My 32nd birthday is quickly approaching, which has me reflecting on life in my thirties the past couple of years. Now, with only turning 32, a large part of my thirties has been lived through this coronavirus pandemic, which means way less in-person events, a couple of school shutdowns, more Zoom calls than I could imagine, and even a family quarantine thrown in there.
In my thirties, I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of this mom thing. Our son sleeps through the night, he’s potty trained, he knows where his snacks are, and how to get his own water. I have a great job and a successful side hustle (after a couple not so successful ones). This pandemic and the recent presidential election have shown me people’s true colors. My self-care game is stronger than ever, although not perfect. And we have an amazing family vacation planned later this year, depending on this whole pandemic situation, obviously.
Don’t get me wrong, my twenties had some pretty great events too. I graduated college and became nationally certified in my career field. My husband and I married and welcomed our son into the world. I started work at an amazing job with people who truly care about and value me. I’ve nurtured little baby relationships into some of the best relationships of my life right now.
My thirties have had their share of downs, too, but as you’ll see here, I don’t like to focus on the negativity. It just brings everything down. Good or bad, I am thankful for every last bit of it.
So, what have I done to help love life in my thirties? Here are some tips I live by:
- Some people just aren’t worth the effort.
Turn around and walk away. Keep on scrolling. Cordially remove yourself from a situation. This one is easy-peasy, but it can take some time to build up to, depending on your personality. Simply put… thank you, next.
- Be passionate about something.
You don’t have to be spammy and make everything (online and in-person) about your passion, whether it’s a cause, a product, or a particular way of life. We get it, but we also know there’s more to you than this, and we want to see that, too. And here’s the kicker – if sharing your passion leads you to anger, you’re doing it wrong.
- Look at how someone treats others to find out who they truly are.
Check out their comments on social media to get an idea on this one, especially since it’s harder to see people in person right now. Do they stoke the fire? Can they respond to constructive comments without name-calling and anger? Are they willing to share facts and points of view respectfully? Can they sit down and have an adult conversation without storming off like a three-year-old having a tantrum? If they can’t, I don’t waste my time with it.
- Your whole life doesn’t have to be posted online.
I don’t need to know you are brushing your teeth. I trust you do that already, twice a day. Do you really need to post that on social media? The phrase “pictures or it didn’t happen” really doesn’t apply to everything. I promise.
When you try to be accepted by everyone, you reject yourself. Let go of things that don’t serve you. You might not realize it, but it drains your energy. You will feel so much better just letting it go.
I am loving where my thirties are taking me, and I’m looking forward to the rest of this decade.
And if anyone can get me an advanced screening of season 2 of Bridgerton for my birthday, I’d love you forever.
What would you say has been the best period of your life so far?
You can follow along with Claire and all of her motherhood adventures on IG at clairewritesthat.
