30 Moments from my 20s I’m Super Proud Of

As I approach 30

As I turn 30 this week, I thought it’d be nice to reflect over everything that I & Georgie Glass Photography have achieved over the last 10 years. A bit of a personal one this guys - but I felt I really needed to take a minute to give some snaps to myself for my biggest achievements.

I’m so excited to turn 30 - some people find it scary. As the big 3 0 looms, some people panic or worry their life is passing before their eyes. Whereas me? Well, I think it’s an honour to be able to live a full, happy, healthy life, and I will not waste one day worrying about ‘getting old’.

However, maybe check back in with me when I turn 40… 😉

1. Graduated University with a 2:1 BA Honours degree

University was not the place for me; despite what most folks experiences at Uni are like, I am no party animal. I did not thrive socially at Uni and didn’t make many friends. Leaving with a 2:1 qualification under my belt and a thriving photographic career in front of me was all I could have ever wanted and dreamed of — and boy did it set the benchmark for the decade!

2. Lost the puppy fat…

That’s right, your gal lost 3 stone at Slimming World after leaving Uni and boy was it the confidence boost I needed. Did it set the president for other struggles later down the line in my 20s? You betcha! But I wouldn’t change a thing. And I’m so proud I’ve managed to maintain a healthy weight throughout my 20s, despite other mental health foodie struggles - I would never go back and change my Slimming World journey.

3. Saw new countries

Highlights including Israel, Croatia, China, Barbados and Menorca. Travelling is top of my goals list for my 30s! They say your 30s is like your 20s but without so much guilt, self-doubt, and money worries. So, I’m gonna use my more financially stable state to endorse lots of fun excursions around the world. Top of my list Hawaii, and the Nordic countries.

4. Fell in love, twice

The best feeling in the world…

5. Fell out of love, twice!

The worst feeling in the world! But many a lesson learnt, and I’m excited to enter my 30s stronger and healthier from what I’ve learned from my relationships in my 20s. I’m entering a decade with my head held high, and excited - because I know more than ever how much I deserve to be loved.

6. Shot a billboard campaign

For Manchester Airport Terminal 3 - cool huh? I’ll attach the end artwork so you can take a look! 

7. Shot 2 published books

One being the book that defined my 20s, Pub Dogs of Manchester! And the other being the Unofficial Star Wars Cocktail book, ‘In a Bar Far Far Away’ due for release in 2022. I am super proud of all my book collaborations, and excited to see what other published work my 30s has in store for GG Photo.

8. Became an auntie

To 5 beautiful nieces and nephews: Lucia, Cora, Joshua 👼,Tami and Louis.

9. Bought a house 🏠

I don’t do things by halves, huh? At the age of 25 I bought my home, what feat! I love my little pad, and although I could sometimes rip my hair out at my direct debits and bills, I am truly fortunate to own my own home, completely solo. I love it, what an accomplishment, if I do say so myself!

10. Got a doggo 🐶

How could I not mention princess Lolli? She graced us with her presence in the January of 2015 and our lives have been forever changed - of course for the better! I love that baby bean to the moon and back, and my 20s were certainly richer for having her with me! 

11. Broke up with toxic friends

As distressing and heartbreaking as it is to say goodbye to any loved one, some relationships just aren’t meant to be. I know our lives are richer apart, and I’d never wish a past friend anything but love for the future.

12. Met some amazing new friends, who’ve shaped my life for the better

You know who you are… 

13. Conquered my eating disorder and body dysmorphia

A biggie, couldn’t leave this one out. As a ‘healthy-looking’ girl it was super challenging for me to beat ED stigmas and work on healing myself to understand my mental challenges when it comes to body image and weight and move forward with nothing but love and respect for myself. It’s a challenge still, and everyday can be different - I think I will forever love myself a little more when I weigh a bit less… but that’s what I live with every day - and I know I’m going to be just fine.

14. Publicly spoke to the graduating class at my old Uni

Horrifying a group of young’uns about potentially having to take a client to the Small Claims Court, or payment terms, or how print might be dead was probably one of the scariest things I did in my 20s. But it’s doing the super scary things that form you as a person. After doing shit-loads of things I didn’t want to do in my 20s, I’ve learnt I am capable of pretty much anything and can handle anything you throw at me - especially public speaking, yikes!

15. Said no to emotional abuse

My ex had an alcohol problem, he gas-lit me, and eventually I said no more.

16. Reconnected with my childhood best friend

How I wish we could go back in time and regain that lost time, as so many of us do… I know you’re thinking of that one friend right now you’ve lost touch with. Hindsight is a beautiful thing. I have known Rachel since we were 11 years old - losing touch after high school was one of my biggest regrets. One of the greatest lessons my 20s taught me was that no wound is too far gone to heal, we’re testament to that Rach, I love you.

17. Rocked out, hard

Queens of the Stoneage, Foals, Prince, Vampire Weekend, The Killers, Kings of Leon… you name them, I’ve probably seen them in the last 10 years! Rock music is my calling, and I’m hyped to see more amazing bands over the next 10 years - I will see Foo Fighters, that’s a must!

18. Cried, a lot

I have ugly cried everywhere; the bathroom tiles in the middle of a house party, the dancefloor at Mojos, funerals, birthdays… I have never ever once regretted that cry. Crying enables you to feel, experience and learn - and that my lovely is growth.

19. Shot briefs that were totally out of my comfort zone

From food shoots to weddings to sex cushions galore! There’s been a multitude of various things over the years, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Someone once said you’re only living when you’re out of your comfort zone - and I can see there’s some truth in that! 

20. Subcontracted

There’s no greater feeling in business than knowing you’re growing - and subcontracting work is one of the most self-gratifying processes, in my opinion. Need proof you’re levelling up babes? This is it.

21. Embraced my PCOS & Endometriosis

With 3 Laparoscopy operations, and another one looming I am proud to say I love my weird lil’ body. She needs me to understand what she needs, and going into my 30s this is definitely going to be more of a priority to me.

22. Rediscovered it’s totally okay to be an emo

No hate! You know you’re totally there for the Black Parade, or a lil’ bit of All American Rejects

23. Spoke out about my mental illness, in aid of helping others

Either in conversations with friends, on social media or podcasts, I aim to help break down the stigma of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia one conversation at a time. And if I can help one other person, then it’s worth it 😊

24. Set goals and achieved most of them!

I have always been goal driven - it’s built into my psyche. But what I’ve learnt in my 20s is that you can work as hard as physically possible, but some goals might not be achieved in a 12-month period, or dreams might shift or change. I used to see this as failure (and trust me, it’s a hard slog to remember not to beat myself most of the time!) But it’s just growth; one dream you might have wanted when you were 22 might not be relevant anymore when you hit 27. It’s about remembering to stay fluid, keep reviewing your goals, and make sure they’re still relevant to you. And those goals I have achieved? They’re the sweetest of all, but it’s about balance. You’re human, not a machine - be kind to yourself. And learn to appreciate the lessons you learn from those failed goals too. 

25. Gave a kick-ass Maid of Honour speech at my bestie’s wedding

Oh, how I wish I had video footage of this. But nothing will beat that feeling of the standing ovation at my besties wedding after my Maid of Honour speech - what a moment!

26. Accelerated my Business on the Natwest Business Accelerator programme

And I would highly recommend this programme to any other start-up small businesses in the UK - you can find more info here

27. Said goodbye to more money and security, to follow my dreams…

I won’t name names, but all I’ll say is this; the biggest gambles are taken on those opportunities where the outcome is semi-unknown, but if you’re always playing it safe, are you really living?

28. Bought myself my dream ring 💍

You’ll see me showing it all throughout my 30s #ice

29. Set-up and smashing it with my dream job

With nearly 9 years of having my own business under my belt, I am so proud of myself for everything I have achieved with Georgie Glass Photography - the fact it’s now a business rather than just lil’ old me with my camera - magical ✨

30. Met the love of my life… me ❤️ 

I am so excited to see what the next 10 years has in store.

What did you learn throughout your 20s?

I’d really love to know! Reach out to me on Instagram to tell me,

or have a look around the rest of the website.