My 2016 was not your 2016
My 2016 isn’t the same as yours. In 2016 I turned 30 and thought my life was over. I was a wreck and I cried-a lot! I had three kids, married, house, white picket fence. I checked off all the boxes and accomplished all the things. Just months before I closed the doors on my bakery. My life was at an odd standstill and I was unsure of where to go and what to do. I didn’t feel complete.
So, I started to find myself again.
I stopped being what I thought I was supposed to be because I did all the things and it still didn’t feel right. And I started to be my own, individual self again- despite the social norms.
I started Amymakescoolstuff and the adventure began. It was one wild ride and basically my entire life was shaken, turned upside down and inside out. So many really awful things hapened during that time and some okay and maybe even good things too.
Revisit 2016? Never. It was long journey, but I finally made it here and I don’t want to go back.
Turning 30 can feel like a huge milestone, but for me, it also came with unexpected emotional challenges. Like many, I thought that by 30 I'd have life figured out—career success, a stable home, a loving family—but sometimes checking all those boxes doesn't bring the sense of fulfillment you expect. In fact, I found myself at a crossroads when my bakery closed in 2016 and I felt completely lost despite having everything I thought I wanted. The pressure to conform to social norms—being the perfect mom, wife, and homeowner—can be suffocating, especially when your inner self is craving something more. I realized that my happiness couldn’t come from meeting external expectations—it had to come from reconnecting with my own passions and identity. Starting 'Amymakescoolstuff' wasn’t just about creating art; it was a chance to rebuild myself on my own terms. The journey wasn't easy—there were many difficult moments and setbacks—but it was also liberating. Taking risks to break away from what others expect is scary but necessary for growth. I experimented with new ideas, embraced imperfections, and allowed myself to evolve without guilt. This personal evolution reminded me that life isn’t about reaching a static destination but about continuous rediscovery. For anyone struggling with similar feelings of emptiness despite achieving societal milestones, remember it's okay to redefine success for yourself. Your 2016 may not look like mine, but your journey towards self-acceptance and joy is just as important. Embrace your unique path and give yourself permission to find happiness beyond conventional benchmarks.
