I’ve had a lot on my mind lately, and when I am “feeling all the feels” I naturally wish to send these feels into the universe. And that means the rare Being Melificent post.
On the cusp of turning 32, I am so comfortable with myself. I remember how terrified I was to turn 30 – how definitive it felt. Like I had to change in some way; become more of an adult. And that’s what I want to share today. You don’t have to change for anyone, anything…ever. Just because you are no longer a teenager does not mean that you can’t have an unattainable crush. Just because you are married, does not mean you can’t have a wild and crazy night with your single girlfriends. Just because you are a mom, does not mean that you can’t have a day where you just think about yourself. Do you catch my drift?
Once, I read someone state that now that they were married, they realized that they were no longer hanging out with their single friends. Why? To me, that says that you have lost yourself as a person. Just because you decide to start a life with someone else does not mean that you, as an individual, disappears. Never lose that. Ever. Your life should not be defined by these labels (married, gay, single, mother, divorced, etc). You are not any of these labels, you are a PERSON. Much less, do not let your life be defined by your age.
Along the same vein, someone once started a sentence with, “Now that I’m in my 30’s, I can’t…” Can’t do what exactly? Last I checked, age was just a number. What counts is how you feel. I see so many people that are younger than me that feel they can’t enjoy life to the fullest because of a number. Are you kidding me? Do you mean to tell me that just because I am turning 32, I cannot wear a short skirt, go out dancing and act silly? Buy a stuffed animal? Wear blue nail polish? Go to NYC just to see Zachary Quinto perform on Broadway (ahem)? How does any of that make sense? Before you know it, this crazy life will be ending, and do you want to look back and wonder why? Why you didn’t laugh more, stay out a little longer, make those special memories while you could?
Readers, stalkers, friends: do not take yourself so seriously. Enjoy this life because you only have one. I don’t know about you, but I plan on living it and not forgetting who I am (& who I always have been).
Elsie Rodriguez says
I’ve been freaking out about turning 30, and you are right. So what if I do? I feel that a lot of expectations and pressures come with the milestone and its starting to really affect me. I’m going to try to take a page out of your book and not give a fuck about it. Lets go dancing!!!
Annastasia Richardson says
Hear hear! I remember freaking out when I turned 20 ’cause I thought I wouldn’t be able to act like a silly teenager anymore without criticism. That didn’t last long and I’m totally ok with that lol.
Sara Rose says
Awesome post Meli 🙂 I’m turning 30 next spring and I’ve been freaking out a little bit…you know…about waving goodbye to the 20s! I keep reminding myself that my 30s are going to be the best years of my life, that they are a time of both youth and wisdom – and like you said, just being who you are! As a mother, I’ve learned that people sure aren’t shy about sharing their opinions about how you live, what you do, how you raise your kids, etc. In some ways, I feel blessed for all the opinions – because it’s taught me to take what other people think with a grain of salt. It’s amazing, the inner-peace and happiness, when you pursue the things that make you come alive – regardless of what anyone else thinks 🙂
Anika Guldstrand says
Love this post and completely agree. Let’s continue living magical lives. <3
Also love the banner in my lovely old car. She lives on. 😉
Anonymous says
Let’s do it, gurl!
Anonymous says
Ah, 20. There were expectations at 20? LOL.
Anonymous says
I couldn’t have said it any better, Sara!
Anonymous says
Magical indeed! & she does live on…in so many memories 🙂