13 Things I’m Thriving for in my 30s
Last week, I celebrated one of the many landmark birthdays which in hindsight is not as daunting as it once seemed. In light of my 30th, I was recently inspired by this Buzzfeed article, where the author [and myself as well] rewatched 13 Going On 30 and reflected on the lessons in the film to take into their own life. I wanted to play on this similar structure by instead of rehashing the namesake film and its vital lessons, I want to create a new list instead of focusing on what I want to specifically do now that I have entered a new decade:
Focus on Finances
I was lucky to have grown up in a financially stable household, so I was able to learn how to manage money at a young age. In my early teens and 20s, I worked jobs and learned the value of earning and saving money towards worthwhile purchases. These lessons will be more important than ever as I enter my 30s. It’s never too late to learn how to manage money - savings can help you in the long run. So set up that savings account, Roth IRA or CD - educate yourself on which account would work best for your bucks.
Take Care of Myself - Physically & Mentally
I am lumping these two together a they are equally important to emphasize. Within the last few years, I have gotten a grasp on my mental health by investing in online counseling. As for my physical health, I have started to head back to the gym and manage what I eat. With even these slight changes, the results have so far been beneficial.
Discover Something New
The phrase ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ in my personal opinion is outdated as society has proven time and time again that no matter what age you are, you learn something new. Start that long-lurking hobby that you have been eyeing, or learn something new; whether it’s in the pages of a book or through a screen - the world is bigger than your four walls. Keep an open mind because you might discover your next love.
Invest in Family
Don’t dwell on this one; without them, you would not be here. Call or text your mom(s) and/or dad(s). Snapchat your sister/brother or cousin. Call or write to your grandparents. If they are nearby, swing by for a visit or a family dinner. Enjoy their company and make memories that will last you a lifetime.
Travel more
Be sure to take every opportunity to travel to your dream destinations. If you have a bucket list for travel, don’t let anything stop you from completing your itinerary. Before you depart, be sure to save up some funds before your trip.
Treat Yourself
On my actual birthday, I felt the guilt of overspending on splurges for myself. Upon reflection, I have realized that it wasn’t guilt washing over me as much as it was joy.
Go after what you want
I have the mentality of not settling once you are at the top. Sure, take the time to celebrate those achievements/milestones, but also imagine what you could accomplish next. At this point in my life, I have to begin figuring out the next 5 - 10 years, as maybe someday I could be in a different role than where I currently am.
Self-Care
On my actual 30th last week, I took some time off of work to do some long-needed R&R. In the process, I invested in a substantial amount of skin-care products. In hindsight, the purchases were well worth it. I have found
Keep Learning
At my current job, I have the privilege of doing what I love every day. Every day, I yearn to learn something new with the programs that I use so I can, in turn, improve my craft and produce more noteworthy content. In the same vein, keeping my mind open to everything can help me learn a thing or two, which in turn, helps my mind stay sharp.
Give Back to those who helped you
This could range from honoring your family and friends to your mentors or employers/coworkers and/or your neighbors/community. Many people can you accredit and give back to. It can be in the simplest form such as a small gift of appreciation or maybe even volunteering for your community in a way that you enjoy.
Live your Life the way you want to
Our generation in my opinion and through the eyes of social media has ingrained in us that we have to get married, have kids, propel our careers to the top, etc. I have learned that life is not a race; enjoy it. Don’t want to have kids right now? Completely fine. Happy in a relationship with yourself? Totally acceptable. Not in love with your career trajectory? Change it. Live your life the way you want it, not how society structures you to.
Be proud of yourself
This is a lesson that I am still learning even today. Whether it’s getting the raise/promotion that you wanted, finishing a degree, or completing that arts and crafts hobby project that you have been working on, celebrate this and any accomplishment. It is a step up on the stairs of life - it gives you perspective to look back at how far you have come.
Love Yourself
Finally, this lesson can not only be true as you enter a new decade, let alone another trip around the sun. Loving yourself is a lesson we have to relearn every day and secure into our consciousness. It’s important to remind yourself every day that you are in fact worth it - always remember your worth.
As I enter this new decade of life, I want to live it to the fullest. Not only 30, Flirty and Thriving today (or on my birthday) but living this mantra every day.
