Does anyone remember last year when I was having a little mini-meltdown about turning 29? Now that 29 is almost behind me and I’m about to turn to big Three Oh, I’m actually looking forward to it! It seems that most people dread turning 30. There’s always the joke about it being their 29th birthday…for the third year in a row. Me? I’m looking forward to my 30s. Here are a few reasons why.
More respect
Maybe it’s just in my head but I feel like people who are 30 or older are treated with more respect than people in their 20s. Since many people seem to treat their 20s as an extension of their teens, other people are treating those who are 20something like pseudo-adults. I’m looking forward to no longer feeling a bit like I’m “playing grown up” based on the general attitude of many.
Increased confidence
Within the last few years I have really come to accept myself for who I am. Frankly, as cliche as it may sound, I’m a bit of a mix of a few songs: Angel Eyes, Whiskey Girl, and How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls. All three songs have parts or lines that just sum up who I am. I’m a bit rough around the edges, I’m a bit of a loner, I’m a bit “call ’em how I see ’em,” I’m a bit incredibly independent, I’m a bit of a free spirit. I believe life is too short for bad coffee, cheap whiskey, awful music, and dealing with obnoxious people. As I go into my 30s, I am so glad that I have the confidence to continue to by myself. I no longer feel like I need to change myself to what is expected of me in different circles. What I want out of life might be constantly changing but at least I am comfortable with myself.
A lack of caring
I know this one sounds weird but hear me out. This one goes a lot with the confidence thing. I no longer care what other people may or may not think about me. I have no issues saying “no” to something whether it’s a play date for my daughter or being asked to volunteer at something. I no longer care what someone may think of me for my decisions. I no longer feel the need to defend every statement I make.
I just plain love big birthdays
I’m a birthday fan to begin with but love the big ones. I may not get to celebrate this one as I would like just since the baby is still so young but I’m still excited. The last big deal birthday was 21. The next one won’t be until 40. I plan on celebrating 30 the best I can.
Excited for the future
We are finally getting to a better place financially. We might end up moving in the future or we might build on to our current house. Or we might end up moving some place no where near here and starting over. Whatever it is, I’m excited to see what is coming next. I’m no longer a bit scared of the future like I was in my early 20s. I’ve already gone through so much in different areas, I no longer fear (many) changes. Obviously, there are still future things that I fear. We all fear things like a scary medical diagnosis but regular life hiccups are no longer a source of fear for me.
Dreading turning 30? There's no need! Check out these reasons why. Click To TweetThirty really doesn’t seem like such a big deal to me. Sure, I thought I’d be a bit further in life by now. I thought I’d have more debt paid off and be even more established by now. But when it comes to the more important things like being comfortable in my own skin, I’m already there. Having that under my belt makes turning 30 seem like not a big deal at all. 30? Bring it on…but maybe keep the gray hairs away. 😉
Emily says
Happy soon to be 30th birthday! I loved turning 30 too. Shortly before turning 30 I read the book So Long Insecurity. That really helped me start not caring about what other people think about me. It has been so freeing. I started following the mantra of “Good Enough” instead of trying to do things perfectly. Have fun celebrating big this year!
Emily recently posted…How to Stay Sane as a Stay-At-Home-Mom
Julie says
Thanks! I’ll have to look for that book.
Sarah says
I used to think 30 was SO OLD……
I threw an over the hill party for my husband when he turned 30, and a decade later, I told him he was a young thing when he turned 40.
Life’s all about perspective. Enjoy all the beauty this decade holds for you! I’m nearly halfway through my thirties and loving every minute for many of the reasons you described in this piece.
Sarah recently posted…How to Focus Your Heart on What Truly Matters this Summer Break
Julie says
I threw my husband a big surprise party for his 30th, including a video of a bunch of his friends/family sharing their favorite memories of him. Two years later when it’s my turn…30 doesn’t seem so old. lol