10 things I love about being in my thirties! I turned 35 this week. As my children sang “Happy Birthday”, showering me with kisses and laughter, I looked at the full table in front of me; an amazing husband and father, five gorgeous children, and I thought to myself: “My, how I have grown.”
Here’s my list of what I love about being in my 30s
- Becoming more mature. The beautiful thing about becoming more mature is that I believe I am better able to deal with trying situations, and life in general. I’m calmer and more resilient. Better able to step back and review.
- Becoming a better friend. As I grow older I have realized the importance of friendship. That those relationships turn into family. My friend’s children become my “children”. Letting go of little spats, and learning to invest more in those friendships, has been a growing lesson for me.
- Becoming content. We all have dreams and aspirations, but I’ve learned to become less restless about mine. I’m not saying we shouldn’t pursue our dreams, I just think I’ve become more specific about WHICH dreams I choose to chase. I’ve become happy and content with my life, appreciating what’s in front of me, instead of looking past it and not fully appreciating what I have.
- I am becoming more appreciative and grateful. I’m not saying people younger than me are not appreciative and thankful, I’m saying that I have become more appreciative and grateful for the small things in life. Of the people in my life. Of what I have and for what lies ahead.
- Becoming “softer”. I was quite a “hard ass” in my teens and 20’s. And I feel that with age and children, I have become gentler, and more understanding. Willing to listen. More patient with others – and much more forgiving (perhaps because I realize that in 35 years there have been quite a few people who were patient with me and forgave me).
- Becoming kinder. I went through a phase in my life when I was angry with the world. I became aggressive and abrupt in my speaking. But I have realized the importance of kindness, that 1 second of kindness can change a life. That a smile or a kind word can change a person. That I am no different from the person standing next to me. Instead of judging them, why not learn their story and journey with them? Oh, what we can learn from others. Even people we might not like. There is never a moment in life that we cannot learn from.
- Becoming brave. I know now how to stand up for my beliefs and opinions, whether these are regarding my faith, parenting style, or lifestyle. I have no fear of standing up for myself and my family. Learning to be respectfully brave is the one thing I am most proud of.
- Becoming a better wife. I know this might sound silly to some. However, I have come to love my husband more deeply. Appreciate his friendship more, his counsel, and mostly the father he is. It has revealed so much more of him to me. And my thankfulness for having him in my life is never-ending.
- Becoming less concerned with what others think about me. So often we get bogged down by others’ opinions of us. It can so easily worm its way into our lives. It’s great to be at a point in my life to be able to say: “Well, this is who I am, and I am not defined by your opinion of me.”
- Becoming more forgiving of my body. I know I will never have a flat belly, arms that don’t sway and flap when I wave, boobs that are once again perky, and a bottom that doesn’t sag a little. It’s not that I don’t try, It’s just life. My body is exactly that. Mine. Learning to love it, trying to look after it, but mostly being grateful that I am healthy, has been a huge growth point for me. I still struggle with it daily. Learning to be forgiving of my body and in turn climbing into that swimsuit and enjoying life.
My life will be filled with memories that I CHOOSE to make, I sure as hell don’t want to look back with – “I should haves”,,,
I loved my 20’s, I’m thoroughly enjoying my 30’s and I can’t wait for what my 40’s, etc, are going to bring. Here’s to living life to the fullest! Each moment, each day, even when the sun doesn’t seem to shine. There is always something to enjoy!
I love this list and agree with so many of these. I am definitely more mature and forgiving than I was. I need to work on worrying about what people think of me, I think this is my biggest downfall and stops me from making friends x #happydays
I think the entire “worry” phase kind of lingers. It’s hard to let that one go. But we can try can’t we! We still have our 30’s, 40’s, 50’s etc to perfect it! xoxo
I turned 37 this week, and your list exactly sums up being in my 30s. About 2 years ago, I switched to a more sedentary job, and instantly gained 10 pounds (I’m 5 feet tall, so 10 pounds makes a noticeable difference). for 6 months, I was very depressed about the weight gain. And you know what? now I love my curvier, plumper body, and my husband does too! It was also an excuse to buy new pants and a bunch of cute blouses that fit me better.
Thank you for reading! I’m sure you had a ball shopping! Sometimes we just need to relax a little hey!! x
Great post. I feel s lot more content in my 30s too, more comfortable in my own skin I guess! #KCACOLS
Totally agree! Aging has its benefits :)
I think any age is great if you make the most of it but absolutely agree that having now been in my 30s for quite a while it is a pretty decent place to be! Having a little one has definitely helped too! #KCACOLS
Most definitely! Making the most of it is vital! Kid’s bring perspective don’t they!! Thanks for visiting!
This is such a fantastic list – thank you for sharing. I can relate to many of them as I am turning 34 this year. It’s wonderful you are in such a happy place. #KCACOLS
That’s kid of you to say! Thank you! x
A great post and so true that along with the wrinkles and clicky knees there are some good sides to getting older- for me it’s appreciating life a bit more. #kcacols
Ha ha ha! Those wrinkles keep sneaking in !!! Thanks for reading! x
What a wonderful, inspiring post. Happy Birthday and here’s hoping that the second half of your thirties decade is just as inspiring #KCACOLS
Thank you Joanne! We had a great time celebrating! x
This is a lovely list. I’m really looking forward to being in my 30s (only 6 months to go!) I already feel more relaxed and comfortable with myself. #abrandnewday
Whoop, hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration! It’s a big one! x
I’ve enjoyed my 30s a lot, although I’m definitely more tired. Reckon I’m going to sleep for the entirety of my 40s #KCACOLS
Oh I hear you on that! Bring on the 40″s! :) .. x
lovely post :) im mid 30s now and I agree with your points on caring less about what people say and just being more content and grateful for life. I also have some hang ups though – I sometimes feel like my best years are over :/ I know they aren’t and its what I make of life and all… #ABrandNewDay
Oh most definitely! I have some things that I wish I had accomplished in my 20’s … But as you say, it’s what we make of it,, and that bucket list can still be achieved, just a little differently! Thanks for reading! x
I’m approaching my thirties now and I really hope that I feel all these things when I do! At the moment I just feel a bit stuck! But thats what 20’s are supposed to be about isn’t it? Trying, changing, adapting, learning…thanks so much for linking up to #KCACOLS and hope to see you back next time!
I totally agree with you on that one! My 20’s were the most “interesting” years. Definitely a growing point in my life. Loved linking up! Thank you !! x
There are definitely some good things about being in your thirties, I think. I feel more confident and sure of myself in some ways, and a lot more settled, but for me I think a lot of that has come from having a child, rather than from age. #abrandnewday
I think adding a child to the mix definitely stirs things up. No matter what age you are! 100% agree with you! xx
Great list! It makes me think my 30’s won’t be so bad. I’m almost 30 and I’m pleased to know that someon’s enjoying it haha! x
Haha Jenny! Great comment! I LOVE my thirties, so there is hope for you! xxx Thanks for reading!
#ABrandNewDay
I’m 34 this year and have to say I’m quite enjoying my 30s! I love your list here, so much to celebrate about getting older! x #KCACOLS
Exactly! Loving all the new wrinkles too! xxx Thanks for reading!
This is just the loveliest post. At 32 I feel I am at the same point in life and agree with all of your statements. I feel happier with my body and more content in life. But, I was talking to my husband yesterday and saying how even though I am very much a grown up and have been a very sensible adult for years and years now, I just don’t feel like a grown up. I don’t exactly know what would make me feel more grown up but I just don’t feel any different to how I felt 10 years ago say. I think I am just weird. Or maybe I need to go buy some more grown up clothes and stop wearing leggings – who knows!
Thank you for sharing in #HappyDaysLinky x
Oh I love leggings. I would live in them if I could! But I understand what you are saying. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I am not 20 anymore. I guess my brain doesn’t always keep up!! xx
A post I can really relate to as I am coming to the age when I’m thinking about entering my 40s! I agree with all of these things and LOVE this decade. All I’d say is that no. 5 – I think I’ve actually become a bit ‘harder’ in the sense that I am more assertive and less apologetic about things – hopefully I’ve not become too hard tho! #ABrandNewDay
Being in my thirties is great, my sister feels the same – these are the best times of our lives. #kcacols
That’s so awesome to hear! Enjoy! x
I totally agree with you! I think 30’s is where it’s at. I am enjoying mine! Thanks for linking up to #abrandnewday
Great to hear! xxx
Happy birthday! I am 33 today and I’ve Been looking back at my 20’s to now and noticing how much I’ve changed too. Birthdays make us very reminiscent don’t they :)#KCACOLS
Happiest of birthdays Geraldine! Cheers to the 30’s ?
Belated Happy birthday. I’ve loved being in my 30s. You don’t feel as insecure as you did and being a mum is the best. Enjoy the rest lovely x
Thank you! And Amen to that!! xx