In this episode of For The Record, ​⁠Hayley & Sterling sit down to unpack what the last decade has taught me — and what I wish someone told me before I entered my 30s.

If you’re in your 20s, feeling behind, uncertain about your purpose, or trying to make sense of your life, this conversation is for you.

We talk about the emotional weight of birthdays, especially for those who carry high expectations and perfectionism. I open up about why I used to dread my birthday, the inner dialogue of failure I struggled with each year, and how the Holy Spirit helped shift my perspective.

We also dive into:
The pressure to succeed in your 20s and how social media warps our expectations Inner healing, forgiveness, and rebuilding my relationship with my parents after years of pain

How marriage revealed the parts of me that still needed healing Why dreams and prophetic words aren’t enough to sustain a relationship without real friendship and character

The myth of being “ready” for marriage or success, and what I learned about identity and maturity

Breaking passive mindsets, learning accountability, and stepping into spiritual leadership as a husband

What I’d do differently if I could live my 20s again — and why I’m still grateful for the journey

If you’re a Christian navigating your 20s, or just someone asking deeper questions about life, faith, growth, and calling — this episode is raw, honest, and full of insight.

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