I’m a 1982 baby. I have lots of friends who are 1982 babies. And we’re all turning 30 this year.
My thirtieth birthday is in November, and when I was asked, “How do you feel about turning 30?”, I could very honestly answer that I was excited.
I’m looking forward to a new decade. The things I experienced in my twenties included college, turning 21, graduating college, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, meeting my husband, getting engaged, planning a wedding, buying a house, and having two babies. It was a big decade.
But somehow it feels weird to still be “sharing” a decade with my 21-year-old self. I’m excited about 30. I’m excited about it because I feel prepared. It’s a good mix of optimism and preparedness. I’m not necessarily the picture of health. But we know so much more these days about the environment and about what we eat. We know the things we can do for ourselves to live longer, healthier lives.
I want to pass these habits onto my children. I want to be a good example. I want to be a healthy mom. When my own mother was diagnosed with melanoma in 2010, I vowed to be even more careful than ever about my time in the sun. I’ve seen the effects it has had on her, and I am determined to protect myself and my children from that kind of hardship.
We have so much information, and we’re about to do things with that information to age well. We can be active. I think 60 is the new 30! Turning 30 is just going to be another day on the calendar, but I feel like I can enter this next decade with hope. I can plan to travel. And play with my children. And create memories and fulfill dreams.
So how do you feel about getting old? I’m optimistic. I’ve learned a lot in my (almost) 30 years. I’ve changed; I’m a different person than I was just 10 years ago. Time helps us and changes us.
I visited GetOld.com and registered on the website so I could read the stories and testimonies of others. Pfizer’s campaign is dedicated to helping people of all ages come together to share their feelings and tips about growing older in a positive, fulfilling way.
Everyone has a different thought that stands out in their mind as they get older. Many people think about their own health. Some think about their kids’ health or their parents’ health. Some think about the legacy they have left on their children.
I imagine there is a good mix of people who feel optimistic and hopeful and then the people who feel regret and worry. For some, getting old means a new day. And for others, getting old means there are only so many days left. But the truth is, getting older means we have another day — hopefully many, many days. But each day is a day where we can live and make the most out of that time we’ve been given.
I’m not old. I’m a long way from it, but I’m ready to take on each new year with a great attitude and a commitment to health. And most of all, a commitment to making memories and enjoying the ride with my family. 
Share a comment about how the aging process makes you feel, and you will be entered for a chance to win one of three $500 SpaFinder gift cards, courtesy of BlogHer and Pfizer! Entries will be pooled across participating blogs and three winners will be chosen
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Medical professionals who are licensed (or are otherwise authorized) to prescribe medications are not eligible to enter. While BlogHer encourages you to share your thoughts and experiences about getting older, comments discussing medical conditions and/or medical products are not permitted, may be deleted, and are invalid entries. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/30 to 8/31.
Be sure to check out the BlogHer.com Get Old page to find out more about the Get Old platform and read how other bloggers feel about aging!
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I’m personally looking forward to thirty (which happens in a year) because my twenties were so unsettled – crazy college student, working single woman, then followed up with becoming a wife and mother. Lots of changes in ten years. I think turning thirty for me will be significant because I will have a better grasp on who I am and what I want out of life than I did when I turned twenty.
I don’t want to enter any contests but your post resonated with me because I’ve been thinking about the same things – I turn 29 next week and I kind of wish I could skip this year and be thirty already.
I like your thoughts on aging. I am a 1983 baby so I am going to be there with you very soon too. I like the thought of getting fulfill your dreams in your thirties. I think that is exactly what they are for too. You have most of the child-birthing years behind you (in my case) and you can plan and dream for your families future and just live life. It won’t be long before the thirties will pass and the kids will be near grown and you will be looking at retirement dreams.
This blog entry is very timely for me as today is my 33 birthday! I’ve had a lot of back and forth moments about whether I feel old or young at this moment and I think the answer to both is yes! It’s been a rough decade for me so far. On my thirtieth birthday I surprisingly found myself as a single mother. I have since faced a lot of ups and downs and a lot of changes, both good and bad, in my life. I’ve faced crushing blows to my dreams and my future. I’ve battled cancer and struggled through several other chronic health issues. I’ve learned how to be independent and still find strength in God, family, and friends. But through it all, I’ve cherished the memories I’ve made with my daughter and I will continually strive to be the best mom I can be to her. I’ve never let my faith waiver and I remain hopeful that this year, my 33rd, God has something special in store for us. I don’t know what it is yet, but I choose hope. And that makes me feel young. 🙂
As a fellow 1982 baby, I turned 30 back in March. It was not a secret that I was completely freaked out about turning 30. Well, I did it, and got myself out of bed! I am going to call that progress since I was a little worried I was going to hide under the covers. As I start this new decade I will try to remember that turning 30 is not that big a deal, and that it is okay for living life to get in the way of my goals. As a Facebook friend once told me, I have a pretty good life. I just wish 30 came with some kind of discount program like AARP (I will never forget how excited my Mom was to turn 50 because it meant she got an AARP membership). Of course it would need to apply to non-retired people since my goal of retiring by 30 was derailed by work in education/non-profit. Oh well – let’s just put that on my list for the 30s.
Half the time, aging doesn’t bother me. The other half, I get a little antsy. I think that I haven’t done enough in my life at this point. Then I come out of my PMS haze and realize that it is not a big deal to get older. I have done something significant in my life, in the form of my wonderful 2-year-old daughter.
I am about to celebrate my 30th Birthday in exactly 3 weeks (yay 1982 babies!) While in a sense, I feel a little sad to leave my twenties, I am also excited to take on my next decade. I have learned that getting older means that you learn to manage money better, be more comfortable in your own skin, and cherish those who you love even more. Every day is a gift from God and I am so happy to have my family and my spouse in my life. I am looking at this decade as a chance to grow even more as a person and become a parent. The best is yet to come! Cheers to 30 🙂
Some days, I long for my carefree twenties but they only feel carefree in hindsight. They certainly did not feel carefree at the time. I’ll be 33 in October and that sure beats the alternative!
I also turn 30 this year. It’s funny because I always thought 30 seemed old but I definitely do not feel old. I’m looking forward to it. The 20’s are hard!
Crazy to think you share your decade as a 21 year old and a 30 year old. Seems like so much happens in those short few years! Being 25 now it looks like i’ve got quite a bit to fit in in the next five years!
I am so glad someone else is excited about turning 30. Many of my friends or colleagues are dreading it…and I’m not quite sure why. Why not! My parents were always about a decade older than most of my friends – and I know they could out-do a lot of those parents. Getting older is cool – I want to feel wiser, feel more established, and feel like I have more of a handle on things. It’s all a part of getting older…and I’m ready for it! 30 is NOT old! Not at all 🙂
We have 4 1982 birthdays in my family this year! I’ve enjoyed my 30’s so far. I really think it’s been the best decade. My 20’s were chaotic and I feel like I’m finally getting into a groove now. One thing that has helped me is not looking at the things I haven’t done. I still have plenty of time to accomplish them.
I turned 30 in December along with my husband and have the same outlook as you on the new decade! Traveling and playing with my little one is what I look forward to. I feel a lot more secure and settled than my early 20’s!!
I am a 1980 baby and am about to turn 32. I had fun in my 20’s, but I have LOVED my 30’s so far. My grandmother always said that with each decade she came to, she found out it was her “favorite” out of all the decades. I want to grow older embracing this same thought and look forward to the “best” being yet to come!
I’m 46 years old and I’ve never felt better or been in better shape. I started running when I was 45 years old (I’ve always been active and exercised and played competitive softball, but never ran) and within one year I ran the Chicago 10 mile. All that to say….age is in your head. I have friends of all ages- I hang out with college girls from my church all the time, and I have a great family that brings me great joy. Make each day count- live your life for God and serve Him, and stay active. 🙂
Kelly
I’m 30 next year! And I feel prepared as well – and good. I’m ready.
I will be turning 30 this year as well. I feel that I have experienced a lot in my 20’s and am looking forward to the new adventures that my 30’s will bring. To me the term “old” is a state of mind and you are only as old or as young as you feel.
Turning 42 this year, but still feel like I’m in my 30’s! My 20’s were great…carefree and smooth sailing. My 30’s started great with a new baby, but ended up being difficult in many ways. I lost my husband to cancer and was forced to raise a precious little one all alone. At the time I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I surprised everyone, including myself, and I did it! I learned the true meaning of strength. Now, I am in my early 40’s and my 11 year old is thriving! Some days are still difficult but I know that I can do this!
I will be turning 30 next year, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings! My 20’s have been amazing, but I know that it will just keep getting better!
Turning 26 soon and nervous about my path in life…
I have a few years until I am thirty, but every year on my birthday I look at growing older as a unique accomplishment. I look back on all that I have done (since I can remember and even the things I only know I’ve done through images that were captured or stories I’ve been told by my parents) and feel proud for the good moments and the bad. I smile for the goals I reached and I reflect on those that I haven’t (usually making a new commitment to fulfill that missed goal or I formulate something new.)
I’m not afraid of getting older, rather I rejoice in the fact that I am alive today, that I am healthy and happy, and that each milestone simply means I’ll have even more memories to reflect on for my NEXT birthday!
Thanks for a new perspective! I turned 31 this year and when I turned 30 was pretty bummed but my attitude is getting better!
I turned 30 in March and I dreaded it so much. I can’t say I feel any different than I did when I was in my twenties though. I love your adittude about “gettinng old” especially when you said… sharing a decade with my 21 year old self. Tha makes a lot of sense and I think I can say I am ready to see what my 30’s hold! Thanks!!
I’m almost 32 and always find it funny that when asked I always go to say I’m 20-something, not 30-something…so I’ve found being in my 30’s doesn’t feel any different than being in my 20’s. It’s not scary, I know where I am, I know what I’m found in and I know that even though I will hit a pot hole or two, I will still end up standing and I will still know who I am.
Thirty was a big year for me…I, like your mom, was diagnosed with melanoma & it changed my world. Always a worrier, I shifted into overdrive! Finally, after receiving good news on the health front for the last almost four years, I’m finally settling into my mid-30’s & thinking about starting a family. By far, my 30’s have been my best years yet-melanoma & all. Along the way there have been many wonderful, happy moments too! Most of all, I’m more confident & comfortable in my own skin (ha, ha-most of the time!), I’ve realized what friendships are healthy & those that may have run their course, I’m established & fulfilled in my career, I’ve realized how important my health is and that I’m my biggest advocate & most importantly I’ve rekindled my personal relationship with our Lord! It may have taken me a while to get to this point, but fear not your 30’s–I promise the best is yet to come. Love your blog & look forward to reading about your next 30 years! 🙂
I am turning 30 soon too, and expect it to be very free-ing. Enough worrying about the silly comparisons, what people think, if I am making the right choices – I’m ready to OWN IT in my 30s!
Everything gets better with age…RIGHT?!?
30 was a big year for me. I was single. wishing to be with someone. I had a job I loved and lots of frineds. I thought it would be depressing to turn 30 being single. But my friends and family made it special. I did meet Mr. Right. Each year gets better. It really is true..the best is yet to come. Enjoy your time with your boys while they are little.Teenage years are no fun! But you always love them!!
Turning 26 in a few short months and not loving it!
I really love your story and your positive attitude about getting older. For me, I turned 30 many many years ago. 🙂 Guess I was never too ready for it back then. As I’m approaching 40, I think my mentality is way more prepared than ever. I’m hopeful and can’t wait to enjoy my life with my family.
The biggest change as I get older is losing loved ones I thought I would get to have around a lot longer in my life. Time goes by so fast so you have to love your family while you can!
turning 26 this year.. where has the time gone!
I am actually excited and nervous about turning 30 in January! I’m excited to be starting a new chapter in my life but very nervous about the whole aging process! After working in the plastic surgery world and seeing women younger than me getting botox and fillers it just scares me!
I just found two white hairs on the top of my head… I PROUDLY tweezed them out and stuck them into my little one’s baby book… and then texted the whole family. I am turing 28 this year and by no means does that scare me- I AM EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE!
I am turning 40 next year and am excited! I am in the best shape I have been, career at a turning point and our family complete. What a roller coaster ride it has been and am looking forward to the next decade of surprises and memories to be made.
I feel like our generation is better skilled than in the past on ways to stay strong and healthy. It’s amazing to me at how much has changed from my grandparents’ childhood to today. In fact, it’s amazing at how much has changed for my little ones, since I was their age. Growing older doesn’t slow me down or bum me out. As long as I am able to truly enjoy the time that I have…My only complaint is that time passes much too quickly once you have children!
25 was my golden year. Until then I hated birthdays, but something about 25 felt adult even though I’d been living on my own for years. Lately I just try to enjoy it and celebrate it more. Your only in your 20s once. I can’t wait for 30, but I don’t want to wish the 20s away.
I have mixed emotions about getting older- turn 30 next year. I still think like I am in my teens at times and have a hard time realizing I am a wife and mother! Crazy it all seems to happen so fast.
I turned 27 this year and for the first time ever felt “old”. Sure, I’m not a senior citizen, but I had never before had the “wait! I’m not done!” sensation with previous birthdays. As a younger sister I’ve always felt young, been the baby. At 27 I don’t think you’re allowed to be a baby anymore… I’ve started to notice changes in my body, small wrinkles on my face. When I would hear older people complain about those things as I was growing up, I always thought it was silly; that’s just how things are when you’re that age! But now I understand. I’m not sure how I feel about it all, but I do know that I have a long way to go until 60 and hopefully I enjoy the ride instead of being depressed the whole way!
I’m already 35 and I have to say that I’ve loved my thirties- I feel more confident in myself as a person and I just feel more happy with life in general. I felt like I spent my 20’s trying to figure it all out!
First of all,I must say-great post! I really enjoyed reading everyones comments as well.I turned 32 this past May so I’m past the turning thirty part.I have noticed that turning thirty for me has made me a more peaceful person with more of a positive outlook on life.I feel that age is just a number and that we can turn back the clock by doing the right things to keep us happy and healthy.I do not feel older but I do see the slight changes that come along with age such as the fine lines and such but I look at them as laugh lines because I like to laugh and maybe that’s where they come from,who really knows.All I can say is that I’m going to keep on smiling and laughing and live a happy & healthy life for as long as I live.
I want to see my kids grow up and get married some day, getting old isn’t all bad
I look forward to retirement and traveling in my “old age”
31 is already too old for me, but with age comes freedom to say whatever you want and get away with it!
I feel uneasy. However, I hope for the best and realize that I cannot sit around dwelling on growing old… although today is my birthday!
On my birthday this year I will be 52 and have a daughter that recently turned 30. What a blessing each new day brings. Live and enjoy each day we are given!! Each day we live we each grow a bit ‘older’ and hopefully we are ‘growing’ into becoming a more wonderful person. Enjoy your jouney!!
Uneasy is how I feel about getting older!
It makes me feel apprehensive.
as long as im getting older means im still living, so that to me is a “good thing”
Thanks for a super giveaway!