The day that I once dreaded has finally arrived. The day where I throw my youth in the ocean and watch it sail off into the sunset. The day where I officially call myself an adult. The day where my parents' last child says deuces to her 20s. The day I'm referring to is my 30th birthday.
That's right. On Wednesday, I turned the big 3-0. For years, I tried to avoid this day like the plague-as if that's possible. And then a few months ago, something finally clicked. Not only did I realize I was turning 30 whether I wanted to or not, I also realized that this new decade of life might not be so bad after all. Jay Z once told us that "30's the new 20" and he just might be right-at least in my case.
Before fixing your mouth to disagree or throwing a fierce side eye, hear me out. I'm sure I'm not the only one who had a number of goals set for her 20s. At one point, I thought I would be the female Johnnie Cochran by 25. By 27, I just knew I would be married to a certain someone and we would be living the all-American life. And by 29, let's just say you wouldn't be able to tell me anything. I would be thebomb.com.
Welp! As you probably guessed, none of that came true. After working at a law firm, my dreams of becoming Johnitra Cochran went out of the window and so did the majority of my previous goals. But sometimes you have to rewrite your plans as life happens.
Although my 29th year started off rocky due to unemployment, it blossomed into a sweet dream. First came the opportunity to write for this amazing paper. Then just a few days shy of nine months of unemployment, I was offered one of the coolest jobs in my desired field. I was and still am so relieved and happy that I can put my master's degree to use. Next, I dumped my older ride and finally took on a car note. And by 31, I HOPE to be a homeowner (don't hold me to that though). So, when I say 30 is my new 20, I truly do mean it.
As my dreams that fell by the wayside during the previous decade come to fruition, I'm wondering why I ever dreaded 30. Yes, it will take more effort to keep weight off going forward. Sure, I may become a true lame-o and catch up on TV shows on the weekend rather than going out with my girls to drop it like it's hot. I probably will need to wear my glasses more frequently. And even though I've stayed away, I MAY have to consider online dating (only if I'm 35 and still single). But otherwise, I am all about this 30-year-old life.
When I complained, moaned and groaned about my 30s in the past, I always was told to embrace it, because it will actually be pretty cool. And guess what? They're right. So, cheers to this new decade of my life. May it continue to be filled with wisdom, happiness, fun and joy.
Lela Olds is a RedEye special contributor