I recently celebrated my 31st birthday, and it prompted me to reflect on the journey that has led me to this moment. What better way to capture these thoughts than by sharing them in a blog post?
So, here’s my take on the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between about turning 31.
The Good
Turning 31 feels like a whole new chapter. In my 20s, I viewed those in their 30s as quite old, but now that I’m part of that group, my outlook has shifted entirely. I no longer see this age as a milestone of aging; instead, I feel energized by all that life still has to offer. There’s a sense of excitement within me about what lies ahead!
Life is truly wonderful, and I say that with genuine humility. Recently, during my birthday celebration, I found myself reminiscing with my siblings about how good God has been in our family’s life.
It’s amazing to think about how much we’ve accomplished—none of which we could have predicted all those years ago. It’s not just about money or material possessions; what really matters is the stronger bond we’ve forged as we’ve grown older. Together, we’ve turned once distant dreams into reality, and I couldn’t be prouder of my parents and siblings. I also feel so grateful that my family is healthy and happy.
On a personal level, I’ve found fulfillment in my career in digital marketing, where I enjoy the flexibility of working from home. Though I've taken a step back from writing lately, I still cherish my blogs - www.izzaglinofull.com and www.savingspinay.ph as they both became my personal outlet.
I’ve also been blessed with incredible friends who genuinely love and support me, enriching my life in ways I’m truly thankful for.
There’s a sense of maturity and clarity that comes with the territory of being in your 30s. It’s true, I feel more at ease in my own skin. I've gained wisdom through experiences—both joyful and challenging—that have shaped my outlook on life. This newfound confidence empowers me to pursue my passions even more. Plus, I’ve built a solid support system of friends and family who enrich my life, reminding me that I’m not alone on this journey.
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The Bad
As I embrace the peace that comes with aging, it’s bittersweet to watch my loved ones grow older as well. Witnessing my parents age and their hair turn gray fills me with a profound sadness, especially since they live in the province and I’m far away. Now that I have the opportunity to travel, I make it a priority to visit them as often as I can and to spend meaningful time together. I also cherish our video calls, which help bridge the distance.
Being part of the sandwich generation brings its own set of challenges. While I’m focused on building my own life, I feel a strong urge to support my parents and express my gratitude for everything they’ve done for me. It’s a delicate balancing act between nurturing my own journey and honoring the deep love and care they’ve given me throughout the years.
Lastly, I feel a sense of sadness that living in a digital world makes comparison unavoidable. This constant tendency to measure ourselves against others can foster feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Finding a way to focus on my own path, rather than getting caught up in what others are doing, has become increasingly important.
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The Ugly
I think the ugly side of turning 31 is the fact that as we grow older, we inevitably face a set of expectations that can weigh heavily on us—especially for women. Society often seems to impose a timeline for significant milestones like marriage and starting a family.
At 31, I find myself still single, without a boyfriend or even someone I’m talking to. Watching more and more people in my life move on to new stages of life makes the pressure feel even greater.
I do hold on to my belief that God is crafting my love story, and His timing is always perfect—neither late nor early. That said, I won’t lie; it’s becoming increasingly challenging to remain optimistic in this area of my life. I often feel anxious about where I am compared to where society thinks I should be, and that worry can overshadow my achievements. I know I should trust in God's plan, as He promises, "When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen."
Beyond being in relationships, I find joy in other parts of my life. I’m nurturing my passions, friendships, and personal growth. Each day brings new chances for exploration and self-discovery. While wanting love is important to me, I recognize that my life is about so much more. As I move forward, I remind myself that life isn’t a race, and each chapter unfolds in its own time.
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Despite the mix of emotions, I realized turning 31 offers an opportunity to embrace the complexities of life. While there will always be good, bad, and even ugly moments, I can choose to focus on growth and resilience. As I turn a year older, I want to celebrate not just the passing of time but the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Here’s to 31—the age of embracing challenges, celebrating victories, and finding beauty in every moment!
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