Lately I have felt like time is moving really, really fast. Maybe this has something to do with my upcoming 30th birthday?! Nah, I love helplessly witnessing the somewhat painful death of my twenty-something existence. I do!
Wait, whaaaat? Stop the music.
I’m gonna be THIRTY??
I’m sorry, folks, but I’m not exactly joyous about this. So sue me. I’m not suicidal. I don’t want to lie to people about my age like those crazy old MILFs on TV. I’m just not doing a somersault over it.
I have been masking my discontent by attempting to ignore all references to my birthday, the month of May, and the number 30. So far, it hasn’t worked. We’re still inching closer to May 6th, and I’m convinced my wall calendar is mocking me.
I don’t have plans to parade around the city with a crown on my head yelling, “Hey, everyone! I’m thirty!” By the way, I hate when people do that. Everyone has birthdays. You aren’t special.
If I had my way, I’d like to stay 29. Forever 29. But, because that cannot be, I’ve decided that the only way to help my overwhelming anxiety about aging, life, and the ever-present ticking biological clock is to take…
BABY STEPS.
This is my motto from now on. Baby steps.
One day at a time, one task at a time, one birthday at a time, one moment at a time. Life is moving fast enough as it is without my fretting over so many things that have yet to happen.
I have been blessed with some amazing opportunities and experiences thus far. On to the next one…
Of course you can’t discuss Baby Steps without referencing What About Bob? Here you go!
Anyone else feel overwhelmed at times? Join me in the Baby Steps Program! 🙂
More Than Rubies
Hi Carly – I hear you on the turning-30 thing. I turned 30 a few weeks ago and while it wasn't as traumatizing as I imagined it to be, it was somewhat unnerving. But as soon as I realized how loved I am, it all went away and I'm feeling really confident in who I am. Have a GREAT birthday!
Alena
I'm turning 30 in September – – I'm not bothered by it, but I'm sick of people saying things to try and make me feel bothered by it!! I will join you in the baby steps 🙂
momentspassslow
Oh!! hahaha! I was reading your post and I was like she BETTER reference what about bob!! That is one of my families all-time favorite movies. I typically hate watching movies more then once but that one I could def watch a million times … I'm Saaaaaaailing!
Anywho, baby steps is a great way to approach life and your upcoming birthday. Birthdays are just a celebration of another year of fun coming your way!
Chic 'n Cheap Living
Baby steps is such a great approach. Take it from this over 30 lady – there is still a lot of life to live my dear! That and who knows what good surprises lie ahead?
xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
Maya
I definitely feel you on the turning 30 panic– I'll be 30 in November and I'm trying not to think about it too much 🙂 But I also think about how amazing my 20s were and how much more I have to look forward to and that's kind of awesome. And I like to remind myself that getting older is a privilege, not a birthright. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but some people, for so many tragic reasons, don't get to see their 30th birthday or 40th birthday or 50th birthday, etc. Each birthday is a reminder that you've made it!
Woman Warrior
I think Baby Steps is a great program! It should hopefully help reduce some of your anxiety about future things and may also help you to fully enjoy every moment as it happens. It's so hard not to get caught up in the rapids of life but making a conscious effort to slow down and take one step, one project, one milestone at a time sounds like the perfect thing to do. I'll join you in this program and we can help each other slow down! 🙂
honey my heart
i'm definitely on board w/ the baby steps program 🙂
Lea
I'm turning the 3-0 in May also. It's crazy how fast time seems to be flying by. I'm with you on the baby steps program. 🙂
fromscratchblog
Just last night I said to by husband, "wow..I'm going to be 29 this year. 29 is really close to 30. REALLY close." So, yeah….I feel you. Baby steps.
Penny
Just to encourage you… the thirties are A+, in my opinion. I can hold my liquor, no more crazy relationships, old enough to be taken seriously, and life just feels good – with a lot less drama. 30's pretty great!
kimberly michelle
Working on a college campus, I really have started to appreciate how pretty 30 is! I listen to the inane and meaningless conversations of co-ed's, watch the drama, and think about how frantic and crazy life was. And it was fun… but I'm happy where I am 🙂 AND… I don't look as old as I thought I would at 30!!!!
Layla
I didn't mind turning 30 (25, on the other hand? TOTALLY FREAKED), but I don't love being in my 30's. So many people say, "the 30's are SO much better than your 20's – it's so liberating and blah blah blah" but honestly? They've been more difficult for me than my 20's. Mainly because even though I didn't have a path in my 20's, it was smooth sailing…I was moving along, having fun but also succeeding at work, had my health, my youth. Now, I'm struggling with my purpose in life, career, trying to define who I am, where I'm supposed to be, and what I'm supposed to be doing, because I feel RUSHED. I hate that feeling. And it seems that time is moving much faster than it did in my last decade. I do not like this.
So yeah, I didn't freak over my 30th birthday. It's been more of a slow creep over the past three years and I'd really like for time to just SLOW DOWN already.
Jade
I was definitely freaked about turning 30. In the months leading up to my birthday, I was worrying about all kinds of things (whether my eggs were getting too old, whether I had a good enough job, wondering when the heck BF is planning on proposing) — basically wondering whether I had accomplished enough in my life to pass into the threshold of 30-year old adult. I might have even cried on my birthday while celebrating in Vegas. But honestly, now, I'm just over it. I definitely tend to make a big deal out of things when they really aren't. It's always been my nature to over-react to things. 29 was definitely a great time for me to assess how far I actually have come in my life. It also made me realize that now, I'm just more mature and have the capability to appreciate everything else to come.
-J.Darling
I freaked out a bit about turning 30. I set some big goals I wanted to meet before I turned 30, etc.
Now, here I am at 31 (almost 31 1/2) and here's what I've learned:
I'm way more comfortable in my own skin now. I am what I am, and that's okay. It doesn't mean I don't constantly work towards my goals (losing weight, creating a family, becoming a writer, etc). But I don't feel like I'm worthless as a woman or my life will end or there is something inherently defective about me anymore. Sure, we're ALL "defective". None so much more than another
If my experience is anything like a standard reaction, I have this peice of advice: Ride out whatever emotions you're feeling now, but focus on the good that you have in your life. Maybe make a list of 30 people or things you're grateful for before your birthday? Take 30 days to do it, and pick 1 thing/day. (I'd love to see it on your blog, if you decide to post it!) It can help you keep a healthy perspective, and on your 30th, and beyond, you may realize just how much love and goodness you're surrounded by. 🙂
this too shall pass. hang in there.