I am no longer a twenty-something anymore. It sounds weird to say that because I still feel like I am 22 in many ways. Yet, in other ways, I really feel like I am 30. I thought I would be scared or upset turning 30, but in reality, it was complete opposite.
On the eve of my 30th birthday, I was ready. I am really not sure how I was so at peace with it, but I was. As I reflect now, there were a few reasons why I was ready for this new chapter.
1. My writing helped me grow.
Since I started writing for GenTwenty I have learned a lot about myself. Writing has been my therapy for all the changes and challenges I have faced during my twenties.
Writing allowed me the time to look back on all that I have learned and how the choices I made shaped who I am today.
2. I don’t have regrets.
Many of those choices I made in my twenties are not ones I would make now. A wild night out drinking or a date with a “bad boy” does not have the same appeal as it once did. But it doesn’t mean I regret any of it.
I am happy that I had those wild nights. I am happy I went on every bad date. I am happy I changed professions. I am happy I learned to really love myself. I am happy I took a chance on writing. I am happy I failed miserably at everything at least once.
3. I stopped thinking that turning 30 was a deadline.
Another reason why I think I was ready to face 30 was that I stopped thinking about it as a deadline to accomplish all the things I wanted then (or what people told me I wanted).
I still want all those things people mentioned, but I don’t think missing a few of them on my 30th birthday means they still won’t happen.
Everyone focuses so much on this age as a deadline because it feels like entering a new decade should be a deadline. This whole idea is a lie. If you stop believing it, you will transition just fine into your thirties.
4. I have a different kind of confidence.
Another thing I noticed about turning 30 was that I have a different kind of confidence than I did in my early to mid-twenties. It’s the “I am 30 and I do not give a F*@% about what you think” mentality.
You can finally focus on the things and people who really matter to you versus the ones who don’t.
What it comes down to is this: Age is what you want to make of it.
It is a number to remind us that we have experienced the life we were given. And that is exactly what I plan to focus on for now.
How do I want to spend each day of my life? Do I want to worry about being 30 or just go out an enjoy each day? I will always pick the latter.
My advice… embrace your thirties! There is no reason not to.
About the Author
Lauren graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor's degree in communications and a minor in psychology. She enjoys spinning, crafting, and Saints football. She is currently getting her teaching credential with hope to inspire future generations.