[dropcap]T[/dropcap]oday is my 30th birthday, and I have officially said goodbye to my twenties. Looking back, it is safe to say it was quite the decade, wrought with universities, curveballs, and ultimately rediscovery and acceptance. Isn’t it hilarious how we can hold an image in our heads growing up of how turning 30 is going to look. But let’s face it, reality rarely aligns. And this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I’m grateful there were detours and readjustments in my twenties because without them, I’d never have arrived at where I am today.
Last year I talked about age and turning 29 years old, but rather go on another spiel on why age is just a number, I’m going to take a walk down memory lane and share some of the ups and downs, and the lessons they taught me in my last year of being 29 years old.
1. Travel Soulfully
I have always loved to travel. It was always a big part of what we did as a family growing up, whether it was driving down to Baja California or taking a road trip all around the U.S. And so without me knowing, I began to see destinations as checkboxes in some big imaginary checklist that I just needed to constantly be checking off. I was no longer fully immersing myself in the actual moment of being in these amazing, exotic locations. Instead, I had one hand on my suitcase more than prepared for the next trip even before the current one had just begun. Now there is nothing wrong with traveling wide and extensive. In fact, I encourage anyone who hasn’t traveled outside of the country to do so. It’s life changing. But travel with a fully immersive approach.
Last year I took a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii and was just blown away with the realization that I didn’t know how to fully enjoy myself on vacation. So many times, I was forced to stand still and absorb the amazing sights, sounds, and smells on my trip. And I was just awed by the sheer joy of finally taking it one moment at a time.
2. Ever Evolving Relationships
Relationships take a lot of work and commitment. And I mean so with any kind of relationship, whether it’s romantic or platonic. In one year, I have lost friendships, made new ones, and strengthened old ones. Now life has a funny way of giving you a valuable lesson when you least expect or want it. It took a complete disintegration of an eight year friendship with a close friend to give me one hell of a reality check. And that reality check was this: Don’t take anything for granted.
It doesn’t matter the years you share with someone. If both parties stop trying to nourish the friendship than it will wither. It took a hard fall to realize how to look for the right friendships and to be a good friend myself. To surround myself with people who push came to shove would be there by my side. And also, to be there for them too.
3. Career Milestones
Towards the last three months of last year, I was deep in design work for an annual design competition I was competing in. Part of me was absolutely thrilled to start this amazing new project, but on the other hand, I was nervous to be on a solo project of this scale. And boy did it claim many sleepless nights. If that wasn’t enough, I also developed bronchitis just before I was due to flight out to Sydney for the final presentation and the competition.
But all the hard work and sacrifice paid off because I won the design competition. It’s incredible what we can achieve when we don’t stop trying to hustle for what we want, even when giving up looks easy.
4. Self-actualization Full Circle
Even as I look forward to another year of experiencing and discovering new things about myself and the world around me, I know it’s important to look back our journey. I spent a good portion of my younger years trying to mold myself into some vision thrust upon me by another person. However, with a very good dose of self love throughout the years, I’m no longer governed by anything but to be the best version of who I want to be, to be good to people, and to help leave the world better than before.
I want to say thank you for taking a moment of your day to read this. Here’s to many more years of living our best life.
Happy birthday to you! 30 was the hardest birthday of all for me (and I’ve had quite a few more.) At 30, no one will make excuses for youthful indiscretions – gotta be all grown up. I’m sure you’re ready like I wasn’t! And also, congrats on winning the design competition. Good for you! 🥂
I had a hard time with 30 too. Now, I try to ignore my birthday.
Happy Birthday, and welcome to the 30’s! 🙂 Thanks for sharing those important lessons learned. I love how you explained the idea of traveling soulfully. Good stuff!
What a lovely and thoughtful post. These are all great ideas and good advice. As someone getting toward the end of her 30’s, I can say they were my favorite decade! I wouldn’t do my 20’s over again, but I definitely would my 30’s. There is a strength and comfort in my own skin that just wasn’t there the decade before. I also admit, I didn’t really feel like an “adult” until my 30’s lol. Sometime, I still don’t but, that’s ok. I refuse to grow old. Growing older is mandatory but growing up is optional.
Happy birthday beauty! Learning how to build a vision for your life that’s based in self-love rather than what other people want for you is the single most liberating feeling ever. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful post!
Happy happy birthday! I absolutely love this post! Congrats on winning the design competition! That is incredible and yo should be so proud. Sounds like your 30s are gonna be great!
I’m right with you on number 4. I let so many past relationships define who I was. I turned 30 last year and the year before found someone who accepted me for me. 🙂 Self love always does the trick to being true to yourself.
Happy birthday! I turned 32 this year and my life definitely isn’t where I thought it was going to end up. Life has a funny way of doing that. I definitely agree with you on the relationship one. It takes effort on both parts and it’s hard when things change.
Happy Birthday! Your point about friendships really struck a cord with me. I’m in a point in my life where i’m at a different life stage than a lot of my friends and it’s been a struggle. It’s hard to keep friendships going but it’s so worth it if both parties are committed!
Relationships are definitely hard to nourish. I’m down to about one true friendship and that’s with my other half. My other friendships have been tested and while I’m still in contact with a few people, the relationships are certainly not the same.
Welcome to the 30’s! They really aren’t that bad. I admit, 30 was hard for me, but now, halfway through my 30’s, they are really some of my better years!
Happy birthday and welcome to the 30s! My 30s have been the best experience of my adult life. I got married at 30; I had 2 babies and now expecting another baby; I moved to a new state; and I just feel happier than ever! I think you have a lot to look forward to for your 30s. The four lessons you listed that you learned are very important and worth taking with you into your 30s, as well. I hope you have a most blessed journey in your 30s!
Happy Birthday – I love your commentary to travel soulfully
hey dear,
thank you so much for sharing,your post are wonderful and really so use for me….
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