“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” (Henry Thoreau)
When Holden asked me this week what I’d like as a present for my 30th birthday, my head started reeling. The endless possibilities led me down a rabbit hole.
Maybe I’d like a pair of Christian Louboutin heels to commemorate 30 years of living… but, I never really wear heels anymore, and I’d hate to scuff them up. Perhaps a designer investment handbag? Except, for that same price I could buy a new camera lens! Although, before I get another lens, I should probably upgrade my DSLR body… but I’ve been cutting back on photography, and would feel pressure to take on more work to justify the purchase.
“So, what do you want?”
My thoughts echoed his question– what do I want?
After a few days of reflection, I realized that receiving a grand commemorative gift was not how I wanted to start the next decade of my life. I don’t want to go into my 30’s feeling burdened by a thing. In the past ten years, I’ve been blessed with gifts beyond measure, but instead of appreciating them fully, I think I got lost along the way chasing after the unknown.
What I want for this new chapter is to be present. Be intentional in my choices– of purchases, commitments, friends. To pare down the frivolous, extraneous, and superficial. To grow through rich experiences, and learn from past mistakes. To challenge myself artistically and remember what it’s like to create for pleasure instead of profit.
To simplify.
You may have noticed that I’ve taken this resolution literally and even eliminated some of the unnecessary chaos from my blog design. I’ve been blogging since I was 20 and over the course of a decade, I stopped writing and started selling. This blog is my Walden pond, and I’m excited to discover what it has to teach me during the next ten years.
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
Suzy Mighell says
Stephanie, I just love your writing style. You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your heart.
Stephanie Drenka says
Thank you so much, Suzy! When I first started blogging, it was before fashion blogs were a thing– it was just a place for me to write and reflect. It’s been therapeutic to get back to those roots.
Sevi says
This is perfection Stephanie. I am a firm believer in living with intention and building the most satisfying life. Honestly, this next decade holds so much for you with the goal of being present and I think it’s a gift that everyone should give themselves.
I love you and am so glad that I am able to call you my friend ❤️
Stephanie Drenka says
Thank you, sweet Sevi. Having such amazing, genuine friends makes me constantly strive to be a better person and deserving of said friendship. Excited to go through this next decade with you by my side.
Harper says
Happy birthday and congratulations to you on your commitment to owning your things instead of letting them own you! Maybe instead of an item, you can do something special together– a vacation, or a day trip, or a spa day. Or maybe you can enroll in a class on something you’ve always wanted to learn about… whether it’s forensics or pottery! Just a thought.
— Harper
harperhoney.com
Stephanie Drenka says
Hi Harper! Thank you! That’s a great idea! We actually ended up deciding on a new kitchen table, because that’s where we spend a lot of our time together eating, working, creating etc. Not the most glamorous gift, but it will be purposeful!