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Happy Friday SBS Followers! Last November I turned thirty and dreaded everyday leading up to my birthday. I just felt like every other thirty year old woman had it ALL together! You know the ones that drive the spotless cars, their hair and makeup is always on point and they have a charming little family of four. YEAH, those! So when people asked how I felt about turning thirty, I would just give a smirk and change the subject.
But here’s the truth, hitting the third decade of life can actually be pretty awesome, so read on to learn why.
You realize age is just a number.
Sure, I’m definitely noticing extra creases around my eyes and I’ve upped my skin care game like whoa, but I don’t “feel” older. Nor do I feel more “grown-up,” despite the fact that adulating is just hard. I like to tell myself, I still kind of feel like a kid trying really hard to be an adult!
So when it comes to the number of candles on your birthday cake, remember that your attitude defines your outlook going forward. You can choose to be stressed and anxious about a certain age, or you can choose to be grateful and open to another year of life on this earth.
You learn to practice daily self-care.
At thirty, I’ve learned there are many ways to practice self-care. It might mean eating a nutritious salad or indulging in a cookie, appreciating your curves or going for a run. It could involve carving out an hour on the weekend for an afternoon nap, skipping that happy hour event with a bunch of acquaintances, or quiet time every morning before work. You get to decide how best to prioritize your mind, body, and spirit.
You know your own impulses.
For better or worse, I am much more aware of my impulses—like when I’m getting cranky and about to say something rude to the hubs but really I just need to bite my tongue. Or when I’m dwelling on 385,745 things but really I just need to let all the things go. Or when I’m tearing up because I got cut off in traffic but really I just need to cry about something sad from the other day.
Being thirty has taught me to be a little more in tune with my patterns, habits, and behaviors. It doesn’t mean I’m perfect (HA, far from it!); it just means I’ve lived with myself long enough to know when I’m about ready to take action in a certain way. Sometimes I can cut poor choices off at the start (learning to pick my battles) or acknowledge how best to push myself further.
You are more confident.
The older I get, the more confident I become regarding my appearance, career decisions, relationships, and overall choices. I care less and less about pleasing other people, spending money on the “right” materialistic items (is that such a thing?), and obsessing about how my life looks on the outside or on social media. I’m better at saying no, backing off and turning away from the people and things that do not serve me. That doesn’t mean I always feel confident, of course—but I know that I’m doing my best and trying to grow as a person. And that’s good enough for me.
You own your mistakes.
One big sign of maturity? Taking full responsibility when you mess up, instead of blaming it on other people or external forces. Similarly, there comes a point where you should know how to deliver a real apology.
Learn how to have empathy for yourself and other people; we all know that it doesn’t feel good to hurt someone with our words or actions, and it also doesn’t feel good to be the one who royally messed up. At age thirty, I’ve started to hold myself accountable to a higher standard related to my own mistakes and missteps.
And lastly..
You discover there are no rules.
The best thing about turning thirty, for me, was realizing that I literally did not have to follow the rules. I mean, yes, I have to pay taxes and all that stuff—but what I’m talking about are the dumb societal rules that suggest you must live your life according to a certain trajectory. The truth is, you get to decide.
There is no “right” way to live your life, even if your parents and siblings and friends all think so. A good life is one that feels right to you in terms of where and how you spend your time, health, and wealth.
Whew! THAT was a long one! If you’ve made it all the way down here, thanks for listening to me blab and supporting my little space on the world wide web! I know some of you can relate, no matter your age because it’s just a number… remember?! :).
Have a great weekend and enjoy this beautiful spring weather!
Photos – Shelly @ Dakota & Co.
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