Well, it's been a week since I said goodbye to my 20s. I swear I was just turning 20 not too long ago...
I mean, it is weird and strange to say.... 'Hey, I am thirty years old' or reading/hearing people say 'Happy 30th!" ... or "How is it being 30?"
I don't feel 30 and it's a confident boost to hear that I don't look it either, but I guess I am going to have to accept the fact that I have traveled around the sun...thirty times.
....I need a coffee.
I have been scared for this birthday to come but it is also a blessing to have made it this far–especially after some unfortunate events from the past decade.
I remember growing up, thinking that 30 was an old age. It started to give me MAJOR anxiety because aging just makes me feel like I can no longer have fun. I have to be responsible and do all of the adult things. But, if you know me - I will ALWAYS have fun no matter how old I get.
I guess what made me feel a bit better about turning the big 3-0 was how my older friends or colleagues have said their 30s was their best decade. You're more put together. Self aware. Financially stable. Mature. You know what you want and realize your worth. That's a definite.
This might sound so cliche, but I feel as if I have a clean slate. My twenties were filled with learning how to overcome struggles, gaining confidence, realizing my self worth, and discovering what I want and don't want in life. I accomplished quite a bit in the last decade, but I don't feel like I am where I thought I would be at this point in my life. BUT - I did have quite a few pot holes in the road. I feel that is pretty normal for most though.
Everything happens for a reason.
Most people are married, with kids, a house - the whole nine yards. I'm not married but I have an amazing person, not only in my life but my son's life. Why rush it, ya know? I didn't settle for less than what my son and I deserved, and it was worth the wait because I am FINALLY happy, comfortable and feel safe with someone.
I can't begin to tell you how many times I repeated to myself, "I'm Thirty...." it's very weird to say and even more strange to read. I swear I just turned 25 yesterday. But no, I'm 30 with an almost 12-year-old. Time really is a thief, but I guess we have to embrace every moment we have, so I guess I will take this birthday and accept it for what it is.
Time really needs to pump the brakes and slow down!
To say that I’ve lived for this many years is an accomplishment, especially everything I have had to face so far. But hopefully, that was the worst of it. It makes me excited to see what the future holds. Ten years ago I would have never guessed that my life would be how it is now, so for anyone struggling in their twenties right no or in any age, here's some things I want to share...
Never Give Up! - I cannot say this enough. If you have followed me for a while, I will forever say this. It always seems easier to thrown in the towel, but you have to change that mindset. Instead of questioning - "what if" down the road, try and face the battle now, because it is more satisfying to say, 'oh well' than questioning 'what if' and not knowing what life could have been like. Take it from me, if I would have given up after my last round of brain surgeries, I would not have graduated college or have moved to Nashville and continued my career. So, trust me! NEVER GIVE UP!
It is ok to say no.
Know your worth.
Social media is a bit toxic.
It is ok if you do not have it all figured out.
Don't underestimate yourself.
Do what makes you happy.
Invest in yourself.
Self-care is essential.
Have dates with your kids or significant other.
...so, that was more than a few things but if I could give advice to my younger self - those are the things I would tell her.
So in all honesty, if I can tell anyone who is struggling right now - it's ok to not have it all figured out. Heck, I'm still trying to figure things out. I graduated from college at 29 years old. I bought my first car just a few months ago. I have yet to buy a house but I have a roof over my head and a healthy child. It's a work in progress - Every. Day. Learn as you go, and everything will fall into place...and make sure to have some fun along the way.
So Happy Birthday to all my October babies out there! And if you stopped by, feel free to share some of your birthday plans. I'll be posting what I did soon!
With love,
CT
Comments