Chapter 29: God Laughs at Our Plans

Plans? What are those again?! The saying “God laughs at our plans” has rung true for me quite regularly the last few years, as I’ve navigated a range of tough times. That said, 2020 has been increasingly challenging, in unexpected ways as many people across the world can testify. As my 29th birthday approached, I did away with plans. I embraced every moment for what it was, placing no expectations on a day I’ve been thinking about for a long time.

Plans? What are those again?!

Before COVID-19, my 29th birthday looked worthy of at least two rows of Instagram content in my mind. Two whole rows ya’ll. It was decidedly picturesque and the perfect way to ring in the last year of my 20s. I had a solo international trip in mind or a lavish spa themed staycation in the city. I mean, it was finally on a Friday again, so it HAD to be a movie, right? Right. No matter what I did, my mind was set on endless joy and pampering. I wanted to have meals from menus that change daily and moments where I could so thoroughly escape. But…it simply was not meant to be.

I mean, it was finally on a Friday again, so it HAD to be a movie, right? Right.

Instead, my first day of year 29 looks like lots of virtual love from family and friends. It looks like the flawless meal I intend to have later from one of my favorite seafood restaurants in Maryland, with the company of my bestfriend. It also looks like still being on the job market, struggling with cabin fever after quarantining alone since March and so much more. This birthday was unplanned and imperfect but I’m alive to tell it and that’s just as beautiful considering the alternative.

A part of my “why” for pennsive.co was written, “Stay tuned as I embark on a major new hair journey, step into my 30s (whoa!) and much more.” The new hair journey has commenced and even with my plans uprooted, I still have so much to say and do. Life’s twists and turns make it magical, so I’m embracing it all. My only hope is that year 29 allows for just as much joy as it does pain.