Turning 30

I’ve always felt a connection to the idea of being in my 30s.

It just feels like a big fat permission slip—to not care about what people think, to have my stuff together, to spend my time my way, and unapologetically be myself.

This might be a “Wizard of Oz” type of situation—I think I’ve had the 30s vibe the whole time.

It’s really not some magical number that allows me to act that way—I know I have everything in me to present myself and show up in the way that I want to. But ever since I was in my early 20s, I dreamed of 30-year-old Jen. This is what I imagined:

• She dressed exactly the way she wanted – her black leggings/cream sweatshirt combo with a pink lip 5x a week OR a 50s inspired Kate Spade dress (depending on her mood)
• She really valued herself and her time, and charged/scheduled accordingly.
• She ruled her calendar with an iron fist, and said “no” more than she said “yes” (unapologetically)
• She played by her own rules, worked the hours that made sense for her, and never felt bad or guilty about taking time to herself or asking for help (I struuuuuuggle with this STILL!)
• To put it frankly, she had a limited number of Fs to give, and gave them to the people and things in her life that really mattered—and NEVER felt bad having to prioritize her life her way

And you know what I realized? I had all of these abilities all along. Why I thought that the magical 3 in front of my age would give me a golden ticket to be allowed to access this version of myself? I may never know.

But as I write this, at age 29.99, I realize that I am that version of myself that I dreamed about when I was younger (give or take a few things I’m still working on—recovering people pleaser here!)

And I’m so proud.

Those of you in your 30s (and beyond)—hit reply and let me know what your favorite part is/was! I love getting responses from you guys!