I was once terrified of the big 3-0. Terrified. Believe me when I say, I have since gotten over that.
Maybe you’re an amazingly satisfied 20-something-old who has just clicked on my post for humor. Maybe you’re thinking you can’t possibly be convinced that 30 is better. Well…give me a few minutes to at least try. First of all, don’t be mad at me. I’m not telling you that your present isn’t awesome. I’m simply telling you your future can be even better. I’m telling you to be excited and optimistic for what’s ahead.
I was once you. Believe it or not, I was you just a few years ago. Now, I’m not just 30. I’ve been a member of the 30’s club for over 3 years now. In 2 years, I’m going to be halfway through this age bracket.
It’s funny how much I love the very time period in my life I was once so afraid of. It’s funny how I thought I was losing something. Little did I know, when I let go of one decade, I was letting go to gain something greater.
Some may look at my social life from 5-10 years ago and say….”But, Holly! Your life used to be SO much more eventful!”
To them I would say, “You’re right….and that’s why I don’t really miss that time in my life.”
Did I have some incredible times in my 20’s? YES! I have stories galore, and I could go on and on and on….. I would never take back those years, but here are some standard reasons why I have come to believe that 30’s are even better.
- You worry less about what people think. Do I still care a LITTLE sometimes? Sure, but not NEARLY as much as I did as a 20-something-year-old. As long as I’m being a good representative for Christ, I’m pretty much good with whatever people think, whether it’s that I gained a few pounds, or that I have a few more wrinkles than I used to. They can even think I’m weird or speculate about my personal life while they’re at it for all I care. Unless they’re paying my bills or determining my future in any big way…..I’m not losing a wink of sleep at night.
- You’re simply more secure in your own skin. While I still believe in looking my overall best (and I’m not suggesting you don’t), there comes a point when you realize there is so much more to life than outer beauty. Maybe you’re younger than 30 and already there, but for me, I feel like the huge earth-shaking revelation came in my 30’s. It’s what going on inside that matters most, and if I’m secure with my inside and secure in Christ….I’m secure in general. Enough said.
- You become better at picking and choosing your battles. There comes a time when you realize what matters and what doesn’t…..what will matter five years from now and what won’t. You grow to discover that not every battle is yours to fight. Let the Lord fight your battles for you. (Exodus 14:14)
- Better financial situation. Now, maybe this doesn’t apply to everyone. This of course depends on what you take on and when. However, by their 30’s, the average person is at least seeing their college loans on the decrease (if of course they’ve been consistently paying since their 20’s). Though the light at the end of the tunnel may still be dim….it’s now a light, nonetheless. They’re also getting rid of credit card debt and working on that credit score. We typically grow into better jobs and pay scales at this time in our lives, or at least have the confidence to begin the transition from unhappy situations. We’ve had some time to prove ourselves and time to build experience. It’s a good time to be an even stronger professional than ever before.
- You know who you are or are almost there. At this point, you’ve likely at least figured out who you’re not, even if you’re still working “that job.” You are more self-aware. You are aware of your likes, your dislikes, your hopes, your dreams…..and the fact that you can’t stay up until 2 am or handle spicy foods like you used to. 😉
- Maturity in the relationship department. Okay, so maybe it’s just me, but my 30’s REALLY changed my approach to relationships. By your 30’s, you’ve hopefully figured out your worth if you didn’t in your 20’s. For me, I met every kind of guy in my 20’s. It was a time of lesson learning. Certain career pursuits didn’t match up well with my life. I learned how important it was to be on the “same page.” By my 30’s, I really knew what I was looking for and what I wasn’t. I could quickly discern who was serious and who wasn’t. I decided what my red lights and green lights were….and I knew what I was willing to compromise on and what I wasn’t. Consequently, I tied the knot at 33. I still have a lot of unmarried friends in their 30’s, but I can guarantee, like me, they didn’t come this far to settle on anything less than what they deserve. When I got to my 30’s, I decided I was only going to get married if I felt that person added a lot of value and smiles to my already fabulous/comfortable life. I decided my now husband did….and does.
- 30’s are a wiser time….yet you’re still young. It’s like having the best of both worlds. Though you feel a little more seasoned and experienced in your 30’s….you still look young and are considered young. You may not be able to stay out or up all night like you used to….but you’re still young. The only person who thinks you’re even remotely old is a teenager, and who cares what they think about “age” anyways? Are they paying your bills? (Refer back to #1) 😉
- You begin to enjoy and appreciate the little things more. I’m now entertained by things I never would have been entertained by 10 years ago. I love simplicity now and it’s a beautiful thing. I like listening to the rain while cuddled up under the covers, and I actually notice the fall colors more now. Years back, I was way too busy to notice or to enjoy anything. I actually get excited when I get a drawer organized, or receive some great new kitchen supplies. I hated history as a kid, but I love it now. I enjoy visiting with the elderly and inspiring the young. I officially realize how blessed I really am for everyone and everything I have.
- If you haven’t figured out who your friends are and who they’re not….you’re just about there. By the time you hit 30, high school is a distant memory. Even college mostly becomes a distant memory. By this time in your life, you’ve likely figured out who is who in your life: Who is meant to stay in your boat, and who is meant to be only an acquaintance from here on out. By now, you’ve had enough time to figure out loyalty and trust levels. You also have had enough time to know who is like-minded and who isn’t….who encourages you and who brings you down. Since 30’s are that time where you care less….quality becomes so much more important than quantity. If you’re in 30’s and your life is still full of drama brought on by your friends….you’re doing it wrong.
- The value of life becomes even more clear. As you notice time flying by, you become more aware of the value of life. You realize it’s moving fast, that everyone around you is getting older, and you’ve finally grasped that life really is short. As a result, all of the above ^^^^ takes place….and somehow, worrying about unimportant things becomes less important.
If you’re in your 30’s and you disagree with this list, well, now is a good time to start enjoying your best life. Maybe you’re older than 30 and these things took you longer. That’s okay too. It varies for everyone, but this has been my general experience and the experience of many around me.
The bottom line is… Laugh more, worry less, stay open to love if you haven’t yet found it, let go of the past, set new goals and remember HE will direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6). If you’re a teen or in your 20’s……you’re welcome in advance. Your best days are still ahead of you. 🙂
