12 LESSONS OF GROWTH AND LEARNING FOR YOUR 30s AND BEYOND

1. First and foremost, let me tell you — YOU ARE AMAZING JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!

We have reached a point in our life where we finally accept ourselves wholly, unapologetically, the flawed human being that we are. I’m sure it’s only when our 30s are struck that we realize that it’s time to love ourselves for our own dreams and desires. Unfortunately, most of us have been held up with chasing goals, or terms laid by our parents, caregivers, teachers, society, etc. We must realize our priorities in life and what we choose or intend to be for ourselves.

By now, half of us must have reached the mid-career stage or I’m assuming married probably with kids. Some of us may be going through what is known as a mid-life crisis where it feels like we are stuck in a constant similar loop but it’s okay to be who we are, and where we are, doesn’t matter if we are true to ourselves.

2. SAYING NO WITHOUT FEELING SORRY

Not all of us are brought up in a way where saying NO comes naturally (the ones who CAN- you guys are super blessed). It’s high time that we have a clear idea of our priorities in life, and we needn’t care much about others (excluding ourselves) when we say NO. I have often felt saying “NO” where required is more powerful than a “YES” in most circumstances.

3. NOT GIVING A DIME

Just like saying NO, this is also something u will start doing once you hit 30. Gone are the days when we thought of being in the good books of everyone is what mattered, truth be told nobody cares! We truly start living for ourselves when we stop thinking about what others will think. There is no more need or peer pressure to fit in. We learn to accept ourselves and be comfortable and confident in who we are as an individual.

4. COOKING IS A SURVIVAL SKILL

Seriously, let’s stop gender-stereotyping cooking!! We don’t do that while eating, do we? then why should it be the case for cooking?? If you are hungry, you cook it’s as simple as that. (Remember the time we were all stuck during the lockdown when dine-in & ordering in was not an option for all) It’s time we learned to have a decent meal for ourselves, other than Maggi noodles and eggs too 😬 unless we are nostalgically craving it badly.

5. OUR LOVED ONES ARE IMPORTANT TO US

It’s high time we stopped taking our loved ones, our own family for granted. In the helm of things, being so busy in our lives, chasing one goal after the other will often lead us to realize how much we miss them, love them, and miss spending time with them. Pick up that phone and call your folks and let them know u love them and miss them if they are far off! Loving them and being loved by them is so important for your soul and honestly, we realize their worth only when we live away from them.

6. YOUR FAVORITES MEAN SO MUCH TO YOU

All your favorites, like your favorite show, travel destination, meal to indulge in, hangout spot, restaurant, thing to buy, etc. reveal so much about you and your personality. We have reached this stage where we all have our go-to favorites!! Now we only spend our hard-earned money on something we like, not what the whole world is after.

7. ITS OK TO TAKE A BREAK

It’s completely ok to hit pause and take a break completely from our daily routine occasionally. Staying away from your work, phone, and social media sometimes is essential these days. Can't stress enough about taking digital detox breaks too whenever necessary. STRETCH & RELAX whenever needed, or maybe travel whenever possible. Travel truly nourishes your soul. Indulging in a different cuisine, and trying to learn new languages, cultures, and traditions is always a unique experience.

8. HEALTH IS WEALTH

It’s time we started taking our health (physical, mental, reproductive, gut health) seriously. We must keep a tab on our eating, drinking & smoking habits. Try eating clean as much as you can, and don’t ignore the greens & colors. Junk eating habits must take a backseat by now. Take your vitamins, and supplements regularly. Try to get tests done annually (esp. the ones post-30). Be physically active by following a basic exercise routine, walking, doing yoga, meditation, or hitting the gym. We must follow a basic Skin care regimen too — CLEANSING, MOISTURIZING & SUN PROTECTION. PS — Sunscreen is so important. Keep ourselves hydrated, drink water, etc. The importance of a good night’s sleep is often ignored. Our mental health and peace of mind are equally important, see a therapist if required.

9. FINANCIAL LITERACY AND INDEPENDENCE

Wish schools taught us a bit more about this. We must learn to save, spend, and invest wisely; it is always going to be a work in progress for all as the money-spending, saving & investing habits will continuously evolve constantly. We must be aware of filing our taxes, getting returns on investments, insurance policies at the right time, etc. An important point to be noted after saving enough is — Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

10. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START AGAIN

Though we have finished rounding 3 decades around the sun, remember AGE is just a number. Let’s brace ourselves to learn, live, enjoy, and live fully to get started with the next decade of our life, … It’s not too late to learn a new skill or master some of the skills you already possess. Most importantly — Get up, dress up, and show up for yourself no matter what.

CHEERS, you got this!!

11. CHOOSE YOUR TRIBE/FRIENDS WISELY

We can’t always choose the family that we are born into, but we can always choose the people around us, our friends. Around the age of 30, you will truly realize who your friends, acquaintances, and foes are. It is so important to choose the right people at the right time. You should not have any room for negative energy or toxic people in your life. Always be willing to say Goodbye to negative energy and toxic people …

12. YOU ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH YOURSELF

Never ever did u think that hanging out with yourself is actually fun. I vividly remember there was a time I’d go starving or meal less if I didn’t have anyone to accompany me... but now I’d do anything to get that ME time at least a minimum of 20 minutes for yourself can do wonders. You enjoy peace and quiet like never before for example- having a good cup of coffee/ chai or a nice meal all by yourself. Recently I realized that there are so many things you can do alone plus you will feel much better.

I HOPE I have mentioned almost everything valuable here, do let me know what else did you learn along the way upon hitting 30.