THIS blog was originally born out of a list I put together when I was 25. It was a list of all the things I wanted to do before turning 30.
Before I got to the point where I felt I had gone three decades on the planet and not achieved enough.
Before I regretted not making the most of every opportunity I had been given.
A year earlier, aged 24, I was involved in a crash that people told me I was lucky to walk away from.
My car was a mess and somehow I got away with a few scratches, a bit of glass in my hands and severe whiplash. I still believe someone was watching over me that day.
Within a week I was back behind the wheel. Yes I was sh*ting it but I decided it was best to face my fears head on.
Years later I still use this as my motivation. Whether going travelling on my own, running my first half marathon or starting a new job, I have kicked my fears in the ass and just got on with it.
And I plan to do the same with turning 30.
‘Life has had other plans’
I have probably been dreading this day for the last 365 days but frankly I can’t change the date on my birth certificate and I can’t stop my body clock. So why the heck don’t I just deal with it.
The grey hairs and wrinkles are still holding off for the time being but I would be lying if I said being 30 didn’t scare me a little.
I had always imagined that by now I would be a proper grown-up with my life “sorted out”. I would be “set”. I would have made my fortune and some mini-mes.
But life has had other plans.
At this age my mum had a husband, two kids, two houses and was a high-flying businesswoman.
Then there’s me.
I haven’t achieved any of those things…yet! But buying a house is on my ‘to do’ list, I have my dream job and well erm….lots of stamps on my passport???
While I know some people see me as a failure (and they will probably never get off my case) I have few responsibilities and don’t have to worry about anyone but myself. For now, that works perfectly for me.
This latest milestone has come around so quickly and left me wondering where the years have gone but I know I have done the best I can.
I still feel 24 inside, I’ll keep taking comfort in being told told I look “young” and despite my fears I will just have to embrace whatever the next 10 years has in store.
I guess I should do another list. It might make 30-something and nearing 40 a little less painful!