not 30 1/2 nor 30 3/4, but 31.

When I turned 30, I was filled with joy and expectation and a naive happiness. I had three birthday parties - one per decade - and a yellow dress and the sun was shining. It was pure bliss. Looking back, I did have an amazing year even if nothing happened like I imagined. Maybe reality can actually beat imagination on this one, and LMJ can be pretty imaginative, I tell you.

This year my passion for photography grew and LMJ was born (she's only little, really!). LMJ the blog came online. My camera is now an extension of my arm and a different way for me to see the world. 

I laughed and smiled even more. I went on a great family holiday and great doesn't even begin to describe it. I'm knitting a cardigan! I made sure I appreciated the important people in my life. I fell in love. I learned to fall out of love. I was less harsh on myself. I put things in perspective. I told perspective to leave me alone. I let perspective back in the room. I spoke more on the phone with dear ones who are away. I ran. I played squash. I watched films and read books. I lived. I was happy.

Looking at the collection of presents on my bed and the people around my birthday cake, I am all of the sudden aware of one thing - the people in my life know me all too well and they still love me. And this, my friends, is to me what happiness is all about...!

My little piece of wisdom about being 30 is this... life goes on. and you can enjoy it.