Quarterlife Diaries: 30 things I've learned before my thirtieth part 2
In Quarterlife Diaries neem ik je wekelijks mee in alle dingen waar ik, als bijna 30-jarige, tegenaan loop. Om mijn hart te luchten vooral, maar ook om iedereen die samen met mij in het Quarterlife-bootje zit een hart onder de riem te steken. Je bent namelijk absoluut niet alleen. Deze week: 30 things I have learned for my thirtieth, part 2.
Happy birthday to me! I am exactly one day 30 today and on my first day as a thirty-something, I have not cared at all about all the advice I received in part 1 of ’30 things I have learned for my thirtieth’ to you. Ah, it's nice to know that thirty-somethings are just people too and not much really changes when you make that magical leap from 20 to 30. Still, I would like to share some wisdom with you that I wrote down at a clearer moment. Especially because they are absolutely true, but also because I really wish someone had shared these life lessons with me earlier. Ready for part 2 of ’30 things I have learned for my thirtieth’? Here it comes!
16. Travel as much as possible
This contradicts the saving money advice I gave you last week, but as long as you have no responsibilities like children and mortgages, I say: catch flights, not feelings.
17. Just own what you like
Your hobbies are not embarrassing; suppressing what you enjoy because you are afraid of what people think is.
18. Most dates are just a bit rubbish
They can't help it.
19. But: there are also some nice ones among them
It takes some digging, but I have seen with my own eyes that there are also very sweet, fun, loyal partners out there.
20. Being alone is nice
Me-time is so, so, so nice! Put that FOMO aside and cherish moments of silence and peace.
21. Sometimes you have to do something you don't feel like doing
My mother taught me this: final exams, driving tests, doing the dishes... You don't feel like doing any of it, but it ultimately makes your life easier.
22. It's never too late to learn
Whether it's about developing a new talent or adjusting your behavior after doing something you're not proud of: everything is a learning moment.
23. Cherish time with your family
Times change and people get older, pick up that phone and visit often.
24. Inner peace is more important than being right
I will no longer engage in discussions. Do you think the sky is green? Fine, then it is.
25. Take risks
You will never be as young, free, and reckless as you are now. Take risks and occasionally do something silly. You have my blessing.
26. Your body may change
And that's fine. So eat that fry and drink that wine; you shouldn't look the same your whole life as you did at twenty.
27. Don't take everything so seriously
My motto for the past year: it's not that serious. With this motto in your pocket, you will survive every situation just a bit easier.
28. Don't bleach your hair (too often)
For the love of god, stay away from that bleach! Bleaching is what plucking was in the 90s: unnecessary and damaging to your future look. Turning thirty is already exciting enough; you can't have fried, broken hair on top of that.
29. Say ‘yes’ more often’
You will be surprised at what unforgettable adventures you end up in if you say ‘yes’ a bit more often to opportunities that come your way.
30. Turning thirty is not scary
Don't let anyone convince you that turning 30 is something to be afraid of. Exciting? Sure. But scary? Absolutely not. Of course, a new era begins and that takes some adjusting, but you still remain your lovely, fun self, and that won't suddenly change. So if you're turning 30 soon and you're feeling a bit uneasy about it? Raise a glass to reaching this beautiful age and remember: you got this.
