The Dawn of a New Era
I turned 30 in December of last year and this significant birthday carried a myriad of emotions, ranging from excitement and anticipation to reflection and even a hint of trepidation. As I bid farewell to my twenties, it was a perfect time to pause, look back, and contemplate the lessons learned, the achievements unlocked, and the growth experienced. Turning 30 is not just a number; it’s an invitation to embrace a new chapter in life.
Reflections on the Past
My twenties were a whirlwind of moments that shaped me into who I am today. From my first steps into adulthood to navigating the highs and lows of a relationship, careers, and personal development. I made so many mistakes, but also grown immeasurably. Memories from this decade serve as a reminder of the challenges that I faced, the accomplishments that I achieved, and the wisdom gained along the way.
Embracing Change and Find Balance
As I enter my thirties, I find that my priorities and goals are naturally shifting. I’ve been taking the last few months to realign myself with what truly matters to me. This has involved letting go of societal expectations, embracing my own definition of success, and finding balance in this new phase of life. Striking a harmonious chord between my professional aspirations and personal life has been a challenge that I haven’t quite figured out yet. I spent a lot of my twenties burnt out and feeling like a failure because all this hard work still hasn’t achieved my goals. I don’t want to spend my thirties feeling the same way. My career and life choices may face scrutiny, but I want to seek fulfillment in work and passions that align with my new priorities and goals.
A big focus of my thirties will be cultivating meaningful relationships, letting go of the toxic ones, and setting and keeping personal boundaries. One thing I tell Jenny all the time, she is my family. Blood doesn’t make a family-it is the people you choose and more importantly, the people who choose you every day. Along these lines, self-care is going to be a priority. My body, soul, mind, and spirit deserve peace and attention. They are what have carried me this far and I want to show my appreciation by slowing down and allowing myself the time to pamper, meditate and rejuvenate as needed.
Building a Solid Foundation
As I step into this new decade, financial planning and stability have taken on an increased importance. As someone who has struggled to be money-wise in my early twenties, I am eager to continue evaluating my financial health and setting the stage for a secure future. Alongside financial stability, investing in my personal development is becoming paramount. I want to focus on honing skills, pursuing further education, and seeking mentorship and guidance to build a solid foundation for the years to come.
Overcoming Age-Related Anxiety
Society often imposes pressures and stereotypes about reaching a certain age, particularly when it comes to turning 30 and especially for women. However, it’s important to debunk these anxieties and celebrate the wisdom and experience we have accumulated. Aging gracefully means embracing the journey and recognizing that true beauty lies in the stories we carry and the resilience we’ve developed. Turning 30 calls for a celebration—a time to acknowledge the achievements, growth, and triumphs of the past decade. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude for the people who have supported us along the way and to reflect on the memories that have shaped us. This milestone celebration is not just about marking the passage of time, but about embracing the journey that has brought us here.
As I cross the threshold into my thirties, I am now poised to welcome the adventures and growth that lie ahead. Embracing the unknown with open arms, I am setting forth on a path that promises self-discovery, personal fulfillment, and an unwavering spirit to face life’s challenges head-on. Turning 30 is not an end, but rather a beautiful beginning—a new chapter in life that we can approach with excitement, gratitude, and a deep sense of purpose. I would love to hear from you in the comments how you handled and approached a milestone birthday. I will also take any and all advice on living life to the fullest in my thirties!
Much love to everyone!
Chelsea
The Heels
