By Jamie Duhn 
I recently celebrated my 30th birthday. As I talked to people, I was met with a variety of sentiments ranging from the typical “Oh man, you’re getting old!” to “How on earth are you 30?!” from those who have known me longest. But the one that surprised me the most—and I heard most often was “You are going to love your 30s”. For a while, that surprised me. I thought we all dreaded turning a new decade? But as I sat at a table of my closest friends, all about the same age, I began to realize what might be beautiful about this new decade.
People enter their 30s at all different stages of life. I’m coming into this age exhausted but incredibly fulfilled as I embrace being pregnant with my third child. Two toddlers run at my feet each day as I pack lunches for park picnics and plan activities to prepare them for preschool. My husband is my favorite person to see at the end of each day, but we’re in a stage of comfort since we’ve been together for nearly 10 years. This is what 30 looks like for me.
My best friend of 25 years couldn’t be in a more different place. She’s a fun, energetic, single woman who enjoys going out for drinks and dancing after long hours spent on her career each day. This is what 30 looks like for her.
A coworker who started working the same year as I did is expecting her first child. She’s eager but anxious for what this new adventure will bring. This is what 30 looks like for her.
Another woman is deciding that now is as good a time as any to switch careers. Another is finding the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship. Another is undergoing her third round of IVF, hoping to start a family. Another is choosing to travel now that she’s built up enough PTO and savings. Another is moving across the country on a whim because she’s sick of our weather. Some are calling their parents to babysit, while others are caring for their parents who are ill. Some have friendships that have weathered years of change, while others are creating new friendships every day. Some have been with their partner for half of their lives, while others haven’t found their match just yet.
Turning the page from 29 to 30 feels like a giant leap, but it’s a leap that could lead you in any direction you choose. Entering your 30s, you can be established or a wild card. In your 20s, you learned who you were and what you wanted. In your 30s, you have the confidence to go out and make things happen.
by Catherine Dietrich 
by Valli Vida Gideons 
by Christy Rose 
by Melinda Dueck 
