Thursday, January 28, 2010

Turning 30

"Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." 

-- William Faulkner


This quote encompasses my view on turning 30.

I'm not the person devastated by turning 30, sad, regretful, or just afraid of getting older. I've been saying I'm "almost 30" since I turned 28. There's something about being 30 that seems settled and peaceful to me. 

The 20s are so tumultuous. Just think of how different people are from 20, to 24, to 27, to 29. There are too many phases, hurts, life lessons and plain ole' confusion in the 20s, that I welcome my 30s with open arms. 

Faulkner's quote is exactly what my 30s are to me. A chance to challenge myself to be better. To do all the things that I shy away from because I'm not "great" at it. At work, I've challenged myself to study more, get more involved with research, no matter how difficult it's always been for me. I've challenged myself to run a 5K 15 years after I ran cross-country (and fallen out of shape). I've challenged myself to be a better mom and wife, even though my schedule makes it so easy to just disconnect in order to get things done.

Better health, better relationships, better spirituality, better peace of mind, better doctoring, better me... 

at 30.

Workout: Off Day
Days 'Til 5K: 50
Days 'Til 30: 178


4 comments:

  1. I really am enjoying my 30's! (will be 33 in April)
    I agree completely about the 20's being tumultuous. My 20's were my decade of babies, growing up, and letting go.
    I love that quote and think I might jot it down near my desk...
    Happy early birthday!

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  2. everyone says the 30s are better than the 20s. I'm not sure yet, but I feel smarter.

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  3. I love the 30s. When I turned 30 I felt the same way. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Thanks guys. I'm definitely looking forward to them!

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