I’m 30: A Reflection on my 20s

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30. I’m 30. I am 30. Thirty. The big three zero. Three. Zero. Ugh. I can’t believe I am thirty. This birthday feels different than previous years. I am now checking the mirror every day to see if my first gray hair decides to sprout from my scalp. Am I really getting old? I work with old people. They are old. I am young. Or am I?

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I feel mixed when I look back at my twenties. I feel like it was a very trying decade…

In 2007, I was still pursing my undergraduate studies at East Stroudsburg University. I was in a sorority and I worked hard to party harder. In some ways, I miss college. I often tell my cousin, who is in her first year, to enjoy every second. She will never get those days back… the days of rolling out of bed, going to class, and working a silly on-campus job to pay for beer money for the weekends. College was a time where I developed my independence and friendships.

In 2008, I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science. I took a semester of pre-requisites and had Plans A, B and C ready if I didn’t get into graduate school.

Plan A – Get into graduate school for Occupational Therapy

Plan B – Become a flight attendant to fuel my love of travel

Plan C – Go to school for something else

Plan A happened.

Enter graduate school at Seton Hall University.

I was working full-time as a nanny and promotional model for liquor companies. I was in the clubs until 2 AM helping the bartenders serve shots of the brand I was promoting and handing out t-shirts to consumers. I helped the children in my care learn to tie their shoes and ABCs. I studied every minute I wasn’t working. Even when I was doing my internships, I was operating on four hours of sleep. My routine consisted of waking up, exercising, going to school, going to work, repeat. I was like a robot. Operating in auto-pilot was my norm.

In 2010, I met the love of my life. I quickly became a police officer’s girlfriend. Associating yourself with a police officer holds you to a whole slew of standards; standards that I never knew existed.

I moved out of my parents’ home and into Jason’s apartment in January 2012. Jason taught me everything from paying bills, to grocery shopping, cooking, and doing laundry. I started #adulting. We purchased our home in September 2012. We were now homeowners. We were building our nest through YouTube videos, paint colors, and furniture shopping.

I graduated with my Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy (I am the first person to do so in my family) and stated my career on October 8, 2012. I went from student to clinician. Another new role. I held my first real full-time job.

On Christmas, 2012, we got engaged. I became a fiancé. We got married April 11, 2014 the day after my birthday. I became a cop wife. Two new roles.

Traveling was one of the most magical experiences of the past decade. In 2008, my dad, mom, sister and I visited Punta Cana. Girls’ trips took place to New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, and California. In 2010, Jason and I went to Bradenton Beach, FL. We also visited Boston, Cape Cod, Ocean City, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, Montreal, and Antigua. In 2015, we had our first Euro trip to London and Paris. Vacations keep me motivated in life. A quotation has been floating around stating, “Create a life you don’t have to take a vacation from,” but nothing beats being on an island in the Caribbean drinking a fruity high calorie beverage in my bikini. #sorryIamnotsorry

So, did I figure it out in my twenties? Maybe. My 20s were filled of new roles and change.

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Maybe I figured out what I really want out of life. Maybe I stopped caring about what you, and anyone besides my husband, mom, dad, or sister really thinks.

I realized that I don’t want to be at the bar until the early morning hours. I want to be home in my husband’s arms and my dog snuggling at the bottom of my feet. I want to drink a big glass of wine, watch Netflix, and make it to hot yoga class the next morning. I have learned to take better care of my physical, mental, and emotional health.

I am lucky to be relatively established in my career; although I switched jobs many times, I love working as an occupational therapist in home care. I love my chosen career and enjoy making peoples lives easier from my therapeutic interventions.

I plan so many things, and God laughs, so I learned to let what is, be.

To my thirties: to another decade of health, happiness, and success.

Namaste.

 

30 thoughts on “I’m 30: A Reflection on my 20s”

  1. Oh Danielle. I know exactly how you feel. I just turned 30 this past December and have really been looking at how far I’ve come up until this point. You accomplished quite a lot during your 20’s…things that most people don’t so good for you!! I personally have learned to accept that I am now 30 and I am embracing this new upcoming decade with open arms. Here’s to new experiences, learning, and continued growth! happy late birthday btw!!

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  2. 30 is a great age. You did a lot of stuff in your 20s and you figured things out years before many people I know. Me included, probably. Create a life you don’t need to take a vacation from, that’s my mantra. I am building my life around those words, but I still want to travel as much as I can! Happy late birthday!

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  7. Personally, my 20s were a lot of fun, but I’ve become much more self aware and confident during my 30s, and have really enjoyed the transition. Good luck on your journey!

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  8. Congratulations and happy birthday! My 30th Birthday is in 10 days and I can totally relate to what you are feeling, you’re not alone! Although I have already found numerous grey hairs, I’m currently in a debate with myself to leave them, and just be proud of what’s popping up, dye them, or yield to the ever satisfying pulling them out….LOL
    Great post btw, might have to do a little reflection of my own!

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  10. Oh my gosh! I love this post, I feel like this is one where I can really hear your voice and get to know you. Thanks for sharing it, what a great idea. I remember thinking very similar thoughts when I turned 30, but honestly, it’s been a great decade to me for learning about who I really am. So I hope you find the same and that this ends up being a great thing for you.

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  11. Oh my, I’m 25 turning 26 this August. This scares me! I don’t know why but time really flies by so fast! But reading how you pushed through despite the trying years is a fresh insight. Thank you!!!

    Gelli
    ohmygelli.com

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  12. I loved reading your story. Sounds like you had some great experiences in your 20’s!! At 25 I felt like I was on a downhill slide.. When I turned 30 I had a new lease on life. I felt 30 was the new 20..
    Then I had 2 kids who sucked the life out of me hahaha.
    Happy birthday!!

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