Thirties just hit differently. It’s the new twenties really! It’s such an interesting time if you aren’t settled down. Growing up, I remember thinking by 25 I’d be married and have a great job. The real picket fence hallmark movie life. Live in delulu with me here! It’s realizing that the life you dreamed of as a little girl may not unfold the way you imagined. Not because you didn’t want it enough. Not because you didn’t try hard enough. But because life had a different path for you. The reality is I’m 31, not married, and as of recently blindsided by a layoff. Not even mad that it happened, but am a little salty about how they went about it. Stress levels are way down though, so— what’s the saying “when one door closes, another door opens” or is it a window? Either way, here’s to that opening door/window. Clearly the thought of where I’d be is so far the other direction to where I am. We’re talking day and night, ying and yang, insert anything else polar opposite.
It’s the quiet ache you don’t talk about, but it’s there lingering beneath the surface. It’s the soft pull between where you are and where you imagined you’d be by now. It’s watching friends celebrate milestones— marriages, promotions, babies while you’re still searching for solid ground. Always excited with a pregnancy announcement or a milestone, we encourage it!! I love a good celebration! And what are us non-settled 30-year-olds doing, probably booking a flight or playing with our friends’ kids. Or just doing something spontaneous. Aunting on a next level. It’s really taken off, and it’s a different type of privilege and joy. I mean where I thought this blog was going isn’t even where it ended up, that’s how thriving we are.
It’s often common to reflect on life’s direction and purpose, leading to questions about relationships, career, and personal fulfillment. I can’t deny that I haven’t had those questions come to mind. The question of if I had done something different, would I be married, have a job, etc. Do I need to change something now, for it to take off? Is there something wrong with me that it isn’t happening? The question of if I failed at life sneaks in and it’s quite normal for it to sneak in. Don’t take what I’m saying the wrong way or that I hate my life, I truly enjoy it and the memories I’ve been able to make. If you asked me if I’d change any part of it, my answer would be these blue chucks I wore in high school playing basketball. That was crazy. It’s normal to have these questions in case anyone thinks it isn’t normal or thinks their life isn’t thriving, because it is. Mine is. It just doesn’t look like what society says it should look like or follow that timeline. Was never one good at following timelines. Here’s to the thirties hitting differently…
Slow Burn 