Lifestyle

Why 31 Has Been The Best Year Of My Adult Life

I had heard and read several times before that once women hit their 30s, they are at their peak-meaning, they are at their happiest.  I always wondered if this was true, but mostly didn’t believe it.  How could a woman’s 30s be better than finally being 21 and able to drink legally?  Once I hit 22, I understood that drinking legally was fun for a few months and then the novelty wore off.  There were also many challenges when I was in my 20s-college, finding a career, making important life decisions, such as getting married and having kids, etc.  While my 20s were incredibly challenging yet fun, something happened in my 30s (more specifically, age 31) that completely tops my 20s.

Before I get into that, I should talk about 30.  What a crappy age.  When I hit 30, I was pissed.  A NEW decade? I wasn’t mad that I was getting older; I was much more upset that my parents and other relatives were getting older, and even becoming ill.  My biggest fear, and I am sure it is for everyone, is living life without my parents.  It pains me so much to even think about it that I just simply don’t.  This made my mood for the entire first half of age 30 very sullen.  However, once I got past that hurdle, something amazing happened and I have some guesses as to why.

My outlook on life, my personality, AND my self-esteem all changed, it seemed, in one day.  I became happy, truly happy; something that I never was.  I am sure my weight loss had something to do with it, but not entirely.  It is like something just snapped in my brain.

My entire mindset completely shifted:  I realized all of the blessings I have in my life.

I have two beautiful daughters, a loving husband, parents who are hilarious, fun, and who are still here, a decent job, a house, a best friend, more friends, three brothers and a twin, I really could continue.

I shifted from dwelling on what I did not have, to what I do have.

Once we reach our 30s, we should have our careers and our lives set.  I have a career and thank God, last year, my husband also received a great job offer which definitely relieves a lot of stress.  My children are also getting older; one is 4 while the other is almost 2.  People always ask me if I am having any more kids.  Hell no! Two is enough let me tell ya! Taking care of babies is for the young; I want to be able to go on long vacations, take random car rides, and just do all sorts of fun things without worrying about bottles, naps, diapers, etc.

As children age, they become more independent and their own little person.  This is the stage I am currently in and I am absolutely loving it.  I am not a baby person!

I am sure this could also be contributing to my happiness because I don’t have to keep my complete attention on them anymore like I used to-I can relax a bit.

When I visit my best friend who also has two little girls, we actually get to talk to eachother and enjoy eachother’s company.  This also makes me so happy-having someone who you know is always there.  I hate it when moms feel like their children are their whole world and that they don’t have “time” for friends, or that their husband is the only one that should receive her attention.  I actually feel sad for these moms because they are losing who they are as a person and who they used to be.  It is so important to be social and to get out, even as parents.

My husband and I have realized this and so for the past 6 months or so, we have made spending time with friends more of a priority than ever.  We try to get together with friends once a month.  When we do, we have such a wonderful time and I feel so happy when I am with them.  I then go home to my kids, happy and stress-free-so important to be a good and loving mom.

Surely, all of these combined have contributed to making 31 such an amazing year.  I can honestly and happily say that I am looking forward to seeing what else my 30s brings me!