So I turned 30 today. There I said it...the big 3-0, I am now a part of the 30 and over group, I can no longer check the box for "ages 20-29", my husband will no longer be married to a woman in her 20's, I'll probably start getting gray hair*, and now (since most of my friends and family are in their 30's) I officially get to join the cool kids club!
When I was a little kid, 30 seemed so "old". Everyone I knew who was in their 30's were just like my parents... and everyone knows that when you are kid your parents are soooo old! (sorry mom and dad!). I always thought by the time I was 30 I would have it all figured out, but that seems to be a general consensus.
A friend said to me the other day that the year she turned 30 was the worst year of her life. She felt like she had not accomplished any of her goals and she was not at all happy. I thought about this and realized that things in my life certainly did not turn out the way I thought they would. Sure, I hoped to be married by the big 3-0 and I am so lucky to have found my hubby (the most amazing guy any gal could ask for) but I also expected to be settled in a career, possibly have some kiddos, and be trucking along to the next big milestone.
Other than the hubby part, none of these things have happened...the career...I had to quit because of the Type I diabetes...the kiddos...well let's just say that is not likely to happen. But you will see no frown on my face. Although I am not where I expected to be when I turned 30, I am happy...
I am happy that I have a loving, supportive husband who puts up with me.
I am happy to be a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, home-maker, bee-keeper, baker, gardener, chicken wrangler, and as of recently a person who cans, or "puts up" her harvest.
I am happy that I am healthy and strong and managing my Type I diabetes with increasing ease.
I am happy to be at a point in my life where anything could happen.
And I am happy to be 30 (yes it's true).
I am also really happy about the chocolate stout cake baking in my oven as I write this...Happy Birthday to me!
Truly, isn't happiness all that really matters? Who says we have to have a blueprint for our life, age shouldn't be a milestone it should be a badge wear proudly. I intend to do so (ask me how I feel about that when I am turning 40!) Anticipation of what life will bring is an overwhelming feeling. I can't say that this decade will be the one where I figure everything out but I can truthfully say I am looking forward to seeing what the years ahead bring.
30 sure does look good from here.
*those of you who know me personally will undoubtedly get this joke about getting gray hair...for those of you who have never met me...I've had gray hair since I was in high school, so now you can feel free to laugh at my pun!
30 isn't that bad is it? Not having kids isn't that bad either. One thing I did learn in my thirties,I started to find the "real" me. It's a journey, enjoy! Happy Birthday!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLast month when I turned 30 I swear I thought my arm might fall off from being so old! But this month...30 doesn't seem so bad, in fact things seem a bit clearer and hopeful. I'm glad you posted this because it makes me feel so much better that someone else felt like I did and eased through it as well. Awesomeness is yet to come!
ReplyDeleteYou sound awesome Melissa. I enjoyed reading this post and spending time on your blog this morning. I have friends whose grandson was just diagnosed with Type 1 and I sent them a link to your blog. They have enjoyed it as well and it has given them solace.
ReplyDeleteI'm a "nature girl" too even though I'm scared of bugs and snakes. Well, I guess that disqualifies me, but I do love Nature. It is an endless loop of beauty and pleasure. Glad you liked my "shack." It is great to work here and feel a sense of relief when I walk in!
Don't worry about he age thing -- I am over 50 and I still feel very young and many say I act like the punk rocker I used to be -- though I hope that is not true. Have a beautiful day in the short rows.