Today is a day that I have been waiting for all year. For the past year, in fact. Today is the day that I finally leave my 20s.
Yes, you read that right. I am only 30. In fact, I have had quite a few discussions over the past month or so with close friends about this day. You see, I have two “pet peeves”, if you will. Two things that I tire of having to fairly regularly deal with in daily life. 1) Being called Alice, and having to weigh up whether or not it’s worth telling the person that it’s actually Alyce – “Ah-lease”, and 2) “What?! You’re only 28/29/30?! You’re so young!”
It is honestly quite tiring. Yes, I was married young (at 20). Yes, I had babies young (first at 21). Yes, I AM a baby. But now? Now I can just say that I’m in my 30s, and that’s a perfectly reasonable and expected response. So today, I celebrate that I am now in my 30s! I just don’t have to say exactly how far into my 30s I am 😉
Seriously though, today I celebrate how far I have come in my 20s. It may be tiring having to constantly be exclaimed at my age, and yet, I am also proud of it. I am proud of just how much life I have lived already! (Not to mention the fact that I’ll be 40 when my kids are finishing high school and just think of what that means!)
When I think back to how shy and introverted and unsure I was at the start of my 20s…
I still can’t believe that I willingly upped and moved to Japan with my young family six years ago.
I still can’t believe that I started my own business.
I still can’t believe that I wrote and self-published my first book.
I still can’t believe that I work with major companies in the sewing industry.
I still can’t believe that I have my second book coming out next year with Lucky Spool.
And yet, I can believe it. I have learned that these things aren’t something to brush aside, they show how hard I have worked – both inside and outside. I have challenged my shy, unsure self. I have battled my introverted nature. I have fought my gut response of imposter syndrome. In fact, I still do. But it’s gotten just that little bit easier lately.
Whether it’s the magical badge of 3-0 now attached to me, or that’s just what happens as you get older, I don’t know. But I like it. I like believing in myself more, I like feeling more confident, I like being able to set better boundaries and to say no more easily to things I should (but never would have used to). Perhaps this is what it feels like to be an adult?!
There’s something about the past 12 months or so that has changed within me that can recognise and acknowledge that growth. It’s not like that kind of growth happens overnight, it’s happened slowly – day by day, month by month, decision by decision. But it’s taken me a while to see that change myself. I liken it to looking back at photos of your old house and suddenly realising just how much the garden has grown. Or perhaps for those who have had major weight loss, and suddenly recognising the loss in the mirror in front of you.
This is 30. This is me.
© Jam On Your Collar 2018
A few months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to be made up and photographed by Alex Anderson for her passion project, Come Adrift. I just happened to see a call out she made asking for volunteers to share the story of something life-changing, and to have a photo shoot for some headshots to go with the story. The story of me finding myself in Japan sprung to mind, and I reached out to see if that was something she would be interested in. And the next thing I know, I’m getting my hair and make up done, and posing for photos.
Alex didn’t do anything crazy with my hair and makeup, she didn’t have any magical filters. She just told me to lift my chin up and smile. And suddenly, I felt like a confident woman. When I saw the previews on her camera, I could see a confident woman. I could see a joy and a self-assurance in what is to come.
I am excited for what the future brings. I have often said that I am in “this” for the slow burn (see aforementioned young kids and living life when I’m 40), and that just means that each little step I take is all the more sweeter. I am excited for my book, I am excited for the opportunities that it will bring to share the joy of creating with others. I am excited to further explore creativity and how it intertwines with my faith. I am excited to take deliberate actions to further my craft practice, rather than projects. I am just so damn excited!
This is me. And look out world, coz here I come!
Teresa Duryea Wong says
This is all so great. I am happy just reading this. When I saw your smiling face in line after my lecture at Quiltcon last year I immediately felt like you were a friend I knew… so I love this post and lnowing more of your story. Good for you for forging forward. Keep going!
Alyce says
Aw, thank you so much, Teresa!!
Crystal says
You go girlfriend!
I agree, getting older rocks. The confidence that comes with age and knowing you got this can’t be beaten.
Alyce says
Right?! So empowering!
Tara says
Happy Birthday! Something about hitting 30 is liberating. I remember thinking how fantastic that people would finally see me as and treat me as an adult! And it’s true! People do take you more seriously in your 30s than in your 20s. You’ve accomplished loads to be proud of, and I know we’re going to see more great things from you in the next 30 years—because you have staying power. Go on with yo bad self, girl.
Alyce says
Haha, see, I think I’ve managed to bluff my way over the past couple of years in particular, because people assume I’m 10 years older than I am, so they take me more seriously than they would have otherwise 😉 Thank you x
Susie says
Good on you! You have achieved so much for ‘only 30’. Think how amazing the next 10 years will be. Enjoy the next decade – it does by in a whirlwind. I’m almost at the next changeover and oh to be 30 again. Haha.
The photo is fantastic and having met you a few times it is so difficult for me to believe you are introverted.
Keep rising up and enjoying life like you do.
Alyce says
Thank you so much, Susie!! I discovered at QuiltCon in 2015 that I’m not so classically introverted/shy when it comes to “my people” 😉 Although, I do still need the classically introverted alone time to unwind from large events like that.
linda says
My Mom was 20 when I was born (the oldest of five children:) … and 43 when her first grand child was born … and had great-grandchildren when she was in her sixties. Something to be said for doing it young. 🙂 I myself had my first child at 29 … and my first grandchild when I was 42. Age is what you make of it!
Congratulations on your career and one making a milestone birthday.
🙂 Linda
Alyce says
Yep, I made my mum a grandma at the ripe old age of 41! Young generations meant that I have two precious photos of each of my kids with 5 generations in the photo, as my great-grandmother was still alive when they were born.
Toni Boldy says
So happy for you! Hard work and persistence pays off.
Alyce says
Thanks, Toni!!
Lisa Lisa says
So happy for you!
Alyce says
Thank you! Me to 😉
Kay says
Enjoy your life, you are certainly an inspiration. x
Alyce says
That’s very kind, thank you, Kay!
Susanne says
Fabulous photo and you have achieved so much. Congratulations on 30. It only gets better.
Alyce says
Thank you so much!
Michelle says
Great post and fabulous photo!! I wish I’d started our family earlier!!
Alyce says
Thanks Michelle! There’s a spectrum out there for sure – my 8yo son’s school friend’s mum just turned 50.
Alison says
Happy birthday! I just turned 30 t00 at the end of June! Your headshot is just gorgeous and I hope you have an awesome day!
Alyce says
Hey fellow 30s-er!! Happy birthday to you too 🙂
Adriene Grzenia says
Enjoy the journey–don’t push growing older. My sweet daughter graduated with her BSN at 20 and turned 21 a few weeks later. Her patients would look at her and say, “How OLD are you?” I guess having your ER nurse look like a baby is disconcerting. LOL. She told people she was in her twenties.
I do think most people really “grow up” in their twenties. It can be an insecure time and yet a time to really come into one’s own.
You’re lovely….keep growing….keep going.
Alyce says
Hehe thank. I’m done pushing to grow older, I’m happy to settle down and enjoy being in my 30s! Until I get closer to 40 and people start exclaiming once again at my youth 😉
Barb N says
Ah-lease, so nice to meet you! What a pretty name, and what a pretty soul to go with it! I smiled all the while reading your post. Of course, I’ve followed you for some years now and admired your gumption and energy and creativity, especially knowing you have a young family. May you vastly enjoy this new decade of your life and draw from it all your dreams.
Alyce says
Haha, thanks Barb! That’s very sweet of you 🙂
Cherri Kincaid says
Happy Birthday! You should be proud of everything you have accomplished! Congratulations! I laughed out loud when you made the comment about your name. I have a simple name, Cherri, but I am pretty sure that there are at least five different ways to say it (according to the many ways people have pronounced it over the years). I have learned to just be excited that they want to talk to me, so I quit
correcting them years ago 🙂 Enjoy your life and all you have to look forward to!
Alyce says
See, I would say “Cherry”, or possibly “Sherry” if I thought you had any possible French connections? I’ve gotten Alice, Alyssa, Ah-lace (Starbucks cup in LA, lol!), Elly…
Amy, a redeemed sheep says
Happy birthday!! It has been fun watching you blossom over the years. I look forward to seeing much more from you!
Alyce says
Thank you so much, Amy!! It makes me smile so much when I think of all the connections the online quilting world has brought into my life, like you!
Bobbie Campbell says
A lovely photo. A lovely and enlightening post.So nice to meet a lovely lady in her 30’s. I’m 40 some years ahead of you. I still love all the year’s continue to bring to me.. The future is ours to approach, enjoy and conquer. I think I’ve been reading since you started and look forward to each post and pattern. Thank you for sharing with all of us in the virtual world.
Alyce says
It’s so encouraging to hear that you still love what life brings, I hope I have the same outlook when I reach those years too! Thanks for sticking around x
Linda Rouse says
Happy birthday! You are beautiful!
Alyce says
Aw thanks, Linda!
judys says
Great post and wonderfully said! I can relate too well – married at 20, first baby at 21 and then at 22 again a Mom. Loved it! Carry on to Bigger and better things!
Alyce says
Wouldn’t change it for the world, hey?!
Lenora Watts says
I would love to order but could not find a place to put my visa information.???
Alyce says
What would you like to order? The book? You’ll have to wait until next year for that 🙂
Leslie Schmidt says
Happy Birthday, Alyce! Your photo looks gorgeous. I’ll bet you are just as sweet in person as you come across in your posts. I’ve enjoyed reading about your adventures and accomplishments and hope you continue to find fulfillment and joy in your work.
Alyce says
Thank you so much, Leslie! I like to this I am 😉
Kitty Wilkin says
You are amazing and such an inspiration!! I’m so grateful to know you and to be working alongside you in this fast-paced, but always inspiring industry of makers. Congratulations on the book, and I’m super excited to hear and see more!! <3 Take your 30s by storm!!
Alyce says
Thank you so much, Kitty, it’s people like you that make me glad to be involved in this community!
Susan says
Happy birthday! The one I looked forward to was 40 – everyone I knew was so darned active and involved in life at 40. All my life, people thought I was younger than I am. Now I’m 70 and I think I look 70, but people are always surprised when I say my age. I think it’s because my attitude isn’t typical for 70. If your attitude is happy, cheerful, involved, and busy, then you will always be young, and just the right age for you. =)
Alyce says
What beautiful words of advice, thank you!
Stephanie says
This is fantastic Alyce, congratulations on all you’ve accomplished … can’t wait to hear more about the book!
Cocopatch says
happy birthday!! you are so cute on this photo!!! nice to learn more about you!!
Carole @ From My Carolina Home says
We women come into our own in our 30s. Your photo shows your beauty. It is wonderful to see younger women embracing our quilting addiction too. Happy Birthday (a few days late).
Alyce says
Thanks, Carole!