I still don’t believe that I am in my 30s, but here we are. Just thriving, learning, and living at the ripe old age of 31 slowly but surely approaching 32. My 20s were a gigantic emotional rollercoaster filled with career changes, moving all over the east coast, falling in and out of love, and trying to navigate it all without falling apart – oh and to add in friendship and family drama, it was a never ending spiral of things to worry about.
My 30’s, this year and half has been different. I don’t know if it’s an actual physical shift that happens after you hit 30 or if saying “I’m 30” enough sets of triggers to make you act a certain way… Whatever it is, I have changed a bunch in these 500 or so days. I was absolutely terrified about turning 30, even more so 31, but it really isn’t as bad as you think it is.
Here are 10 things I’ve learned to do in my 30s.
Not Let Petty Issues Bother Me
In my 20s, throughout college and my early career, I genuinely cared so much about everything. If something happened, I was invested and needed to solve it, even if it wasn’t my issue to solve. Someone didn’t like me? I lost days of sleep trying to figure out why and what I can do to fix it. But in reality? It doesn’t matter. Letting situations that are out of your control bother you takes up too much space in your head and leaves less time to focus on important things that you really care out. In my 30s, it is what it is, I offer my two cents, share my opinion, and then leave things where they are. I don’t carry work issues out of work, I don’t talk about friend drama with other friends, I don’t overract when others overreact. Living in your own lane is an incredible thing.
Appreciate What is Mine
The universe has an incredible way of giving you exactly what you need exactly when you need it, even if you don’t think you need what you actually need. Are you following? This one took me a bit, but probably the best thing I’ve learned to do so far in my 30+ years of living on this crazy planet. There’s no need to wish for more when you have enough. Sometimes I was blinded by what I didn’t have that I didn’t truly see what was right in front of me. I can honestly say that I am so blessed to have the life I have and am so thankful for every person that has come and gone from my life, come and stayed in my life, or has been there by my side through it all.
Let Go of What isn’t Mine
So you know the universe gives you what you need, well guess what? It also takes away what you don’t need. One of the toughest things I’ve had to come to terms with is that peoples, places, and things that come into your life and sometimes not meant to last forever. Letting go of what isn’t mine has allowed me to spend more time appreciating what is currently in my life, because it can be taken at any moment. Friendships change and evolve, sometimes dissolve. Relationships fall apart. Promises are broken. Lots of let downs happen, but knowing that if that person leaves your life, it’s because they aren’t meant to be there.
Life Milestones Adults Should Be Celebrating.
I just had to fill out a survey for “life milestones” that I have completed or anticipate completing in the past and upcoming year. Just a few questions included were : Did you buy a home? Are you pregnant? Did you have a baby? Are you planning a wedding? Do you plan or planning a…
Ignore People Who Suck
Literally, everyone sucks. For one reason or another, it’s finding out who doesn’t and keeping them in your circle. I learned to not be ashamed of letting people fall out of my life if there is not place in my life for them and if they are not bringing any sort of positivity to the table.
Not Care About Social Media
Social Media is beyond fabricated and I’ve always had a pretty realistic view of social media, in that it’s very curated. But not until recently have I truly understood how manipulated social media is and that it’s important in everyone’s life is terrifying. I know I’ve personally pulled back on posting on social media, but also not cared what I was posting. When I was actively growing my page in the Jeep World, I would work with photographers and get gorgeous images of my Jeep and myself to post to gain followers, but I only posted pictures I thought were perfect. Now, I post pictures of me being an absolute idiot with my boyfriend. My page is private and I post what makes me smile, it’s for me and no one else and no one’s opinions on it matter!
Live in the Moment
In my 20s I packed out my scheduled more so than I do now, which is terrifying, but I was so focused on making money and being able to support my lifestyle that I overlooked some incredible people and some amazing opportunities by being so focused on myself. I guess you can say it worked out because I now make more money annually than I ever imagined making at this age and have created a life that I wouldn’t trade for the world, but I really am able to appreciate every moment because of how caught up with everything I was in my 20s.
Hug My Parents and Loved Ones Extra
There’s no need for explanation here. Life is short.
5 Reasons Why A Social Media Break Can Change Your Life
Let’s be real here, real quick… Social Media can completely take over and consume our thoughts. That’s actually what it is designed to do – it’s designed to be an addiction. It’s scary to think about, but it really does have to be acknowledged. The negative side of Social Media pops its ugly head into…
Raise My 401k Deductions and the Importance of Tax Free Gains
I wish I maxed out all my retirement funds sooner. This was actually a lesson in my 20s but I still wish it was sooner. Taking advantage of company matching 401ks is a must. Taking advantage of life insurance, huge plus. Letting my money work for me has been a game changer. Another thing I learned that should have it’s own, but will just be a nugget for those who read this far, know your worth. There is a reason that my annual salary jumped over 6 figures overnight, you have to know what you are worth and get it. I wish I learned that sooner.
Do What I Love
Being miserable at a job is not worth any amount of money that you will make. I have learned that it is easy to make money and that you can find ways to make money that you wouldn’t even think of. I never knew that I could take the sport I love and start to make a supplemental salary off of it along with my day job. Not only does that make me a happier person, but I love my life because I look forward to what I do every day and that’s an incredible feeling. I always wonder what would of happened if I took this leap earlier in my 20s, how would my life be different?
Not Care Because No One Knows What They’re Doing
This one took me by surprise but it’s one of the most valuable things I’ve learned in my 30s. Not necessarily learned because this is said frequently, but actually learned to know that it is 100% true. No one knows what they are doing. Literally no one. Everyones trying to figure it out and so am I. That’s the beauty of being 30, I have no idea about where my life is going to go anymore and that doesn’t matter because I know whatever happens is meant to be. It will workout how its supposed to and I will figure it out just like everyone before me has and everyone after me will continue to do.
Teena Fey 