(Spoiler: It’s a Rollercoaster!)
September 30, 2024
Let me tell y’all something—adulting is no joke. If you had asked me when I was a teenager what I thought my 30s would look like, I would’ve said something like “financially stable, traveling the world, married with a cute house and a dog, living my best life.” Fast forward to now and… well, let’s just say the reality isn’t exactly matching that fantasy, but you know what? I’m still here, still learning, and still pushing through this rollercoaster of life.
The Expectations vs. The Reality
If you’re anything like me, you grew up thinking that by 30, you’d have everything figured out. And then life hits you with bills, career changes, relationships, family responsibilities, and some days just trying to keep your peace. No one really warns you that adulting comes with a lot of uncertainty. I thought I’d have all the answers by now, but honestly, the older I get, the more I realize none of us really know what we’re doing. We’re all just figuring it out as we go.
I used to think I had to have a 5-year plan at all times, but life has taught me that flexibility is key. My 20s were full of changes—moving states, starting new jobs, learning to budget (still working on that one), and trying to balance my personal life with career ambitions. And guess what? The “plan” didn’t always go the way I imagined, and that’s okay.
Learning to Embrace the Journey
The beauty of your 30s is that you start to give yourself permission to not have it all together. I’ve learned that adulting is less about checking off boxes on some societal to-do list and more about embracing the process—ups, downs, and everything in between. I’m giving myself grace and reminding myself that I’m exactly where I need to be, even if it doesn’t look like what I thought it would.
I’ve had to learn to celebrate the small victories. Did I make my bed this morning? Win. Cook dinner instead of ordering takeout? Big win. Pay a bill on time? Listen, we’re throwing a party! 🎉 It’s the little things that keep me grounded and remind me that I’m doing the best I can.
The Balancing Act
Speaking of doing my best, let’s talk about balance. In your 30s, you start to realize how precious your time and energy are. Between work, maintaining relationships, keeping up with family, and trying to prioritize self-care, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve had to learn to set boundaries, say no when I need to, and carve out time for myself. Sis, it’s not selfish to put yourself first sometimes. It’s necessary.
One of the hardest lessons has been learning to balance ambition with rest. I used to think I had to be “on” all the time, constantly grinding, but now I understand the importance of slowing down. Rest is part of the journey, too, and it doesn’t mean you’re not working hard enough. It just means you’re human.
Adulting Ain’t Cheap
Okay, let’s get real—adulting is expensive. From rent or a mortgage, to car payments, insurance, and just keeping the lights on, it feels like money is always leaving your account faster than it comes in. And don’t even get me started on trying to save or invest! But here’s the thing—I’ve learned that financial literacy is key to surviving this part of adulting. I’m still learning about budgeting, saving, and managing my money in ways that don’t leave me stressed out at the end of the month.
One thing that’s helped me is automating what I can—like bills, savings, and even a little fun money. I’m also learning not to compare myself to others. Just because someone else seems to have it all financially figured out doesn’t mean their journey is the same as mine. I remind myself daily that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Self-Love and Self-Discovery
One of the most unexpected gifts of my 30s has been getting to know myself on a deeper level. Adulting forces you to face your strengths, weaknesses, insecurities, and dreams in ways you might not have in your 20s. I’ve had to learn to love myself through the process—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I’m more intentional about self-care now, whether that’s taking time for a solo date, getting my nails done, journaling, or simply resting. I’ve learned that self-love is a daily practice, not a destination. It’s about being kind to myself when I don’t have all the answers and knowing that I’m worthy of all the good things I desire.
Community Is Everything
Listen, adulting would be a lot harder if it weren’t for my tribe. Having a strong support system of family, friends, and mentors has been a game changer. We don’t always talk about how isolating adulthood can feel at times, especially when you’re facing challenges. But having people who get it, who will laugh, cry, and grow with you, makes the journey a lot more manageable.
If I could give any advice to someone navigating this adulting rollercoaster, it would be to find your people. Lean on them when you need to, and be there for them when they need you. We’re not meant to do life alone.
The Journey Continues
So, here I am, still navigating, still learning, and still figuring it out—one day at a time. Adulting may be unpredictable, but it’s also full of opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and joy. My 30s may not look like the picture-perfect dream I had as a teenager, but I’m loving this chapter of my life. It’s a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Let’s keep growing, sis. We’ve got this. 💖
