30 and Enough: Embracing Who I Am

Turning 30 has brought a shift in perspective, one that I didn’t quite anticipate. In my 20s, I was all about figuring out who I was—exploring my strengths, addressing my weaknesses, and working toward becoming the person I aspire to be. Now, I see this new chapter as a season to embrace myself.

Just recently, I stumbled upon an old essay I wrote back in university when I was running for a leadership role. Rereading it brought a strange mix of nostalgia and revelation;  I saw a young person who was confident, eager, and determined to make a difference, especially in advancing her organisation's mission and building its brand. It was eye-opening to see that, even then, the values that matter to me today were already present: commitment to excellent work, openness, and a desire to see people shine in their strengths.

Looking back, though, the journey from that ambitious student to where I am now hasn’t always been easy. Over the years in the workplace, I encountered the realities of office politics and the challenges of navigating different personalities and cultural backgrounds. Moments of doubt crept in as I navigated unspoken boundaries and situations that pushed me to quiet my voice to keep the peace, which, in hindsight, made me second-guess my own abilities.​

But recently, rereading that essay has reminded me of who I am at my core—a capable, creative, and thoughtful leader. I’m grateful for the journey, even the difficult moments, because they’ve taught me to be wiser in choosing who to trust and to hold on to my faith and integrity.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and deeply grateful for the friends and family who have genuinely cared for me and supported me on this journey. Here’s to a new chapter of letting go of the pressure to prove myself and simply being who I am.

​Here’s to more growth and learning—confident that I am, and always have been, enough.

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