Jess Ann Kirby cheers to her 30th birthday on a boat in Newport

What I’ve Learned in my 30s (and Why It’s My Favorite Decade-So Far)

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19 responses

  1. Sharon

    I agree with so much you’ve said here. I’m 34 and loving life, I didn’t dread my 30’s when I was in my 20’s because I heard so much great stuff about being in your 30’s from my older friends. I’m generally looking forward to my 40’s too I hear they are great as well.
    http://www.forthewonderer.com

  2. Cory

    I just turned 36 and am the happiest and most comfortable in my own skin than I have ever been.

  3. Michelle Johnson

    Happy Birthday! Great post!

  4. Lynn

    Wow ! That was really profundity and hit home Jess. I had nothing figured out in my tbirties except the ruggedly handsome man and father of my children wasn’t in love with me and there was no meal, no clean house or kids clamoring for his affection that could make him ours. When he went away for someone very young , I cried for years about why wasn’t I good enough, pretty enough, talented enough ? But I was all those things and I found out slowly through ny sweet friends and my extended chosen family that I could be whoever I wanted to be again . Now I’m older , much older and the kids are on their own trying g go figure their stuff out. I am married again to someone who will never hurt me and thinks I am fine exactly as is. Well , maybe I have a few more sweaters than I need and some things you posted for the Holidays, but I’m fine. I like your grandma! She was one of a kind. So now as I sit and watch my little rescue dog sleep and sigh , the world is really okay and I’m right where I need to be wrinkles and silver streaks and crinkly eyes??

    1. Lynn

      I can’t correct the errors in spelling I posted, but I’m sure that the meaning and the thoughts about this great post are still there. ??

  5. Krystal // The Krystal Diaries

    I just turned 30 earlier this year and I’m looking forward to my 30s. I never dreaded it but I was nervous. I thought I should have everything figured out and I’ve finally accepted that it’s ok that I don’t. I relate so much to everything you’ve said here! I actually just ordered Rupi Kaur’s book because I love the excerpt you shared! It so powerful in such few words. I can’t wait to get it and read it now.

  6. Carrie

    I’m a bit older and am still working on some of these things, especially speaking my mind and using my privilege for good and to help those who have less. Why is it so scary to speak out? Also with how crazy the world is, sometimes I think it’s a terrible indulgence to worry about age. God I hope I get to be an old lady! A happy and healthy one too. Great post!

  7. Emily

    Happy Birthday!! I sincerely loved this post. It was so honest and helped me. A perfect reminder that we shouldn’t try to please everyone because we will just end up hurting ourselves.
    xo,
    Em
    http://www.organicallyemily.com

  8. Emily Stafford

    Love this so much! Super motivational! Thank you for sharing and 100% agree – loving my 30s too!

  9. Elizabeth (@oakandoats)

    Happy Birthday!!! And yes, aging gracefully is a beautiful thing! As we age, we learn more and know more. We are shaped by our experiences. Aging is a gift!! I loved all the things you have learned and am learning them myself too. I am turning 30 this year and not one bit sad about it.

    Also, loved that extra bit about your grandmother. It is so hard loosing loved ones but holding onto their memories is so important!!

  10. Brittany

    Happy birthday! Thank you for sharing that beautiful quote!

  11. Jamie

    Thank you for this post! It was so very inspiring. I too lost my grandmother in January of this year at 86 and she was also a very strong woman. She led an adventurous life that I want to follow in. I’ve been told recently that I’m insane to leave my career in Esthetics to write a blog on interior styling and home decor. It’s been my safety net for 10 years. People say it pays the bills so why are you complaining or wanting to do something else? I say to them and their doubt “life is too short to just pay the bills. I’m here today to live and catch feels.” ?

  12. Alana

    I loved this post SO. MUCH. You are a wise woman and as an (almost) 25 year old, you truly are inspiration! Thank you for the reminder of how important it is to always be true to yourself, but not judge others who live their lives differently from you.

  13. Amanda

    This post is exactly why in a world with a zillion blogs yours is a stand out. Your attitude is amazing. It transcends into your style making you such a beautiful person. As a woman in her 40’s I have learned its only a number & that is such a freeing experience. BTW I work with kids and therefore have never had any. I do however have fur babies—much better trust me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

  14. Mackenzie

    Such a great post! I definitely needed this. I’m in my mid 20s and it’s enlightening to know that you also felt anxious and stressed in your 20s trying to figure everything out (or just feeling like you need to figure everything out). Thank you!

  15. Katie

    I turned 33 in September (welcome to the club!), and so much of what you said rings true. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

  16. Sunny Coastlines

    Really true what you have written here in your post.

  17. Lucy Clarke

    Hands down. Your realizations and everything you shared are so powerful and significant. I resonate with you. Happy Birthday!

  18. Gemma

    Gorgeous and inspiring!

    Gemma
    http://www.fadedwindmills.com

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