By Miss Adventure
Yes! My 30's have been better than my 20's. I was thinking about this today as I was walking the dogs and reflecting on my life (as seems to happen out walking). I had heard this a few times probably around the age of 29 when I was dreading my upcoming birthday. I thought, that was weird - you are just getting older. Who wants to get older? Well, yes, when we are kids we often want to be older, in my 20's that desire had gone away.
I remember hearing the logic behind why the 30's are better than your 20's and it had something to do with being more confident and not caring as much about what people think, if I remember right. Yes, I think it's true. Of course, as 35 is nearing, I'm not so excited about that birthday either...but then I think, why? My 30's have been great. In fact, when I look back, they've been amazing! Okay maybe they didn't start off amazing....since I broke up with my boyfriend of close to two years (a few weeks after turning 30...ouch!). That was hard. But, as hard as it was, I was proud of myself for having followed what I believed God was asking me to do, stepping out in faith, and letting go of a relationship so dear. In retrospect, that relationship was stressful and instead of making me a better, more confident person, it made me weak. That's not God's plan for my life.
Then, within a few months, I completed my first ever marathon (and you can't even believe how shocking this is considering I spent my whole life hating running...and I'm still not a real fan of it, but I've discovered there is no shame in power walking much of a marathon). Six months later, completed marathon #2 - and probably ran 1/3 of it! That was a lesson in knowing that if you put your mind to it, it's amazing what you can accomplish (Brings to mind a verse - "I can do all things through Him who stengthens me." Philippians 4:13).
I also decided to go for that career change I so desired, to become a school counselor, and entered a credential and master's program. Four years of hard work while keeping a full time job, but I finally get to walk with that master's degree this June! It feels so good.
For my 31st birthday, I bought myself a condo that I love near a lake, looking out at the highest peak in Orange County - I call it "my mountain", which I have also hiked up three times now. I did a half marathon shortly after that. Adopted a dog (child) who has been one of the best things for me ever.
At 32 I decided to learn Spanish so through listening to podcasts of a Scottish man in my car (I had lots of time driving to and from Riverside for classes), I worked on my Spanish and then set out over Christmas and New Years to two weeks of free language school (thanks to my school field trip to DC/NY with students) in Costa Rica. That was incredible. A good learning experience....it was a test of faith and maturity to hang around a bunch of 18-24 year old Europeans who loved to enjoy the Costa Rican coastal party atmosphere. I don't understand the clubbing thing...and blame it on my age or whatever, it's not for me. Traveling alone is something I conquered in my 20's in Europe, but traveling in a developing country that doesn't speak English was another adventure for my 30's.
After ten years of teaching high school, I was displaced. Another shock and another rough road, but I had to know that God had a different path for me. I ended up at the lowest performing middle school in Orange County. Not an easy year, in fact maybe my hardest teaching ever, but somehow, easier to get through in my 30's than it was in my 20's. I'm still there, but I found my voice in advocating for the youth in this tough area taking some risks that I believe are so worth it in order to stand up for what is right.
The age of 33 saw some more testing of my faith - mostly my theology - when I dated a guy who eventually I realized was involved in a cult like church. Again...a tough test of faith but a reinvigoration for knowing why I believe what I believe and knowing God's got my back is always a good thing. Letting that one go was hard, but also so easy knowing the peace that comes with doing what is right.
Then came the opportunity to take on my biggest physical challenge yet...climb Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the 48 states at 14, 505 ft. I trained and did another half marathon, and then a whole marathon hiking through the woods of the bay area (by myself part of the time but not alone...again...God's got my back). Then came the actual climb just after I turned 34. One of the scariest climbs I'd ever done (okay, no panic attacks like I had on the Devil's Steps almost to the top of Half Dome at 31...but that's just because I've learned how to control them better - believe me, there were a few panic attacks ready to rear their ugly heads a few times on that hike as I looked out over there valleys to my east or my west and saw the vast drops or the huge boulders sitting precariously around me). Also one of the hardest. It starts to get really hard to breath about 12,000-13,000 feet up. My muscles weren't nearly as bad as my lungs...but one certainly impacts the other. Still, with my brothers to help support me and keep me going (wouldn't have made it without them), I made it to the top. One of my proudest moments ever....but one that this height fearing girl will not repeat.
I also met an amazing guy and started to date him - a guy who doesn't stress me out or break me down but takes care of me when I'm sick (which has been a hallmark of 34 so far...there goes my pride over my amazing immune system...), a guy who is incredibly thoughtful and caring and encourages me spiritually and respects me just the way I am. It's so refreshing. Not what I expected, but then I think that's kind of been my 30's. Doing what is not expected but being surprised at the immense blessings that come from trusting God and stepping out to take some risks that I never would have dreamed of in my 20's.
So, 35....you don't scare me....I'm looking foward to what you have to bring!
