milestones & musings

Turning 30

30. I’ve always figured that’s one of life’s milestones, just not the kind you look forward to. Sort of like having your wisdom teeth extracted or going for your first colorectal examination.

In fact, I spent most of my twenties trying not to think about it because 30 just seemed so…old. Or at least, it was the gateway to being old, from which there was no return.

People like to say that 30 is the new 20, but having been both, I’m convinced that it really isn’t.

At 20, I was young. Idealistic. A little naive even. I felt unstoppable, like I could do anything I put my mind to. I was hard on others and harder on myself. I made lists of the things I wanted in life – all the awesome things I would do and the places I would go. My modus operandi at 20 was to have fun and carpe as many diems as I could, sometimes a little recklessly.

At 30, I’m older and hopefully a little wiser. Still idealistic, but it’s the kind of idealism that’s tempered with a healthy dose of reality after picking up a couple of battle scars along the way. Painfully aware of the fact that willpower and hard work (though important) aren’t the only factors for success. But on the bright side, along with that realization came a measure of grace and understanding that I was able to extend to others and myself.

Some of the things I so badly wanted in life when I was 20 turned out to be kind of meh, while others became far more important than I ever thought they’d be.

Instead of doing stuff and going places, I find myself wanting to be with people. I’m increasingly thankful for every single one who has been around for us the last 10 years because when I look back, those are the moments I remember with the greatest clarity and fondness.

My twenties are officially over and even though I feel a little wistful thinking of all the things I should have done when I had youth on my side, I’m excited about my thirties.

So there are several more fine lines to deal with. The weight seems harder to shake off. The boobs need a little more help defying gravity. My body feels tired and less cooperative.

But what the heck, I’m embracing it because 30 is where the magic happens.

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19 Comments

  • Reply Katriina May 7, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    Happy Birthday, Daphne!

    I’m already on the slippery slope towards 40. I loved being a twentysomething, but my thirties have been great too. I know myself better and have a lot more confidence than I did 10 years ago, and while having to be a responsible adult has curbed the relentless pursuit of fun and work-related achievement that I craved in my 20s, I will remember my 30s as my unforgettable parenting years, and the years during which I finally understood more clearly what I wanted out of life. ENJOY!

    • Reply Daphne May 7, 2012 at 10:02 pm

      I agree about the confidence bit, though I’m still working on the responsible bit. And there’s no turning back now so might as well enjoy it aye!

  • Reply Double Ls Mommy May 7, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    30 is definitely a magical number! I only started to truly live when I was 30, which incidentally makes me only 6 this year! LOL!

    Have a blast on your birthday!!

    • Reply Daphne May 7, 2012 at 10:02 pm

      Hahaha nice way to put it! Now I don’t feel so bad when I look at it that way.

  • Reply Sherlyn May 7, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Happy birthday Daphne!

    I’m turning 30 this year too, eeks! I dread ticking the 30-39 years age group in forms, sigh.

    But i guess there’s so much more to look forward to, especially with the kids in tow. Here’s to another good 10 years!
    Sherlyn´s last post ..Sink your teeth in!

    • Reply Daphne May 7, 2012 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks Sherlyn! Haha welcome to club 30!

  • Reply judebabe May 7, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Happy 30! :)

  • Reply MsGlitzy May 7, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    Happy birthday babe… omg my turn is coming soon…

  • Reply Rach May 7, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Happy birthday!

  • Reply Amy @ The Q Family May 7, 2012 at 11:37 pm

    Happy Birthday, Daphne!! You young one. :)

  • Reply Jo May 8, 2012 at 8:49 am

    Happy Birthday ! :)

  • Reply Emily May 8, 2012 at 8:59 am

    Happy Birthday, Daphne! 30 is still young, I’m already half way through it, and will be announcing my mid-thirties very soon. Haha!

    I’ve the same problem too, my body is less cooperative these days. Maybe it’s also due to your pregnancy. For me, it’s definitely an “old age” issue. Haha!

    ENJOY the big day!
    Emily´s last post ..Sky-Land-Sea Adventure at Singapore Flyer

  • Reply Abby May 8, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Happy Birthday Daphne. You are still an awesome young mother

  • Reply Evelyn May 8, 2012 at 11:09 am

    life gets better! i’m speaking as a 35 year old btw. :) happy 30!

  • Reply Ain’t too old to party — MOTHER, INC. May 8, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    […] milestones & musings In view of the big 3-0, the husband put together a surprise party on Sunday […]

  • Reply SengkangBabies May 10, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Should I congratulate you on reaching 30s?
    Age is after all, quite senstitive to gals.

    Haopy belated birthday, and enjoy every single day :)

  • Reply notabilia June 28, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    This side of 30 is awesomesauce. (My 29th year was my worst ever.) And you had two children by the time you turned 30! You wait and watch. It only gets better.

  • Reply Joshua June 29, 2012 at 4:31 am

    Hey Daphne,

    Hi again. I had my ‘moment’ in April so could definitely identify with some of the stuff that you mentioned in your post. People have really been rubbing it in at home and around. Well, just wanna encourage you to still carpe diem and believe that in Him, your many best days are still ahead (i’m trying to convince myself of that too!). :)

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