Turning 30 shouldn’t feel depressing. After all, I’m entering my 31st year. If there was a time to be depressed it was last year. Don’t get mad at me 29 year olds, I’m only joking. Plus, as my stepdad duly notes, you have two options in life – get older or kick the bucket. Putting it that way, aging isn’t so bad at all. Shouldn’t we instead focus on how amazing it is that we are still living after all these years? That’s a lot of heartbeats!
I planned on writing one of those 20 things I learned in my 20’s posts, but I got to the third lesson and quit. It was like pulling teeth (and this was after I told Eric that thinking of 20 lessons would be “easy”). Maybe I need more time to process the last 10 years…
My best friend Allison always makes me laugh, especially when she reflects on our current age. This year she said, “I don’t know about you but I always think of myself as about 22 (until I meet an actual 22 year old and then I’m like, whoa I’m definitely 30, haha).”
Girl kills me!
Eric and I went on a road trip to the Niagara region on my birthday this past Thursday – for once the weather was hot and sunny! We stopped into the outlets in Buffalo for the morning and I found myself gasping at how short the shorts are “these days”. Were they always that short? Did I ever pull this off? When did I start saying “these days”. Also, who is fitting into these annoying Super Skinny Jeans? As if regular skinny jeans weren’t torture enough. I couldn’t even get some of the jeans half way up my calves. I’m going to start a line of jeans called Runner’s Legz.
Yup, I’m officially in my 30’s. At least, articles like this remind me that I’m not alone in my time warp!
It’s been a great decade though, even in spite of all the self-doubt and uncertainty. Thankfully, I remember the ups much more than the downs. I earned an Undergraduate and Master’s degree, married my best friend, moved a handful of times, traveled a bit, turned a passion into a business, and wrote my first book. I’d love to be able to tell you that I feel like I’ve conquered my inner demons and emotional baggage so I can start my 30’s with a clean slate, but that feels far from the truth. I still feel like there is a lot I need to overcome on a personal level. It’s an ever-evolving process. There are so many unknowns about what the next decade will bring, but I do know that I’m excited for the adventure to continue.
and now it’s time to celebrate!
Happy, happy birthday Angela! I so enjoy your blog and your take on life and nutrition. As someone who is older than you, please enjoy the moment. I do look back on my thirties as a time of growth and conquering fears. But I do have a tradition that my husband plays along with. I celebrate my birthday for at least a week. I stretch out celebrations with family, friends and coworkers to enjoy this special moment in my life. I would encourage you and everyone else to do the same. As your stepfather said, we do have the alternative.
When I was in my twenties I had a bunch of older female friends in their thirties who consistently told me that the thirties were the best years of their lives. I didn’t believe them, but now, at thirty-three, I’m reading your post, reflecting and realizing that they were indeed correct (so far as I can tell at this point). The last three and a half years have been great. Seriously. I think you’ve got a lot to look forward to :)
Happy Birthday!
I’ve often heard that too – glad to know you agree! :)
You look way too young to be worried about anyone guessing you are in your 30’s. Darn, Angela you have aged so well I’m sure you’ll be carded in the states (Canadian’s don’t seem so strict) for the next few decades! Come down here if you want to be reminded how young you are!
HAPPY Birthday!
I’ll be honest I might be more excited for my 30’s than you are.. I’d like to skip the whole next ten years of arguing and straying from the parents, suffering and panicking about making my major “life decisions” (i.e. is this job going to be the rest of my life?; should I stay around to marry him?). I understand that this should be the most exciting part of my life and “these challenges are really going to mold me into the person I’ll become,” but it straight up sucks. So lucky you! Yay! You got through part two of “life” high school.
Happy belated birthday to the blogger who inspired me to start blogging and helped me through the final stages of recovery from over 12 years of eating disorders. Empowering, beautiful, strong and truly awesome no matter what the age :)
Happy belated Birthday!
And LOL on the short shorts. I see them all the time and think…ummm…no.
Happy Birthday Angela. You sound like you’re right where you’re supposed to be. I really enjoyed turning 30 and there’s a certain confidence that comes with it. Enjoy all the celebrations and the fun to come x
Happy Birthday! I loved this post. I am 31 and I can completely identify with everything you said. It is good to know we are not alone in our thinking. Thanks for sharing.
I was always scared of aging-until my 15 year old cousin, 25 year old cousin, and uncles in their 50’s took their last breath. That was a reality check that stopped us all in our tracks.
Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.
— UNKNOWN
We are incredibly blessed to be experiencing this journey we call life. Thank you for this post. It was truly inspiring.
Happy Birthday.
Awwwwww Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration, and I so look forward to meeting you next week!!
Happy Happy Birthday! I love the “i feel like I’m 22 until i hang out with a 22 year old” comment. I completely get that. I also turn 30 years old this year and surprisingly I’m not that scared… except for the fact that I found 2 grey hairs in the past week!! Enjoy this new clean decade!!
Yours was the first healthy-eating blog I started reading a few years ago -and over the years you’ve introduced me to so many wonderful foods and a new way of thinking of diet/exercise/mindfulness. For that, I thank you and wish you a very happy birthday!
I hope this doesn’t sound creepy, but you’re such a sweetheart and by the way one of my greatest idols (OK it does sound creepy…). A very happy, belated birthday and all the warmest wishes for the next year of your life!
Lara
Happy B-Day. I thought 30 was a great year for myself. That is when the light bulb finally when on for me. :) Obviously you got it together way before then. How your B-Day was a great one. :)
Happy Birthday Angela!! The best is yet to come! And yes the shorts are getting shorter every year. It’s like the new cleavage is the ass cheek lol :)
enjoy every minute of your birthday, angela, you deserve it! you’re an amazing person and a hard worker, and thats just what i can tell from the little bit i see of you on your blog! and thanks for all the delicious recipes :)
Happy Birthday! But I saw this and thought “she’s only 30!?!”
You’ve accomplished so much and it’s been so fun reading your blog the last few years!
And yes – please make “runners legz” jeans LOL
The happiest of birthdays to you! I hit 40 a while back and I really CANNOT believe it. That being said, it’s better than the alternative (as your step dad aptly notes). The upside is, we are gaining wisdom and knowledge of self as we age and that’s pretty nice.
I also cannot believe how short the shorts are now! ;)
Jo
http://www.womaninreallife.blogspot.ca/
I’m 46 and still think I’m 22 too…until I realize my oldest son is 23!! My 20’s were very stressful, my 30’s were awesome and my 40’s are over the top awesome! My last baby is graduating for high school this week! It’s very emotional for me to know that all my babies are grown! But at 46, I’m feeling 22 again because I have all kinds of time on my hands for me and my husband!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday! Great post- a nice reminder to us all. :)
Angela, age is just a number but a birthday is something to celebrate!
I don’t keep track of the number on the calendar. I will have to go check my license and get back to you on the actual age.
That being said I am a BIG believer in birthdays. It is your day and should be all about you.
That could be as simple as splurging on a takeout coffee (or tea), or going bigger and splurging on a designer purse.
This is the day that while you still may have responsibilities you also try to keep it fun.
Whenever possible eat your favorites, wear your best outfit, and use these excuse to hang out with all of your friends.
I hope you enjoyed and have many more to come!