The Truth About Life After 30

They say that youth is wasted on the young and now that I’ve crossed over the 30 bridge, I’m starting to understand why. Now, I’m not saying that I’m old by any means, but everything is starting to get better now that those awkward 20’s are behind me. I feel more knowledgeable and empowered to tackle many life decisions from my career path, finances, relationships, and even sex. Granted, there’s no magic trick being performed here, only growth and maturity, but after you reach the age of 30 there are just a few things you should have figured out about yourself like:

Who Has Time For Bad Sex?

All I’m saying is, this probably isn’t your first time at the rodeo. Therefore, all the trial and error you may have encountered in your sexual past has led you to know exactly what you like and most importantly how you like it. You’re grown now, so it’s OK to tell your partner your deepest, darkest, freakiest secrets and fantasies. You should have consistent orgasms and feel in tune with your sexuality and/or preference by now.

If It Doesn’t Make You Happy, It Doesn’t Make Sense

It can be a job, relationship, school, religion, etc. Whatever it is, you should have found or are at least starting to find “your voice.” Most of us spend our teens, and 20’s wasting time trying to live the life we “think” we should or were told to do. When instead, we should really be finding ourselves and pursuing our life’s passion. Please note, life happens, and most of us weren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouths. Many people are doing what they have to do to survive, and it’s easy to feel stuck and trapped in your circumstances. I get it. Been there, done that. So, if the idea of living out your “purpose” and finding your “passion” seems like some BS, I assure you, no matter the current situation, living a life of peace and abundance can be your reality. Even if it seems impossible, commit to doing one thing that makes you happy because there is NOTHING worth your sanity or peace of mind.

Secure Authentic Relationships

I always giggle when I see y’all bragging about who’s hating on you, how females are shady and who you’ve had to “cut off.”  I think as you get older you just realize that you outgrow people or sometimes they outgrow you. No love is lost, but some of your Day 1’s just don’t serve a purpose in your current reality, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Bottom line is this, life is short. Too short to be associating yourself with people who are not genuinely there for you, supportive, brutally honest and wanting to see the best for you even if you fail to see it for yourself at times.

Self-Care

I’m not talking buying bundles, a fresh pair of J’s, red bottoms or getting mani/pedis. I’m talking mammograms, early prostate screenings, practicing safe sex and getting regular STD/HIV/AIDS testing. Using birth control and not trips to the abortion clinic to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Deciding if having children is something you even want and taking the necessary steps towards parenthood. Making sure you’re getting enough rest, exercise and water. Going to therapy, healing from childhood trauma, forgiving people who have wronged you instead of holding petty grudges. Reducing your stress levels, watching your food intake to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure. Look, it’s not enough to keep up the outer shell of your body for appearances, you have to start taking care of the inside. Prevention is key, and while it’s never too early to start, you can begin to care entirely too late.

Financial Planning

Whether you listened to them or not, your parents were right; save your money. If you haven’t started yet you actually still have time to get yourself on a nice track towards retirement. Utilize your employer’s 401K, stock options or seek out a financial planner. Decide if home ownership is something you want to tackle. If you have children, are you preparing for their college funds yet? If you want to adopt, have you considered the costs? The thing is, you need money. Instead of blowing it all on these temporary things, you should know by now that it’s time to start making more financially sound decisions for your future.