12 Reasons Why 30 is Awesome

I'm sitting on my couch. 

My legs are stretched out across the cushions, and my toes are happy and warm.

The sun has just fallen behind the trees, and the room is slowly starting to match the shade of my wine. 

I'm wearing black jogging pants I have yet to jog in, and a cream short-sleeved shirt that has snaps in the crotch. I am new to these adult onesies, and I have to say, I enjoy that the shirt stays in one place. 

(Takes sip of wine)

My only challenge has been gracefully trying to get a hair untangled from the back of my bra - without unsnapping.

 (Long pause)

Something else I enjoy - is aging. "Yes. I love that I'm getting older." Says the overjoyed optimist. And not just because of the self-appreciation and acceptance, but also because of the wiser perspective I've gained through experience.  

(Pushes glasses over brim of nose)

I don't know about you, but I feel like my 20's were plagued with instability. It's almost nauseating thinking about all of the rapid transitions and up's and downs. I mean, I would rather jump into a pile of broken Legos than move in with my parents again. 

(Pours another glass)

A good friend recently told me, "Your twenties are just practice. Your thirties are where it gets good." 

And I totally believe her.

W H Y 3 0  I S  A W E S O M E:

1. You know who your friends are. There's no drama and no BS. It's quite lovely.

2. You realize "going out" means something entirely different. Going out in your 20's meant drinking cheap vodka, dancing to vulgar music, and throwing up in your friend's car on the way home. Going out in your 30's means eating a beautiful meal at a new restaurant, with a close friend, and coming home to Netflix and your pajamas. 

3. You realize relationships are about quality, not quantity. It's not about who you know and how many of them there are - it’s about what you actually say to each other when you’re sharing the same space. 

4. Life is less about material things because you cherish experiences more. 

5. You don't need to have 18 different colored bras to feel cute. I'm a mom. Nude goes with everything.

6. You've come to terms with your face. You've seen the benefits of going 'au natural' and you've chosen to embrace it. In my 20's, I remember not being able to leave the house unless I had my 'face on'. I love looking at the self-checkout camera at Target now and thinking, "At least I brushed my teeth." 

7. You've finally realized your mother was always right. 

8. You know how to say, "No." You're completely okay with not being a people pleaser. 

9. You've learned that a man can not solve all your problems. Why didn't someone tell me this sooner? 

10. You've acquired way more patience. At twenty, I would blare my horn and curse like a sailor if someone pulled out in front of me. At thirty, I take a breath, calmly step on the break, and hope they get to work on time.

11. You're brave enough to go after what you want. 

12. You've learned how to expect less, and appreciate more.  

Tony Robbins said, "Trade your expectation for appreciation, and the world changes instantly."

Aging is fabulous. 

Even my 69-year-old friend Jean, would agree.

Google defines age as: grow old or older, especially visually and obviously so. Synonyms: mature, ripen, become/make mellow, to season, condition, soften, sweeten, grow-up.

When you think about it, age helps bourbon improve its quality. When it's aged properly in the barrel, it obtains a smoother, more complex flavor profile. Google also says many cheeses get better with age, especially cheddar and gouda. And everyone knows aged wine can have a smoother, more full-bodied flavor, too. And who doesn't love full-bodied? 

(Looks over at Josh)

My question for you today is: Why do you love being the age you are? And how you are choosing to embrace it?

As always, if you found value in this blog, please drop a comment, or share it with someone you love. Or share it with a 20-year-old, who needs a glimpse of hope. 

I'm Living Simply Sam. Living simply is what I do.

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