turning 31. goodness.

[prosewitch]

Today's my birthday! And... where did the last year go? I feel like being 30 was pretty awesome, but I'm not sure how to approach being 31. It's a different thing to turn 30 than to be in one's 30s, if that makes any sense

Comments

[dividedbyzero]

Oh...it really is your birthday. :)

Happy birthday!

At 39, I'm still working on figuring my life out. What I have figured out is that anyone that tells you they have it all figured out is full of shit. Anyone that looks like they have it all together from the outside is probably struggling on the inside.

It just seems to be the way it is.

[prosewitch]

Thank you! And yes, I'll take that to heart. It amazes me sometimes that people think I've got things figured out.

[dividedbyzero]

They think that because you probably do look like you have it all together to anyone that sees you in any sort of non-internet only sort of way. :) You're young, beautiful, a newlywed, you have a hobby/activity/community that you love and that loves you back, and you have your doctorate. From the outside, to those that don't see your angst, you are frickin' top dog.

See what I mean? :)

Everyone struggles. Having followed you for years now, I'm pretty sure you'll get past this and do fine. In the meantime, people that don't see your words here or aren't privy to your thoughts won't know how you struggle...and that's ok. They'll think what they want...and in the grand scheme of things, those people don't matter anyway.

Hope your birthday was fantastic!

[prosewitch]

I guess you make some good points. Like most people, I have trouble getting out of my head and forming a more objective opinion on myself and my accomplishments. From the inside of my head, it's all muddled and I'm just another thirty-something who hasn't figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.

[oboegoddess]

Happy birthday! It won't be long until I turn 31, and I'm already feeling a bit apprehensive. Turning 30 was one thing, but being 31 does feel like the official first step into my 30s, so I can see where you're coming from there.

[prosewitch]

Thanks! So far, so good with being 31.

[greatljname]

It definitely makes sense. For me turning 31 was symbolic of moving on from the insecurities that I focused too hard on in my 20s, and instead eagerly approach life with confidence and focus. There are good and bad, but some things you're doing that are healthful for your mind and spirit are eating well, exercising, and making sure you experience new things all the time. You're taking an active role in your well-being, which will serve you well for the rest of your life.

As for feeling transitional despite doing a lot, that's a good thing. You're still eager to learn about yourself, engage with other people, and not allow yourself to settle for less. Some of the most interesting people I know have been in a constant transitional state, but maintain a certain comfort in that. They don't figure out where they belong, but instead make wherever they are belong to them.

[prosewitch]

Yes, I can see what you're saying. I'm also glad to be beyond some of the insecurities of my 20s, like basic social anxieties and wondering whether I'd be able to make friends in new environments.

I'm trying to think of this transitional time as something that isn't automatically bad. But since it's not where I'd initially wanted to be, it's hard work to maintain a positive mindset.

[d_c_m]

Congrats on being 31!!!!! :) You are gosh darned awesome and don't you forget it.

[prosewitch]

Thank you so much! I'm happy to count you as a friend! :)