If you’re anything like me, you didn’t realize you weren’t 19 anymore until now, two years into your 30s. I mean don’t get me wrong, my 20s were a good time. I opened the decade by traveling over seas for example. But you know what? A lot changed in the ten years between 20 and 30. And I’m finally proud of my age and all that comes with it. Are you in your early 30s? Are you finally coming to grips with this? Let’s celebrate all things 30!
Friendships streamlined
When you’re in your 20s you might have 4,000 friends on social media. You might have people listed in your phone as “The guy that’s good at jumping cars” or “The guy who knows Madonna. ” I know I did. But you know what? Somewhere between graduating from college and getting married, you’ve discovered who your real friends are. And that’s such a good place to be in. They might be far away, or they might be next door, but chances are, if you’re in your 30s, the posers have faded into memory and the truest souls are by your side.
Freedom to look/sound Bad
I tease my husband that he never can take a good picture of me. And you know what? That’s ok. Because his followers on social media don’t need to see me at my best angles. The people who love me, who I really do life with, they see all my good angles. The same goes with my singing. I’ll never be Christina Aguilera, or whomever is the IT songbird of the moment. And if you hear a mom singing down the cereal aisle at Publix, that’s probably me. I’m probably getting the words wrong too. And that is the freedom of my 30s. I never would have done that in my 20s for fear of being off-key or looking stupid.
Faith worth keeping
Someone once said that a faith that is never tested is shallow. My faith has grown deeper through my travels, trials and troubles. I’ve learned when to take things to my God and when to let things go. So much about your 20s is figuring out your identity outside of your family of origin. Now in my 30s, I’ve realized that some ideas are central to the core of who I am, and others are not a good fit. My husband and I have decided what truths we want to pass on to our children, and what is superfluous. I’ve also learned that not everyone will care about the things that make me feel most alive, and that’s ok too.
Family memories
When you’re in your 20s you’re wondering who you’ll marry, how many kids you’ll have and where you’ll live. Sure that could all change in your 30s, but for the most part, a couple years into your 30s you’ve got it figured out. Now you can get down to the fun business of making castles out of blocks, or third grade solar system science projects with your kids. (Did we come to a decision on Pluto yet? Is it a planet or not)? These are the good old days.
Fashion
In my 20s I was down to throw away $20 on any flash fashion trend, simply because I was only providing for myself. Now for the first time in my life I’m seeing the fashion repeat it self. What I wore in 9th grade is “cool” again. This time though I’m not naive enough to thing that crop tops will look good on this post-partum belly or that blue eye shadow is for every one. Just saying. This time I know that quality made clothes are a better buy than shirts that are so thin my nails can tear right though them In my 30s quality matters.
Finally
It would be naive to not say that the 30s won’t have their share of dark days. The rain falls on the good and bad alike. I know that in the coming years we’ll have to say good bye to loved ones. Still, when I look around, I’m thankful for the friendships that have made it to this point, the self confidence I’ve gained, the faith I’ve rediscovered and the family I’ve created. What do you love about your 30s?
