So I'm finally going to cash in on the long awaited age post--thanks for the reminder Heather!
Hub and I just returned from a trip down to our home town---that was equal parts comforting and restoring. However the time BEFORE that a few weeks ago, definitely had me thinking about age--as in recognizing that we (my friends and I) aren't exactly the spring chicks that we used to be (not that most of us were ever the type to really think that anyway.....). Last time I drove home was a solo trip and as I drove into town I stopped for gas and a quick bite to eat from Taco Bell (do as I say, not as I do health students....). My first reminder of the fact that I've actually "made it" into a different age category in life occurred when I stopped for gas and asked the 20yo attendant how he was that particular night. He responded with a smile that he was" young and broke"....and I had to pause for a second, evaluate my life, and then respond with "yes, I remember those days...." The second stop through the drive through also made me pause when I realized just how incredibly young 15-16 years old looks these days, as I drove through the drive thru window.
This particular trip home I met one of my high school best friends for breakfast and we chatted about all things: life, love, work....and the pursuit of all of the above. One thing we also tend to chat about these days is age....as in the fact that we now actually are given respect in our jobs and younger students seem to grant more authoritative power with age. We no longer necessarily have to prove ourselves in our jobs, as we've finally reached an age where people seem to expect that we do actually know what we are doing. This trip also took me back to my old high school for a local fundraising event where I again re-gained perspective on what 16 actually looks like and saw many of my former students already legally able to drink. Trips home can almost always put age into perspective.
My gal and I have also talked about the addition of a few wrinkles and some extra pounds..of which I now have a few more implications of age under my eyes. But in reality, while many of my friends are bemoaning turning 30---this year I'm feeling much more welcoming of this particular birthday. 25 was incredibly difficult for me, but 30 I am attempting to embrace.....and these are some of the reasons why:
While not everything in life is perfect and I still have moments of 16yo insecurity, I am actually quite happy with many aspects of my life as I head into 30. I can run farther and swim longer continuously as I head into 30 than I could at 18. I've come to realize that my body has never been capable of a truly flat stomach, but I can embrace where it is at and for the most part feel comfortable in a two piece. I'm proud of maintaining and improving upon my physical health as my age has increased rather than allowing the reverse to occur. As I head into 30, I'm more comfortable in my role in my family. I've provided how I could and recognize the importance of my family connections, while also finally recognizing that my family doesn't have to define or 100% truly accept me. As I head into 30, I'm thankful for my chosen career path and the occupations that have allowed me to get to where I am. My resume and education is solid enough that I feel comfortable in my chosen areas.....and I'm incredibly fulfilled in my chosen field. I feel fortunate to have studied and received degrees in areas that are practical and yet also passions of mine. At 30, I see the connections I've maintained throughout my life and new connections developing all the time, and I feel so fortunate for my friends, colleagues, and aquaintances who continue to be ever present in my life. As I head into 30, I also continue to recognize that while I don't give Him enough credit....so much credit is truly due to the one who has guided my life through all of my good and bad choices....allowing me to arrive (mainly) settled where I am...and yet knowing He will continue to provide in the moments and years ahead.
So when there's so much good about 30......how can one bemoan the passing of another decade? Especially as I'm in a stage where I'm ready to embrace that which the 30s can offer. So while I still have months before the official transfer occurs....cheers to the next decade ahead! May it offer each of us more moments of beautiful, more opportunities to give, more moments of complete forgiveness, and plenty of fulfillment. :)
Hub and I just returned from a trip down to our home town---that was equal parts comforting and restoring. However the time BEFORE that a few weeks ago, definitely had me thinking about age--as in recognizing that we (my friends and I) aren't exactly the spring chicks that we used to be (not that most of us were ever the type to really think that anyway.....). Last time I drove home was a solo trip and as I drove into town I stopped for gas and a quick bite to eat from Taco Bell (do as I say, not as I do health students....). My first reminder of the fact that I've actually "made it" into a different age category in life occurred when I stopped for gas and asked the 20yo attendant how he was that particular night. He responded with a smile that he was" young and broke"....and I had to pause for a second, evaluate my life, and then respond with "yes, I remember those days...." The second stop through the drive through also made me pause when I realized just how incredibly young 15-16 years old looks these days, as I drove through the drive thru window.
This particular trip home I met one of my high school best friends for breakfast and we chatted about all things: life, love, work....and the pursuit of all of the above. One thing we also tend to chat about these days is age....as in the fact that we now actually are given respect in our jobs and younger students seem to grant more authoritative power with age. We no longer necessarily have to prove ourselves in our jobs, as we've finally reached an age where people seem to expect that we do actually know what we are doing. This trip also took me back to my old high school for a local fundraising event where I again re-gained perspective on what 16 actually looks like and saw many of my former students already legally able to drink. Trips home can almost always put age into perspective.
My gal and I have also talked about the addition of a few wrinkles and some extra pounds..of which I now have a few more implications of age under my eyes. But in reality, while many of my friends are bemoaning turning 30---this year I'm feeling much more welcoming of this particular birthday. 25 was incredibly difficult for me, but 30 I am attempting to embrace.....and these are some of the reasons why:
While not everything in life is perfect and I still have moments of 16yo insecurity, I am actually quite happy with many aspects of my life as I head into 30. I can run farther and swim longer continuously as I head into 30 than I could at 18. I've come to realize that my body has never been capable of a truly flat stomach, but I can embrace where it is at and for the most part feel comfortable in a two piece. I'm proud of maintaining and improving upon my physical health as my age has increased rather than allowing the reverse to occur. As I head into 30, I'm more comfortable in my role in my family. I've provided how I could and recognize the importance of my family connections, while also finally recognizing that my family doesn't have to define or 100% truly accept me. As I head into 30, I'm thankful for my chosen career path and the occupations that have allowed me to get to where I am. My resume and education is solid enough that I feel comfortable in my chosen areas.....and I'm incredibly fulfilled in my chosen field. I feel fortunate to have studied and received degrees in areas that are practical and yet also passions of mine. At 30, I see the connections I've maintained throughout my life and new connections developing all the time, and I feel so fortunate for my friends, colleagues, and aquaintances who continue to be ever present in my life. As I head into 30, I also continue to recognize that while I don't give Him enough credit....so much credit is truly due to the one who has guided my life through all of my good and bad choices....allowing me to arrive (mainly) settled where I am...and yet knowing He will continue to provide in the moments and years ahead.
So when there's so much good about 30......how can one bemoan the passing of another decade? Especially as I'm in a stage where I'm ready to embrace that which the 30s can offer. So while I still have months before the official transfer occurs....cheers to the next decade ahead! May it offer each of us more moments of beautiful, more opportunities to give, more moments of complete forgiveness, and plenty of fulfillment. :)
2 comments:
30...yeah...30 was a tough one for me, well mainly the last bit of 29 and first bit of 30. 31? Well, I think I am ready for that one to come. And I better be since it will be here soon. I definitely wish I knew a couple of the things then that I do now though...hindsight being 20/20 and all :-)
I tend to believe I am like a fine wine. I only get better with age. Btw 1982 happens to be a great year for vino in France and California;)
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