8 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Dread Entering Your 30s

My 32nd birthday is here. I'm 2 years into my 30s (can't believe how quickly these 2 years have gone), and I've loved it so far. Turning 30 has been the making of me. It's allowed me to relax, take stock of everything, and embrace it rather than wallow in it. I know some are approaching the big 3-0 and are dreading the prospect of entering a new decade, a new era, a new whatever you want to call it. But it's honestly not that bad! There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn't dread entering your 30s.

Some of these reasons I am listing you may not agree with, or, as a 30-something yourself, may not have felt the same when you turned 30. Or you may be one of the lucky 30-year-olds who have their s**t together by now!

Here are some reasons why you shouldn't dread entering your 30s:

1) It's ok if you haven't got your life figured out yet

It's honestly ok if you haven't got your life figured out just yet. I know I haven't. I still live at home, have been single for years and still can't quite understand the concept of why some people hate cats (like seriously, what's wrong with you?!). I'm a firm believer that we all have our own paths, and my path is very different to that of my family or friends. I'd like to think that my life will be figured out eventually, but I'm all for living in the here and now, so I won't fret - and neither should you.

2) It's a good time to start over

Whether it be your 30s, 40s or 50s and beyond, a new decade is the perfect chance to start over. Try something new, take up a new hobby, change careers, travel more etc. I know you start new things at any age, but it just feels right to start something new when you reach a new era in your life.

3) Your 30s are WAY better than your 20s

It's true - your 30s are soooo much better than your 20s. When in your 20s, there's a somewhat societal pressure of having to be married, have kids, have your own home,and  own an air fryer before you turn 30. I know for a fact that when I reached 30, that societal pressure just seemed to ease off, and I've been able to enjoy my 30s more than I ever did in my 20s. Being in my 30s has felt more freeing, and I love that!

4) Your 20s are an uncomfortable phase

I found my 20s an uncomfortable phase. It felt like my friends were speeding past me on their own life paths. I felt like I was watching from a distance while I was moving along my path like a snail on crutches. I know I made made my biggest mitakes in my 20s. The good thing about entering my 30s two years ago is that I've learned from my mistakes and I will not be taking them with me as I travel through my 30s era.

5) Growing older is a privilege (well, for me it is)

Cystic Fibrosis has made me appreciate every speck of time I've been given. After my parents being told I wouldn't live past 18, I am now 14 years past my expiration date, and it's allowed me to appreciate the time I have been given and allowed me to think about my future. Be grateful for still being here and live your best life, that's all I'm saying.

6) You make the realisation that everyone else is winging it too

Let's face it, even if we do have our s**t together, we're always winging it somewhere along the line. There's no shame in that, my life has been winged and wanged for as long as I can remember. 

7) People will come to you for advice

I'm not sure I can offer the best advice, but it seems to be a thing that if you're older, you get asked for advice more often. I like it when somebody trusts me enough to ask for advice and/or feels comfortable enough to do so. As Joey in Friends would say "I am pretty wisdomous". 

8) You watch Disney/Pixar films in a different light

Those inside jokes that you didn't get when you were kid while watching a Disney or Pixar movie - you will now. 

These are some of the reasons you shouldn't fear turning 30.

If you are turning 30 soon, don't fret. It's honestly not that bad. You may even enjoy your 30s better than your 20s. Just embrace it, not shut it out.