POV: You’ve just turned 30 and realised you don’t actually give a damn what people think anymore.
There was a time that I was afraid of this moment. There was a time that I dreamed about this moment. I’ve undulated between believing every “dirty 30” Instagram birthday post felt like marching in a funeral procession, to wondering “how am I not yet 30 when I have the soul of an 89-year-old?”
As is often the case with “milestone” birthdays, there’s no shortage of advice out there about what you should have achieved by the time you reach a certain age: a house, a husband, a thriving career and bank account. But what does turning actually 30 mean? Am I no longer allowed to enjoy playing The Sims? Have I got to up my retinol dose? Do I have to start acting like an adult? In reality, the only thing you “should” be doing by age 30 is, well, whatever you want. Three decades in, you’ve no doubt dabbled in some regrettable choices, from clothes to boyfriends.
But, for me, despite an awareness of how women are supposed to feel about turning 30, it’s never been something I’ve ever fretted about. In fact, it’s a period of life I’ve been running towards for several years now. Why? I suspect it may be my greatest decade to come.
As several women in their thirties fervently told me whilst I hurtled through my twenties: the older you get, the less other people’s opinions concern you. Well, ladies, gents, anyone who needs to hear this: it’s true. Age is a great leveller. Insecurities become fleeting in a way that’s comforting.
There are certain age milestones that are imbued with an almost fairy-tale-like significance – 30 being one of them. Jenna Rink woke up in her New York City apartment after magically turning 30 the night of her 13th birthday party. Carrie Bradshaw said, “Enjoy yourself. That’s what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons.” A new found confidence is certainly the first lesson learned.
I’ve decided that this is the year – the first of my 30s – I will make a difference. I sometimes joke that Earth will not exist by the time I am old enough to retire; the world is on fire, there is a global pandemic, and wars are waging on. But instead of allowing these facts to lull you into a pit of depression, decide to make a change instead. For my birthday I asked all my friends, family and pretty much anyone else who was thinking of spending one single Dirham on me to instead donate the money to the Stray Dog Center instead – a choice that my older (flirty and thriving) will never regret.
But we don’t need milestone birthdays to make a difference. 2022 brings a New Year and a new mood, so let’s choose gratitude, guidance and ~growth~.
Enjoy the new issue!