30

I had a lot of apprehension leading up to my 30th birthday. Birthdays always make me reflect on the past year but milestone birthdays definitely cause extra introspection. At first, it was hard not to compare myself to where friends — or let’s be real — strangers on the internet are at 30. Some people are engaged, married with kids, working at prestigious jobs, or some people are somewhere in between. Instead of comparing myself to them or to where I thought I might be at 30, I’ve been trying to focus on where I am right now. And right now the present is pretty darn great.

29 may have been my best year yet. I got into Columbia Journalism School. I ran three half-marathons and have another coming up. I’m probably in the best physical and mental shape of my life. I have truly fantastic friends and family who are always there for me and vice versa. I’ve gotten a lot better about trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone this year. I’ve made big leaps like choosing to write full-time and smaller ones like writing about new topics and trying different styles like personal essays, news stories, and event coverage. I also started running, which was so out of my comfort zone and is now something I really enjoy.

I have my own business and get to do what I love as a full-time job. (I never really imagined that I would be able to be a full-time freelance writer, but I’m so fortunate that I was able to make it happen!) I’ve written hundreds of articles in the past year, including some of my dream publications like Forbes, Fortune, Fast Company, Glamour, Women’s Health, Allure, and Cosmo. I also have my little corner of the internet, Elana Lyn, where I have the opportunity to connect with readers and write about personal and professional development and whatever I want to share from book reviews and beauty products to adventures in NYC and wellness challenges.

So we’ll see what’s next…hopefully, the best is yet to come.