LIFE: THREE DECADES OLD

As women, we have been conditioned to think that there is nothing more worrisome or scarier than turning 30. It’s that turning point where everything suddenly begins to go downhill…or so we’re made to believe.

Sure, I have a few wrinkles here and there (I like to call them laugh lines), I have a belly that refuses to flatten no matter what I do (I was basically pregnant for 2 years), it is so much harder losing weight now (hormones and a slowing metabolism, also eating all that chocolate probably doesn’t help), my hair is flat and lifeless and frizzes very easily (that damned baby hair!), I’ve definitely grown a few white hairs (I conceal it well), and let’s not get into my ridiculous complexion (I went from not owning any make up to having a drawer full of the stuff). 

So yes, that’s reality for you. But instead of worrying about all this stuff, I’m choosing to look at how my life got a whole lot better as I moved towards the big three-oh. I never really liked my twenties, and I think a huge part of it is that I’m not too fond of the person I was back then. In recent years though, I feel like I’ve finally grown into a person that I like and respect. I married my best friend, we are parents to two wonderfully infuriating toddlers, who keep us active and young, and life is altogether…good.

This year, my husband has outdone himself. I turned 30 while overlooking one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. Taking a hot air balloon ride in the ancient city of Cappadocia (Kapadokya as the locals call it), we ascended 800 meters into the skies and traveled over 25 kilometers from where we took off over the beautiful landscapes of Göreme. This was a dream of mine, and he helped make it come true on my 30th - not without a whole load of luck. A memorable birthday for sure and a glorious way to head into my third decade, along with what my husband likes to call my “third-decade humor”, i.e. super lame jokes. 

Now that I’m older and wiser - ahem - I feel more qualified to share with you a bit of wisdom. I realize now that birthdays aren’t an occasion meant to make you feel older. You’re the only one who can make yourself feel that. Rather, they are an excuse to celebrate with your loved ones and a reminder to you of all you’ve accomplished, how far you’ve come and the special people in your life. Don’t think of what’s missing, but of what you already have. Birthdays also give you a very valid reason to be the center of attention for at least this one day of the year. So, moving forward, let’s have a more positive outlook on life and not stress out about how old we’re getting. No need for all the drama. Drama belongs in one place, and one place only: television.

On that note, I’ve decided that my new year officially started on February 7, as I enter a new milestone and welcome my thirties with arms wide open!