7 Profound Lessons I'd Share With My 30-Year-Old Self (And Why They Matter For You Too)

As I stand on the threshold of my 40th birthday, a wave of reflection washes over me. The last decade, my thirties, was an extraordinary tapestry woven with moments of exhilarating joy, humbling challenges, and profound transformation. It was a period that stripped away illusions and revealed truths, refining me in ways I never anticipated.

This milestone isn’t just about celebrating another year; it’s an opportunity to look back with gratitude and look forward with purpose. If I could sit down with my 30-year-old self, or with any of you navigating this vibrant, often tumultuous, decade of your lives, here are 7 crucial lessons I’d share – insights forged in fire and faith, designed to inspire, encourage, and empower.

1. Embrace the Call to Soul-Searching Over the Illusion of Career Certainty

At 30, I made a radical decision: I walked away from a promising advertising career to move to a different country, driven by an undeniable urge to “find my calling.” It felt terrifying and uncertain, leaving behind the security I’d built. But this period of what I called “soul-searching” wasn’t aimless; it was a refining and clarifying process.

Many in their early thirties feel the immense pressure to stay on a defined career path, or they grapple with a deep-seated feeling of being “lost” or unfulfilled in their work. I’m here to tell you: it’s perfectly okay, and often necessary, to question the ‘promising’ path. The courage to step into the unknown for a deeper purpose will ultimately lead to far greater clarity, meaning, and fulfillment than simply chasing societal expectations. Trust that inner tug (that prompting from the Holy Spirit); it knows where you’re meant to go.

2. Trust Divine Providence Even When You’re Buried in Financial Storms

There was a time when I was broke, buried in debt, unemployed, and deeply uncertain about my financial future. I had spent my savings and left everything behind. This was a season of intense vulnerability. Yet, it was during these moments of scarcity that I learned the immense, humbling value of stewardship. It meant relying and trusting on God’s divine providence in ways I never had before. I learned genuine generosity, even when I had little. And it was then that I experienced incredible miracles and unbelievable favors. Even in that state, I was able to travel, enjoy life, and do things I never would have imagined.

Financial struggles are a harsh reality for many, but they can also be powerful teachers of resilience, radical generosity, and profound faith. Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, there are opportunities for unexpected blessings and deeper lessons in trusting the love and generous heart of the Heavenly Father.

3. Open Your Heart to Unexpected Love and a Deeper Purpose

Honestly, after some significant heartbreak, I never thought I would get married. I was hurt, and genuinely believed I was fine staying single for the rest of my life. But it was during this time, in the middle of my normal and sometimes crazy life, that God brought the love of my life – someone who changed everything. I never thought getting married would teach me so much about how to love even more deeply, to serve, and to grow. Finding my wife didn’t just bring companionship; it unleashed me onto a deeper purpose journey. Many face the pressure to settle down or struggle with past relationship wounds.

Don’t let past hurts or societal timelines dictate your future. Love often arrives in the most unexpected ways and at the most unexpected times. It can be a profound catalyst for immense personal growth, unlocking parts of your purpose you never knew existed. Keep your heart open, even when you think you’re ‘fine’ on your own.

4. Embrace “Adulting” Challenges with Child-like Faith and Profound Gratitude for Family

My thirties were a crash course in “adulting” that often brought out the child in me! I navigated a long-distance relationship during a global pandemic, survived intense lockdowns, made it through a super typhoon, and moved countries again. These were undeniably difficult times. But paradoxically, these very challenges brought out a simple, pure, and child-like faith that kept me steady. Knowing that my Heavenly Father is always looking out for our good, no matter the circumstances, became my anchor. This experience also gave me a profound appreciation and love for my family. As a beautiful result of this challenging period, my first children’s book came out!

Life will undoubtedly throw curveballs you never saw coming. Instead of letting them break you, let them refine you. These tough seasons can reveal an unwavering, simple faith and deepen your appreciation for the most important connections in your life – your family. Embrace the challenges; they often lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs and a profound sense of peace.

5. Turn Your Heart’s Burdens and Passions into Impactful Ventures

The refining process of this season led to something truly unimaginable: I was able to establish a business directly out of my heart’s deepest burden. What started as a passion (The Kingdom Brand Compass), shaped by my life experiences, transformed into a mission to help Kingdom-minded business owners and leaders build strong brands.

Now, I’ve had the privilege of working with over 30 brands across 6 countries, and I even get to host a podcast! What was once an unimaginable dream suddenly became a tangible reality. Many in their early thirties yearn to do meaningful work but struggle to find a path or feel “behind” their peers. Your unique experiences and ‘heart’s burdens’ are not roadblocks; they are the fertile ground for your greatest contributions. Don’t be afraid to forge your own path, even if it seems audacious or “crazy” to others. What feels impossible today can become a tangible reality when passion meets purpose and consistent effort covered in God’s grace.

6. Cultivate Global Connections That Last a Lifetime

Looking back, one of the most enriching aspects of my thirties was meeting the most incredible people and forging lifelong friendships across the globe. Who would have imagined that during this period of intense personal change, I would be able to connect with so many people from all walks of life? Each one taught me a valuable lesson, opened my perspective, and truly increased the size of my heart. This journey brought me the friendships that I could lean on for life. As lives diverge with careers, marriages, and children, maintaining friendships can be a challenge, and loneliness is real.

Invest intentionally in people. The connections you make now, sometimes in the most unexpected places and with the most diverse individuals, will become your lifelong support system. Every interaction, every new friendship, has the power to teach you something new and expand your capacity for love and understanding. These are the treasures you’ll cherish through every season as you continue to thrive in a global community!

7. Anchor Your Life in a Deep, Personal Encounter with Jesus

This decade was, without a doubt, a game-changer because of my deep love and encounter with Jesus. I fell in love with God’s word on a whole new level and experienced Jesus like never before. I saw miracles, lived in the middle of them, and was able to share my faith more and more. My faith is something very important to me, and it has truly helped me navigate the toughest seasons. It was during this period that I realized how important it is to view life from an eternal perspective – how intentional living is not just the key to a better life, but also to creating an impactful life, especially when considering what lies beyond this side of eternity.

Many in their early thirties are questioning beliefs or seeking deeper meaning outside traditional structures. Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. It’s not just a comforting idea; it’s a living, guiding light that can anchor you through the toughest times, offer profound perspective, and unlock a life of intentional impact. Embrace the miracles, live with purpose, and let your spiritual journey define your path.

A Concluding Word: Never Give Up, Always Be Thankful

So, to my 30-year-old self, and to every single one of you navigating this vibrant, challenging decade: know that you are stronger than you think. Never give up. Always focus on the favor, not the frustration. Put Jesus at the forefront of every decision, and strive to see things through His eyes. The road won’t be easy, and it will never be perfect, but when you look back, you’ll be happy, you’ll be proud, and you won’t regret a single thing.

And please, never, ever forget to be thankful. Be thankful for the grace of every day, for the love you receive from people, for the prayers uttered for you (whether you know it or not!), and for every single soul and every single opportunity that comes your way. Treat each one with utmost respect, honor, and a heart full of gratitude. This unwavering spirit of thankfulness will carry you through all the years to come, and usher you into a life of purpose, joy, and profound impact.