16 Comments
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Maríe Faul's avatar

I myself was similarly really happy to turn 30. It does feel a bit like an arrival, a relief, and a new beginning. I have more houseplants than I've ever owned, and they too bring me much in the way of happiness. Happy birthday Joy!

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Daniel Whyte IV's avatar

Happy birthday, Joy! Always grateful for the good you bring into the world. Have a joyful week!

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The Symphony's avatar

A Very Happy Birthday to you, Joy!

As someone who just turned 40 this year (and honestly still feels a little confused by the time lapse of that number), I welcome you to the newest 'level' of the house. May you feel ever so grounded in your 30s as you seem to feel relieved at reaching them!

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Allyn Bachran's avatar

Happy birthday, Joy! So much of what you wrote about our twenties resonated with me (including, unfortunately, “don’t date men who make you feel confused and insecure”). As I approach 40 in just a few weeks, I’ve had many moments of happiness at where I am, as well as a strange delight in how shocked 30 year old me would be to see my life now (not surprised that I’m (still) a wife and now a mother, but pursuing a degree in history with a minor in classics? Living in Connecticut? Having survived a brutal yet exceedingly joyful decade? WHAT IS HAPPENING). I often think on prayers I’ve made over the years that I’m endlessly grateful were answered with a firm “no.” Life is so much more wild and beautiful than I could have imagined.

Somewhat related: I’ll actually be celebrating my 40th with my husband in London! Any off the beaten path recommendations? We were there briefly last summer and fell in love with the city.

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Joy Chalaby's avatar

Happy Birthday, Joy! You have achieved so much and blessed so many through those first 30 years of life - what a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness and your courage to pursue and go further up and further in. Many blessings and well wishes for this new decade!

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M.E. Woodward's avatar

Wishing you the most happy of birthdays on your 30th! The adventure of true adulthood awaits you, so enjoy every moment! 🎉🎂 🎉

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Megs's avatar

Cheers to you Joy as you celebrate decade #30 on this terrestrial ball! May you grow deeper roots in this decade, ramble more than race, and savor with your senses. May there be merriment and delight as you celebrate! Love you!

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Tatiana's avatar

Happy birthday Joy! I turn 40 next month and I feel a settling as well. Cheers! 30 is a great decade!

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Dawn Hall's avatar

Happy birthday! As a 55 year old, I very much enjoyed your thoughts on the subject of connecting with your age. I think back on when I was in your phase of life with sweet memories.

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Cristina GT's avatar

Happy birthday!!! What a refreshing take on getting older. It made me appreciate more my 32 years of age

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Kim McCulley's avatar

Happy birthday, Joy!

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Matt Civico's avatar

Happy birthday, Joy!

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Angela MacKenzie's avatar

Happy Birthday!!!

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Steve Kays's avatar

Happy birthday!

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Andrea Humphries's avatar

Happy birthday!!

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Allison East's avatar

Happy birthday!!! I turned 30 in February and resonate with much of what you’re talking about. Cheers to a (hopefully) more settled decade 🥂

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