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Today is my 31st birthday, and I honestly can’t believe where the year has gone. It has been a great year filled with me growing spiritually and trying to be the best I can be, but also been a hard year as well. I had always thought my 30’s sounded so old and so far away, and that I would be married and have kids at least by the time I was 30. God’s timing is always perfect, and I am glad that I didn’t rush into anything. There are things that I have learned this past year and experiences that have made me wiser. I am loving being in my 30’s and here is a recap of the first year in my 30’s.

Recap of the First Year in My 30’s

• Friend Group Gets Smaller and Tighter: One thing that I have realized over the past year is that you don’t always have to have the big group of friends like you have had in the past or even the same friends. Having your key small group of friends is perfectly ok. After several things I have been through this past year, you will always know who your true friends are and who steps up when times are not just fun, but real and rough as well. I would much rather have a small tight knit group who is there 24/7.
• Having Passion On Topics Is Normal: I used to steer clear on certain topics or ideas, and not feel comfortable to talk about them. I have learned this past year to have passion and do it in a kind and professional manner. It doesn’t matter if this is related to politics, religion, HR new rules that have come out, or a new idea that you have. You want to show that you care, what your thoughts are, and try to make the best and help in any way. I used to be more quiet, but someone is always going to not like your thought or view, so all you can do is stand by yours.
• Family, Friends and Faith Are What Really Matter: As I am 1 year into my 30’s, the silly things that would get my blood pressure up are not the things that are going to make a difference 5, 10 or even 30 years from now. It is the relationships and memories that you have with your friends and family and your faith. You have to put everything into perspective and know that it is not worth it to get that upset over a little something at work. We all make mistakes and are constantly learning. The relationships you make from those though is what will set you apart and have your day go more smooth.
• Yes, Your Body Changes and You Have to Work On It: The old saying your body starts changing after you hit 30, I feel like is so true. Collagen is so important and working your muscles so that they remain firm just like in your 20’s. I was just having a conversation about this with my friend, and I think it’s so true. I still have kept a workout routine 3 days a week for pilates/barre and walking some of the other days. This is important to blow off steam mentally and also of course physically as well.
• Knowing Yourself and Growing Internally: When I moved to my new place in May, I was no longer living with my best friend who I had lived with for almost 7 years. It was bitter sweet, but I have grown and know so much more about myself from living alone. I think this is so important as you get older to live alone and truly have some time for just yourself. You start to understand more of things that you like, don’t like, and just how to love yourself and be even more content. During the quiet times you have can be the best times to just relax and understand your strengths, weaknesses, and what God wants for you in your life.
• Laughing When Friends/Family Ask When You Are Settling Down: I think this is one of those things where it always gets old. At least when you turn 31 I feel like people don’t ask you this as much anymore. It still makes me laugh because everyone’s timing is different and as I stated in my 30 pieces of wisdom, life is too short to settle. People always want what they don’t have or wish they could switch places with someone for a day or so anyway. I am on a good path, and this year has already been great thus far.
• Staying In Is Something I Have Grown to Love: Don’t get me wrong I love to go out to eat at nice restaurants, drink fancy cocktails, travel and do activities, but staying in is perfectly fine as well. It is something that I have been doing for a while since I started working from home back in March. I know outside of the pandemic it would be a lot different, but even as things are opening up I still like being at home. I think being in isolation for 32 days when I had Covid months ago really taught me a lot and I learned to appreciate me time and being alone.
• It’s Ok to Say You Can’t Do Something/Need Help: If you are struggling with a project and need help then ask. Sometimes you can spin your wheels and you just need to ask for help. Also I have grown to be a big proponent also of saying “no” and that you can’t do something as well if you are overwhelmed. Not only physically but mentally you can get very overwhelmed, and it takes a toll on your body too. You can’t do all of the things and shouldn’t have to do all of the things. Everyone needs help and reaching another year in your 30’s is not to a point where you don’t rely on others and need them to help you out.
• Plan That Next Adventure: Even though this year was nuts, have something to look forward to and plan that next adventure. There are so many travel destinations that are on my bucket list that I can’t wait to go on. Schedule your vacation and detox and do that special activity that you have been wanting to do. Life is short and there is no other time like the present right !