How I Feel About Turning 31 (+ my first One Second Everyday video!)
I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! And I also hope yesterday’s return to reality wasn’t too overwhelming! Why is it so hard to get back in the groove after a long weekend?! (Deep breaths!)
Luckily, the slight struggle was totally worth it yesterday, because this was a Memorial Day and BIRTHDAY weekend for the books! That’s right, in case you missed it over on Instagram, I turned 31 this weekend! I know I know… when did I get so old?! I’m confused too, guys ?
Because last year was the big 3-0, I really took the time to reflect and write down the 30 Things I Learned Before 30. It still happens to be one of my favorite posts ever, but it really came in handy on Sunday. If you remember in this other post from my actual birthday last year, I talk about how I never really had that “OMG I’m 30!” freak out moment that we all expect. But this year? This year, I felt WEIRD. Like… wait, now that I’m 31, I’m IN my 30’s! CUE: Mild Freak Out.
So, what did I do? I acknowledged it and let myself disconnect for a few hours, re-read my 30 things post, then put on some pop music and dolled myself up for dinner with Adam. We then met our friends at the Belmont & Sheffield Festival and danced to Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press all night. Wait, it gets better! The next morning, we got ready and made our way down to the harbor for a day on our friend’s sailboat. The weather could not have been more perfect, and as I felt the breeze on my face, looking at my favorite skyline, with 2 of my oldest girlfriends and our 3 significant others, I just felt so damn lucky.
See, this is where that whole “choosing happiness” thing is real.
I could focus on the fact that I’m now in my 30’s and there’s still so much I haven’t done, seen, or accomplished yet. I honestly could even read all of your sweet messages about how you thought I was younger and skew that into a bad thing if I wanted to! But what’s the point of that? You think I look younger than I am? AWESOME. BLESS YOU! Who cares that my life doesn’t necessarily look like yours did, does, or will at 31 years old? Don’t I always preach about how we’re all different and that’s okay? Why yes I do! I mean, this was my #1 point in my 30 Things I Learned Before 30 post for goodness sake:
1. timelines are bs.
Anyone who makes you feel like you’re “behind” in life should be ignored. Same with anyone who tells you that you should be this or that because of your age! Follow your gut, not theirs. As long as you are being considerate of the people in your life, you do you. I, for one, am not going to stop wearing girly outfits because I’m “too old” or feel bad about being unmarried/childless or change the way I write this blog because someone else thinks I should. That’s RIDICULOUS. Your life will progress in the way it should for you. Your 30 might not look the same as my 30 and that’s a-ok, folks.
Can I get an AMEN?! So this birthday, I’m reminding myself to live my life on my own terms. I’m allowed to feel old or like I’ve outgrown certain situations and experiences… but I’m also allowed to still feel young and fun! And most of all, I’m going to try even harder to appreciate everything I have each and every day. I have so much to grateful for, it would be such a waste to gloss over it all, wouldn’t it?
One of the ways I’m doing that is through the One Second Everyday app. As I write this, it sounds like a sponsored post, but I actually discovered this app through my cousin Lizzie!! She’s been doing it for a few years now and I always look forward to her finished videos. It’s so awesome to look back on not only the super fun memories, but also the simple every day ones that we sometimes take for granted. I started putting mine together on January 1st, and even though I’ve definitely missed a lot of days here and there, and my thumb has made an appearance in the corner of a few of these (? Oops!)… I’m still in love with this little video. Watch my memories from January 1 – May 26th, 2018 below!
If you don’t mind me asking… how old are you? And have you ever felt weird about a birthday?
I’d love to hear all about your experiences, whether you’re older or younger! Doesn’t matter! Also, do you guys like videos like these? I’m thinking that I’ll post one again in the Fall and then again after the holidays… thoughts?!
May 30, 2018 @ 6:55 am
27! 26 was my strangest birthday yet. I had that same feeling you mention of being like wow, I’m officially in my LATE twenties, how did that happen? Do I have to get serious now? Or have I been too serious and I only have a few years left to mess around? I thought through all this stuff, but didn’t let it derail anything, and just tried to focus on seeking new experiences and the feeling went away. And then 27 was like woohoo! I’m 27 and living life!!
May 30, 2018 @ 11:55 am
Awww yeaaaa! 27 is a GREAT year!
May 30, 2018 @ 7:42 am
I love this post, Laur!! Happy happy happy 31st birthday!
May 30, 2018 @ 11:55 am
Thanks so much, Dan! Love you!
May 30, 2018 @ 8:01 am
Hi Lauren! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now (I’m 28 and 1/2 today actually! Now that you just asked age that officially occurred to me! Haha) and I don’t feel as old as I am. In some ways yes—old enough to know enough, young enough to still want to do the things that make me me, give me joy and almost feel kid-like in the way to enjoy life. But old enough to do it responsibly! If that makes sense?! 30 looming around the corner doesn’t necessarily scare me, but it does make me aware of the things I’ve accomplished and the things that are still on my list to conquer. Happy birthday and hope it’s a fabulous year of blessings and fun adventures! And I need to start doing that one second everyday—those are so cool!
May 30, 2018 @ 11:55 am
Thanks so much for commenting, Susan! And isn’t 1 Second Everyday so cool?! I’m mildly obsessed haha stay tuned for more videos!
May 30, 2018 @ 2:25 pm
Happy Birthday! I just turned 29, and haven’t (yet!) had any age-related crises. But I definitely feel like I spent 25-26 going through major lows of my 20’s and wondering if I was “falling behind.” Love your perspective, and cheers to all the good you’ve got coming your way at 31!
May 30, 2018 @ 5:09 pm
Happy (belated) birthday, Lauren! <3 First of all, I have followed you on Instagram for a while and just recently started reading your blog… but I am SO glad I did. You inspire me more than I can put into words. Second, I'm turning twenty-five in September and it scares(!!) me. Haha! I for sure might have a quarter life crisis. 😉
May 31, 2018 @ 2:06 pm
Aww this makes me so happy – you have no idea! Instagram is fun, but this is where I really write and bear my soul haha thank you so so much for reading!
May 30, 2018 @ 5:59 pm
The only freak out I had was when I turned 10. After unwrapping my presents I suddenly realized I was in the double digits and there was no turning back. ??♀️
May 31, 2018 @ 2:05 pm
Hahah love this!
June 1, 2018 @ 8:27 am
HI–46 🙂 Yeah, a little older than previous posters, but age is really just a number and the attitude that you decide to attach to it. Found your blog via Ambitious Kitchen and then Instagram. 45 did start to make me think, but there’s an amazing freedom that comes with age as well, and right now, you couldn’t pay me to be “younger.” If we choose, we grow and learn through every year and all the experiences they hold. I’m my best self now–I’m stronger and healthier, both physically and emotionally. Life gets better as we age if keep learning. There’s plenty of time in a life well-lived for everything you want and need to do. Blessings for a great year ahead of you!!
June 1, 2018 @ 12:22 pm
Omg I couldn’t love this more! First of all, love that you found me through Ambitious Kitchen (isn’t Monique the BEST?!), and second, I love your entire perspective. Even though I had this mild freak out, I completely agree with you. With more years comes more life lessons, self awareness, and growth and when I look back on most of my 20s, I don’t pine for that time – instead I wish I knew what I know now back then! Each year is such a blessing and opportunity to learn more about ourselves and the world around us. Thanks so much for following and commenting, Michelle!
June 2, 2018 @ 5:24 pm
29! I’m definitely having a freak out year thinking of all the things I feel I *need* to accomplish before I turn 30. I so relate to the unmarried/childless comment, but who’s to say when you should get married or have kids. Just because I’m not there now doesn’t mean it will never happen. My 20s have been a time for growth, trying new things, and lots of travel. While there are times I can get sad I’m not where I feel I should be (based on society’s standards), I can also look back at all I’ve accomplished and know that will make me a better wife, mom, and friend in the future. Thanks for sharing!
June 4, 2018 @ 4:11 pm
Amen girl! Especially the part about your 20s being a time for growth and trying new things! I feel like people underestimate the power of self discovery so much – but it’s SO valuable!