Reclaiming Your Passions and Aspirations After 30

I can't believe I'm sharing this, but here it goes...

My 30s have been a hot mess of a rollercoaster (and I thought my 20s were tough).

I became a mom, my husband and I were trying to navigate parenthood and strengthen our partnership, I left my corporate job to pursue consulting for a better balance, and I was grappling with finding my true purpose... you name it, it was happening.

But 10 months ago, I hit rock bottom. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I wasn't showing up well as a wife or a mom (or in any area of my life, for that matter). My relationships were suffering, I wasn’t focusing on my health or overall well-being, I lacked confidence, and my self-doubt was at an all-time high. To say I didn’t feel good about myself would be an understatement.

I share this because I want you to know that if you’re going through your own version of a breakdown, you’re not alone.

The truth is, life in your 30s is HARD. But it's a crucial part of your journey because that's where the growth happens.

Have you ever found yourself wondering where the old you went? You know, the one with all those dreams, passions, and aspirations? Life has a way of pulling us in a million directions, especially once we hit our 30s. Between careers, kids, relationships, and the endless cycle of responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are and what lights us up. We are not the same woman we once were, because things have changed and YOU have changed. But here’s the beauty of it…It’s never too late to rediscover your identity and reclaim those passions that once made your heart race.

Why it's important to reclaim your identity (in your 30s)…

It’s a scientific fact that our brains are not fully developed until the age of 25. Mix that with just trying to land with your feet on the ground in your 20s… it can be quite the cluster. So when you’re 30s hit, you’r jumping into a whole new world. Things are happening - whether you get married, have kids, progress your career, starting or growing a business, you name it… all the things are HAPPENING.

Pretty soon, you lose sight of ‘her’, the woman you once were. And if you’re like me (you don’t recognize yourself anymore).

When you're in tune with what makes you tick, everything else starts to fall into place. You feel more energized, more focused, and more fulfilled. It’s like the difference between dragging yourself through the day and genuinely living it. Plus, nurturing your own aspirations is essential for your overall well-being and happiness. When you take care of yourself, you’re in a better position to take care of those around you.

When I started focusing on my personal growth by setting a vision for myself in the 8 areas of my life, establishing tangible goals to achieve that vision, leveling up my mindset through simple techniques, and implementing daily habits that served me...

In just 10 months, here’s what happened:

1. I launched my Personal Growth and Development coaching business.

2. I implemented daily routines grounded in habits that serve me.

3. I grew closer to God and strengthened my faith.

4. I took on a new hobby.

5. I ran my first half marathon in 1:49:33.

6. I traveled to a place on my vision board.

7. I had my first in-person speaking engagement.

8. I finally started living from a place of abundance rather than scarcity.

9. I reclaimed and redefined my identity (outside of the titles I wear).

10. I am LIVING my purpose.

    +so much more

Being intentional with my personal growth saved me, and I know how powerful it is.

So what does this mean for you?

Here are 5 practical tips to reconnect with your passions

1. Reflect on What Used to Light You Up: Take some time to think about what you loved doing before life got so hectic. Did you have hobbies or interests that you abandoned along the way? Write them down and consider how you can reincorporate them into your life.

2. Try New Things: Sometimes, discovering new passions can be just as exciting as rekindling old ones. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Take a cooking class, join a book club, or start a DIY project. You never know what might spark that inner fire.

3. Schedule “Me Time”: We often put ourselves last on the priority list. Make a conscious effort to carve out time for yourself every week. Use this time to pursue activities that bring you joy and help you reconnect with yourself.

4. Set Boundaries: It's easy to get caught up in the demands of others, but it's crucial to set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Learn to say no without feeling guilty. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

5. Visualize Your Ideal Life: Spend some time visualizing what your ideal life looks like. What are you doing? How do you feel? This exercise can help you gain clarity on your true passions and aspirations, setting the stage for making them a reality.

Self-reflection is such a key place to start (and I have just the free resource for you). Download my free Personal Growth Reflection Guide that provides you 25+ insightful questions and 3 guided exercises to help you start your personal growth journey (and begin to reclaim your identity).

Let’s take it a step further…

Here are 10 questions designed to help you dig deep, rediscover your identity, and reignite those passions and aspirations you may have set aside.

1. What activities make me lose track of time because I enjoy them so much? Reflect on moments when you felt completely absorbed and joyful—these activities are often linked to your passions.

2. What dreams and goals did I have when I was younger that I haven’t yet pursued? Sometimes, revisiting old dreams can spark new motivation and a sense of purpose.

3. What accomplishments am I most proud of in my life so far? Recognizing your achievements can help you identify your strengths and what truly matters to you.

4. What do I love learning about, and how can I incorporate that into my life now? Lifelong learning is a key to personal growth. Think about subjects that fascinate you and how you can explore them further.

5. Who are the people I admire most, and what qualities or achievements do they have that I aspire to? Identifying role models can provide inspiration and clarity about the qualities and goals you value.

6. What do I feel is missing in my life right now, and what steps can I take to fill that void? Pinpointing gaps in your current life can guide you toward changes that will bring greater fulfillment.

7. How do I want to feel each day, and what can I do to cultivate those feelings? Focus on your desired emotional states and consider daily practices that can help you achieve them.

8. What am I doing when I feel most confident and alive? Recognizing these activities can help you understand what drives your self-confidence and zest for life.

9. If I had no limitations (time, money, resources), what would I do with my life? This question removes practical constraints and encourages you to dream big and uncover your deepest desires.

10. How can I make time for myself and my passions amidst my daily responsibilities? Practical planning is essential. Think about small changes you can make to prioritize your needs and interests.

If you’re ready to go all in on your personal growth journey…

Learn more about my signature course ELEVATE: The Personal Growth Blueprint. ELEVATE is designed for women over 30 who feel stuck and are ready to break free from stagnation. With my unique 5-pillar Elevated Self framework, you'll be guided through self-reflection, vision crafting, goal setting, mindset elevation, and creating lasting habits.

Inside ELEVATE, you will:

• Develop a clear vision for your future and a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals in all areas of your life.

• Overcome self-doubt with powerful mindset techniques and build unwavering self-confidence.

• Align your actions with your natural cycles and energy levels for optimal well-being.

• Establish routines that support your personal growth and help you show up as the best version of yourself every day.

Imagine waking up each day with clarity and purpose, feeling a renewed sense of energy and direction. Imagine confidently setting goals and taking decisive action towards your aspirations, all while overcoming self-doubt and negative mindsets. That’s what ELEVATE is all about.

So, if you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to rediscover who you truly are, ELEVATE is for you. Because you deserve to live a fulfilling life, show up as the best version of yourself, and THRIVE.