I’ve heard this question before and am never sure how to answer it. Since I need more clarification on conversational questions like this, I chose to break it down into decades. So which decade of my life to I think was or will be the best?
Hmm…
The first decade, from the bits I remember, stories I’ve heard and pictures I’ve seen was pretty awesome.
I lived at home with my mom, dad and brother. That’s something that I remember feeling incredibly sad about when I realized I’d never do again, but that wasn’t during this first decade. No, this first decade was full of family trips to the beach, dinners eaten all together, sock wars, fort building, grilling out on the porch, dancing in the living room, singing Springsteen, rides in dad’s old MG, paddling our boat around the lake, backwards dinners and ski trips.
It’s before I realized how scary the world could be. It’s when mom and dad knew everything (you still do, guys, you still do 
) and a Friday night movie and pizza was the highlight of the week. I loved that simple time.
My second decade, whew, those were some transitional years! Think about it, years 10-20 took you from middle school through college. These years were full of trial and error, to put it kindly. I tested limits and learned who I was. Though most people look back on these years (especially high school) with relief that they’re gone, I loved these years.
My love for cheerleading, the angst of teen relationships, the stress of AP classes… quite a mix! I was every bit of that horrible Britney Spear’s song, Not a Girl. I remember feeling frustrated that I was still being controlled by my parents. I hated curfews when no one else seemed to have them.
I never had money, so I worked fancy jobs like Baskin Robbins, Target and the Cookie Company. But what a fun time. Proms and Friday night football games. House parties and being able to drive.
Then, off to college. The freedom. The late nights. Man, do I have some awesome memories with friends I’ll never forget.
And now here I am, nearing the end of my third decade. The decade where I’ve really grown up. Entering the real world, finding my passion (health), finding and marrying my best friend.
Creating our life together, complete with house, dog and now, precious Hailey.
I can’t remember a time I’ve ever been happier.
So, that’s a great life story and all, but what is my answer to the question?
I’m not sure! Total cop out. I do know two things. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful life and have truly enjoyed every stage of it thus far. And from where I sit right now, it sure looks like this could be the happiest decade of my life.
But I’m hoping the best is still yet to come.
So, you tell me…
What were your best years?
Or do you think you’ve experienced them yet?
blackhuff says
I love the “look back” you did here on your life. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much and isn’t it so true that one is the happiest when you find a partner which you can share the rest of your life with?
Enjoy your weekend.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Such a sweet post! I like to think that the best is yet to come because with each decade, I add wonderful friends and family members into the mix!
Meghan says
That was a sweet post Brit! I do have to say that I got a good chuckle out of the middle middle school pic with Patrick front and center! 🙂
Brittany says
I know it, haha! I need to get more pictures out to share because I have some gems 😉
Beth says
What a great post!! I have loved every decade, especially the current one. No complaints here! Life is good 🙂 Have a great weekend!
christina says
The last family photo is gorgeous!! You look so happy. And you look great in white. My best decade…I think it is yet to come! 🙂
Jen says
Oh man, I loved being a kid. I seriously think I had the best childhood and I’m so grateful for that. We also had pizza every Friday night, though I watched TGIF over movies haha. But I completely agree that every decade so far has been fun. I really believe the best is yet to come because nothing makes me happier than being Wyatt’s mom. Since I really hope to have more babies, I know that happiness will only multiply!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I think my childhood was happy, but it has no comparison to the happiness I feel now starting my own life with David. I think the happiest years of my life will be when we have a child together. 🙂
Maria says
What a tough question…being a child was a pretty sweet deal and definitely had its lack of responsibility and many great memories. I loved school though, so high school and college almost felt like the best years, but really, nothing compares to the present. Corny as it sounds, I try to make each day a bit better than the day before. Though I’m sure once we finally build a house and have a child (4 more years?), it will be monumental.
Katie@PopCultureCuisine says
While I have never really had bad years per se, I think at the point of my life I’m in now I am entering into some of the best. Having found my husband, had our baby girl, and getting ready to turn 30 this year, I am starting to think these are for sure some of the best and only getting better!
Brittany Andrews says
Those pictures are wild! Geez that time doesn’t feel long ago at all! My favorite time was being 5 years old, watching CNN and CSPAN in the lazy boy with my grandpa while he explained the political process to me. Nerd memories.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I love seeing all of your pictures! But I think every year can be our “best” year. I certainly would never go back to high school, but I do have some fond memories from those years. And I had a blast in college, but I’m thankful that I’m more mature than I was back then. 😉 Now I’m in my late 20’s and married and incredibly happy. But I know I have many more sweet memories to make in the future!
Lee says
That is a hard question to answer. I honestly think that I like being in my fourth decade (ack!) the best so far. I’m in my 30s and it feels more stable than my 20s did. I still feel young and fun, but not as young and stupid as I did 10 years ago.
Kelly@Runmarun says
What a fun look back and you certainly summed up the 10-20 year decade well! I’ve got to say that my 30s have (so far) been my best decade…I know so much more about myself and am so much more confident in my decisions than I used to be and of course, Lula has changed everything to make my life so full! Thanks for the deep thoughts!
Maura @ My Healthy 'Ohana says
This is such a sweet post! I’m not sure if my best years have already happened or will happen in the future, but I’m sure enjoying the ride 🙂
Healthy Living Val says
Love that you find something positive about each decade. It’s so hard to decide what the best decade or year when you focus on the positive — that’s a good thing!
John J. Stathas says
Brittany, your post brought warm tears to my eyes as you captured well your life in our family and your current existence. Your ability to express your “examined life” is edifying. Truly continuing the Socratic/Stathas tradition!
Lisa says
This was an adorable post! Loving all the pictures! You look like such a happy little family 🙂 I am hoping my best years are coming up in the near future! Especially as I’d like to put more effort into my career and depend more on myself as an individual
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
By far, right now I would say are the best years of my life. So far. Dont get me wrong I loved my college years, I had an absolute blast, learned a ton but I don’t want to go back 🙂 Been there, done that type of thing… Plus i couldnt handle all the partying and stayin up till dawn.
Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart says
Love this post! What a happy life you had/have!
By the way, is that a pic at cheer camp? Because I am pretty sure I have a very similar picture when I was at cheer camp…oh those “spirit days!”
Brittany says
The pic is actually from spirit week at school, but I def have some crazy pictures from “spirit day” at cheer camp. Good times!! 🙂