Happy birthday, Aja! I think your thirties can be the time you really sink into who you are. As someone who is twice as old, I encourage you to think about what really matters to you, and dig into that. No one is out there looking to make a woman’s life easier and more meaningful. That’s on us, and now is the perfect time to start.
I turned 39 last month -- unlike some other commenters, my 30s were NOT a time of building stability. In fact, it has been a time of taking risk, making huge changes, blowing things up, and not playing small. My 30s have been a time of really finding my "north star": figuring out my values and living by them. Once I started making my decisions based on what moved me closer to those values (professionally, personally, in relationship) -- that's when everything started making so much more sense, and I could begin moving towards a life that is authentic and meaningful and happy. (always a work in progress, always incremental)
Thank you for sharing this, Amrita. I found it so reassuring, especially as my husband and I feel the strain of financial sacrifices that should bring us both closer to doing what we love in the long term — but in the meantime, especially with a family, are not always easy! I know Aja asked the question yesterday, but I also needed this reminder of the bigger picture — of moving towards meaning and happiness 💛
I relate to your comment about financial sacrifices -- sometimes the "right" decision doesn't mean the one that nets you more money, but that decision can require a lot of bravery and conviction!
Happy Birthday, Aja! I've personally loved being in my 30s. I feel so much more self-assured and have a better sense of my self with each passing year. It's a good decade ◡̈
Happy birthday to you! As someone who was absolutely petrified at the thought of turning 30, I'm please to share on the other side of it that...things are pretty wonderful over here 😌 I've slowed down a lot and have started to see the value in pursuing a quiet life – I no longer experience FOMO, ever, which is startling since that was a driving force of my 20s. I've carved out time to get into hobbies that are just for me, my personal style finally feels settled, etc. I'm currently 33 and can say that this first half of my 30s has helped solidify my identity, and I'm so grateful. I hope that comforts you!
Happy birthday!! I turn 31 later this month and am loving my 30s so far – feeling more secure in myself in many aspects (financially, physically, mentally, etc.) and happy with the progress I made in my 20s to be who I am. My 30s is where I'm excited to thrive (and hopefully have the tools/resources to deal with whatever comes my way)!
Happy birthday, Aja! I think your thirties can be the time you really sink into who you are. As someone who is twice as old, I encourage you to think about what really matters to you, and dig into that. No one is out there looking to make a woman’s life easier and more meaningful. That’s on us, and now is the perfect time to start.
"Really sink into who you are" — I got (happy) chills. Thank you, Annette.
I love love this advice
Happy birthday Aja!! 🍰 And thanks for the shoutout 🥰
Aw, thank you Tori!!
Birthday cake next time we're in the same city!
Happiest birthday, Aja!!!!!
Thank you, Kelsey!!
Happy birthday, Aja!!!!!
Thanks Nat!! 🫶
Happy 30th birthday Aja!!!!! ❤️
Thank you Amelia <33
Happy birthday Aja! And thanks so much for featuring the East Village Department Store!
I turned 39 last month -- unlike some other commenters, my 30s were NOT a time of building stability. In fact, it has been a time of taking risk, making huge changes, blowing things up, and not playing small. My 30s have been a time of really finding my "north star": figuring out my values and living by them. Once I started making my decisions based on what moved me closer to those values (professionally, personally, in relationship) -- that's when everything started making so much more sense, and I could begin moving towards a life that is authentic and meaningful and happy. (always a work in progress, always incremental)
Thank you for sharing this, Amrita. I found it so reassuring, especially as my husband and I feel the strain of financial sacrifices that should bring us both closer to doing what we love in the long term — but in the meantime, especially with a family, are not always easy! I know Aja asked the question yesterday, but I also needed this reminder of the bigger picture — of moving towards meaning and happiness 💛
I relate to your comment about financial sacrifices -- sometimes the "right" decision doesn't mean the one that nets you more money, but that decision can require a lot of bravery and conviction!
The features of being in my thirties in my book are being more secure in oneself and less broke!
Hahaha I love both of those for us
HBD! You’ll love it! Such a time of… grounding, centering, integration… all the abstract self actualizing words, haha.
I will take ALL the groundedness and self-actualization; that feels pretty dreamy. Thank you, Jojo!
Happy birthday! And yes, your 30s are *wonderful*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AJA!!!!! 🥂 feel like this next decade has some incredible things in store for you!
thanks for including me in this week's links!
Ahh thank you Teresa!! And always such a treat to read/be featured in your work!
Happy birthday Aja!
Thanks Pam! 💛
Happy birthday!!
Thank you, Maria!!
Happy Birthday, Aja! I've personally loved being in my 30s. I feel so much more self-assured and have a better sense of my self with each passing year. It's a good decade ◡̈
Happy birthday to you! As someone who was absolutely petrified at the thought of turning 30, I'm please to share on the other side of it that...things are pretty wonderful over here 😌 I've slowed down a lot and have started to see the value in pursuing a quiet life – I no longer experience FOMO, ever, which is startling since that was a driving force of my 20s. I've carved out time to get into hobbies that are just for me, my personal style finally feels settled, etc. I'm currently 33 and can say that this first half of my 30s has helped solidify my identity, and I'm so grateful. I hope that comforts you!
Happy birthday!! I turn 31 later this month and am loving my 30s so far – feeling more secure in myself in many aspects (financially, physically, mentally, etc.) and happy with the progress I made in my 20s to be who I am. My 30s is where I'm excited to thrive (and hopefully have the tools/resources to deal with whatever comes my way)!