Today was a relatively boring day at work, so no funny stories to tell here. Instead I thought I'd tell you all a little bit about what I've found out during this decade of life. When I was younger, I dreaded reaching the big 3-0. I hated the thought of being 30. I hated the thought of being "in my 30s" even more. It just sounded so old. Now that I'm creeping up on, dare I say it, my late 30s, I have to say that this decade hasn't been so bad.
Any of you who knew me in my younger years knows that I was very thin. Almost too thin, really. Of course I didn't think so then, but looking back I can see that now. I entered my 30s not at all thin. A desk job and 2 kids did a number on my figure. I spent a lot of time avoiding cameras and mirrors. Then one day, I sort of woke up. I realized that if I had spent even half the time doing something about it that I had spent complaining about it, I probably wouldn't be quite so fat. So, I did something. I put down the sodas and picked up the water. I started taking karate - with a bunch of younger people and shockingly discovered I could keep up with them. Even as out of shape as I was. I also started walking 30 minutes a day back and forth in front of the TV while I was catching up on the shows I had DVR'd. I also started watching what I eat. I still eat chocolate, just not as much. Now I'm down 25 pounds and I no longer avoid cameras or mirrors. I didn't really realize how different I looked until a couple of weeks ago. I was at lunch with a friend and we passed by the window of the restaurant where we were going to eat. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the window and I stopped dead in my tracks. I had to look for a few minutes to realize I was looking at myself. And I looked like me again. Well, not exactly like the younger version of me, but closer to that version than I had been in a long time. I'm finally happy with myself again and I attribute that to being in my 30s.
I've also learned that it's okay to have fun. Just because I'm in my 30s doesn't mean I'm dead. I still go out to bars with my friends every now and then and dance like crazy. I may not be the best dancer in the bar, but at least I'm out there laughing and having a good time. And I usually get hit on every time we're out. By younger men, too. Say what you will, but it makes me smile every time it happens.
Another thing I've learned is that life really is what you make it. Even when things seem like they can't get any worse, attitude is everything. I'm generally a pretty happy person. I have my days where I bitch and complain, but most of the time I have a smile. Even though venting does help, the faster I get over it and get on with it, the better I feel. I've learned not to sweat the small stuff. Milk will get spilled on the carpet, dishes will be broken, and Nintendo DS games will be lost. Deal with it and move on. It's not the end of the world.
Maybe the most important thing I've learned is that you can't make everyone happy all the time. You have to make yourself happy and everything else will fall into place. So I laugh until I cry as often as I can. Sometimes I spend money on new clothes or new shoes that I may not really need. I spring for a babysitter and have a girls night out every now and then. Most importantly, I surround myself with people who make me laugh.
All of these things I learned after I turned 30. There are a few other things I learned, but I'll keep this post G-rated. Any woman in her 30s that reads this will know what I'm talking about. HAHA!! My teens were full of fun and new experiences. My 20s were kind of my lost years. I got married, graduated college and started a real job, and became a mother. Somewhere during all of that, I lost myself. I was Byron's wife or Hunter and Katelyn's mom. Beth sort of disappeared. It wasn't until my 30s that I found myself again. And boy was I glad to see me.
So for any of you out there dreading reaching your 30s, or any of you that have already reached your 30s, don't be afraid of it. I've found it to be one of the most enlightening times of my life so far. Try new things, even if you think you can't. Don't think of yourself as old because you're not. Have fun and enjoy life. You only get to be this age one time so make the most of it. Go find yourself like I did. When you do, you'll be happy you looked. :)
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