Why Turning 30 Doesn’t Have To Be Scary | 30 Life Lessons

As daunting as it may seem, turning 30 doesn’t need to be scary.

We all remember that episodes of Friends where they turn 30, right?

“It’s better to be over the hill than under it.” (cue Rachel crying after reading the Birthday card).

While I didn’t freak out the way most of them did, I can say that thinking about that number was daunting. I think most of us, when we were “younger,” thought turning 30 meant you were getting old.

And while we certainly grow wiser (hopefully) and keep trekking on in this thing called life, it’s important to remember how far you’ve come.

Appreciate Where You Are In This 30 Year Journey

I think it’s easy to look back and think “I didn’t do nearly enough.”

“I should be much further in my career and goals.”

“I should have had kids already.”

But remember, this is your life and no one else’s. It will look different for each one of us.

Our paths and timelines are completely different, so just appreciate where you’re at and how far you’ve come.

I decided it would be fun to share with you thirty things I’ve learned over the last many years of my life:

1. God’s ways are not our ways. It’s not just a quote to me anymore, I actually learned this.
2. Disney movies will always make you feel better.
3. Traveling is good for the soul.
4. Reading is one of the most underutilized tools out there.
5. Kindness is so important.
6. You can never have too many throw pillows.
7. Supporting others changes the world.
8. Organization and decluttering won’t work for you until you get to the “why” of it all.
9. Complaining about the weather never made anyone’s day better.
10. When in doubt, pray. Pray all the time, no matter how you feel.
11. You can never spend too much time at Hobby Lobby.
12. No matter how much technology we have, nothing will ever beat a handwritten letter or note.
13. If you’re shopping and you find something that really speaks to you, buy it or when you come back, it will be gone.
14. Ending a toxic relationship doesn’t make you a bad person.
15. If you don’t learn discipline, you’ll never get anywhere in life.
16. Writing down your goals is crucial to achieving them.
17. You’re allowed to say “No.”
18. You should be able to celebrate someone else’s success without questioning your own.
19. You can’t watch High School Musical and not feel some ounce of joy. (Don’t judge me ;P).
20. It’s okay to ask for help; we’re not meant to do everything ourselves.
21. You don’t need a reason to go to the mall.
22. A good marriage doesn’t just “happen.” It takes work, and it’s always worth it.
23. Chocolate doesn’t ask questions, chocolate understands.
24. It’s okay to be obsessed with the things that bring you joy.
25. The plans God has for us are not just about us. There is a bigger picture, and we are just one piece of the puzzle.
26. Life is too short to hang around negative people.
27. Sometimes you just need a MacDonald’s run.
28. Money is not the root of all evil. The love of money is. There’s a difference.
29. Gratitude can change your life – you go from “I have to” to “I get to.”
30. Until you stop comparing yourself to others, you will never be able to step into the calling God has on your life.

Each Year is an Opportunity to Reflect and Grow

I’m sure I could’ve come up with many more, but these were the ones that came up as I was brainstorming and thinking back on my life.

I’ve done a lot of reading and learning the last few years, and this process of self-discovery has been monumental in shaping me into the person I am today.

God has delivered me from so much, blessed me tremendously and continues to guide me in every endeavor I have encountered.

Related: Here Are Eight Reasons Why You Need To Read Self-Help Books

When we’re sixteen, thirty seems really old. Then as we get closer to that age, thirty just seems a little scary.

I remember watching “13 Going on 30” and having no idea how quickly it would be my turn to become “30, flirty and thriving.” If only it were as simple right?

Every Stage of Life is Different and 30 Doesn’t Need To Be Scary

Of course, what the movies and social media don’t always tell you is that there are often very mundane, unglamorous moments no matter how life-altering turning 30 may seem.

Perhaps you’re still far from this number, or maybe you’re years passed. Wherever you’re at, just know that the number doesn’t define who you are.

It merely reflects where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. It doesn’t mean you’ve “missed out” on anything or that you’re “too late.”

If you’re still here on this earth, it’s never too late.

So whatever you’re passionate about, whatever is on your heart today, go after it.

Turning thirty doesn’t need to be scary.

In fact, it can be the year you finally accept yourself exactly as you are without apologies.