So This Is 30

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“So this is 30…what’s all the big fuss about? I’m actually excited to turn 30. A new, important chapter of my life. Kissing my 20’s good-bye. Feeling more confident and comfortable with myself than ever. This is going to be great!” - My inner dialogue

This is me. 3 years ago. But forever following the light through every trip around the sun, sparkles and all.

This is me. 3 years ago. But forever following the light through every trip around the sun, sparkles and all.

Friend : “It’s your 30th birthday!”

Suddenly it hits me. It’s no longer just a concept, I am actually 30. I begin to tear up. “Are these tears of joy or sadness? Am I having a second quarter-life crisis? Here I am today, 30 fucking years old.”

For the longest time, I assumed my 30th birthday would be welcomed with a bang. And I’m not entirely wrong, I think, as I sit in my living room, watching the rain, listening to the thunder, excited by the flashes of lightning. It doesn’t storm much in LA. This seems fitting for my 30th birthday. Taking 30 by storm. I like it.

But I thought there should be some big celebration; a fancy party, or another big adventure.

Everything that came to mind in planning just sounded like too much of a hassle. My idea of this big birthday celebration just felt like too much work. I will be having drinks with some close friends later this evening, but for now I am sitting at home, in my pajamas, listening to the rain, drinking my coffee and enjoying the fuck out of simply “being” in silence. It’s calming, which my life rarely is. It feels right.

I think that’s what 30 is about, doing what feels right. Since I’ve only been 30 for 12 hours, I personally can’t offer much insight except that I suppose age really is just a number. So I will leave you with this: A compiled list of advice for turning 30 from those who have survived this milestone before us. A gathering of thoughts and experiences from a group of friends and family who entertained my request to hear it! Take what you want, leave what you don’t. But I do hope, if you’re looking for some answers, you will find this list as valuable as I do.

  • Avoid over-extending yourself. Leave time for self-reflection.

  • Beware of false progress - Be happy with what you have, what you have achieved, and know that you still have room to grow.

  • Allow your body time to heal after physical activity. Stretch, listen to your body, hydrate, and rest.

  • Take time every week, or every day, to appreciate where you are, your friends, and your life. Don’t get too caught up in goals and objectives and plans. BE where you are.

  • Never look at your age and ask where you should be, continue to appreciate where you are.

  • Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your 30’s are awesome.

  • Learn to say “No”. It will change your life.

  • Get more sleep. Take less bullshit.

  • Sometimes staying in is better than going out.

  • DO YOU.

  • Don’t be afraid to use lots of moisturizer. Find a good under-eye serum.

  • Give fewer fucks and you will become exponentially happier.

  • Get out of debt, and stay out of debt.

  • Drink less alcohol, and take more vitamins. Your body will thank you.

  • You are “Thirty, flirty, and thriving!” - Jenna Rink

  • Work hard, play hard, and work hard on your head.

  • “The moment I turned 30, this amazing sense of “no fucks given” washed over me. And continued to with every new year. It was like a spell of angst had been broken. Most people I know have experienced the same thing. So if you do too, go with it. It’s awfully liberating!”

  • Enjoy the now, forgive yourself for the past, and don’t worry about trying to control the future.

  • & Finally, know who you are and don’t be afraid to be that person. Don’t try to please others if it is displeasing for yourself. Know your worth, turn to your loved ones for support, roll with the punches & punch back if you have to. Trust no matter what happens, you can handle it, especially knowing that sometimes you cannot control what happens & “it is what it is”.