Hello, 30!
One week in, and I can confirm the dreadfulness associated with it is grossly exaggerated.
Last Tuesday, my 30th birthday, already seems like a lifetime ago. They say enjoy your youth, because the years go by as you age. And it’s true. The years do zip by!
And what a milestone the big 3-0 is. Here’s how I capped off celebrations:
In my 20s I graduated from college, moved across the country, got my first “big girl” job, made some lifelong friends, got laid off, started my own consulting business, interviewed many prominent people, was printed in major magazines/publications, traveled to over 30 U.S. states, became an award-winning outdoor writer, and was promoted to Aunt Gabby.
I will forever cherish this decade after some not-so pleasant teen years. It really was a second lease on life—socially-speaking, that is. No more skin problems that drew ugly stares from passersby, less drama overall, and I figured out my purpose in life. The 20s were filled with important life lessons and seamless transition into adulthood. I wouldn’t change a thing—both the good AND bad moments.
Is 30 the point of no return? Has my youth dried out? Am I ancient and destined for obsolescence?
No, no, AND no—on all three counts.
In the olden days, women would be condemned or told our shelf life has run its course if weren’t already married and have a brood of kids. Thanks to many advances and greater longevity, today that’s not the case. Plus, we can juggle it all—kids, marriage, and a career—well into our 30s. Heck, my mom had me later in life and she managed just fine.
To the random guys demanding I hurry and have kids already: Mind your own damn business and tell your fellow man to shape up.
But I digress.
It takes me incredible effort to wax poetic on blog posts—a challenging task for me, at times—so I’ll leave you all with these parting thoughts:
Ladies, don’t listen to the detractors. Life is good on the other side (in your 30s). It may seem scary and that’s okay. But the reality is, age is just a number. Trust me on this.
In sum, I’m grateful for all the birthday messages and wishes I received! THANK YOU! They mean a lot and I did my best to respond to them.
Cheers to the 30s!
-Gabriella