I'm 30, y'all

Yep, it happened. On a Monday. I freaked out and cut my hair the week before, which I’m reeeaaalllly regretting now that it’s 110 degrees in shade and I can’t throw it up in a huge bun on top of my head. But I’m getting tons of compliments on my “sophisticated” new cut. Does that mean that I’m now “sophisticated?” I mean, I am 30 after all. All my shit’s figured out right? I don’t know the answers, and I’m not sure I ever will. But, I did manage to reflect on the past ten years and realize that I have a lot to be proud of.

First and foremost, I have no illegitimate children that I’m aware and I have made it through some heavy partying years without being chemically dependent on alcohol or pills. I mean, sometimes I start salivating at the end of the week when thinking about a cold glass of champagne, but who doesn’t? Amiright?!  

I’ve had a couple of different jobs in my years out of college, and I can say I’m proud of the work I did at each. Some jobs were better fits than others, but that’s part of figuring out this whole adult thing. I’m not sure I’ll ever figure that out either. I love the job I have, but who knows where I’ll be in 10 years. I’ve learned to accept that as well. Life plans rarely come to fruition, but it’s good to have goals and be flexible. I’m not even sure I’m the kind of girl who can do just one thing her whole life. Some people are lucky in that they always knew they wanted to be an accountant, or a doctor. All I’ve ever wanted to do be is good at what I do, whatever that may be. I don’t want to be defined by my career. I always want work and contribute to society, but I’d rather be known for being me.

I have passions. Not carnal passions you perverts. Things I’m insanely passionate about. I have a crazy creative brain (that probably contributes to the whole “changing careers thing” I’ve done in my past.) I love music like there’s no tomorrow. I love art, I love fashion, I love finding the beauty in the most extraordinary places. I recommend finding your passion as early as possible. It provides great adventures, a good outlet for bad days, and it’s just good for the soul.

I also work hard every day to nurture relationships. I have realized over the past two years (when I picked up and moved to New Orleans leaving some amazing friends behind) that really good people are hard to come by. Good friends are even harder to come by. Keep in touch with the people that matter most, because they are the family you choose for yourself. Learn how to relax and have fun with them. Learn how to disagree with them without getting into a huge fight. Learn how to be honest without hurting their feelings. Learn how to accept their flaws, because we all have them. Learn how to listen to their advice as well. Taking advice and compliments can be hard sometimes. But the lessons we learn from our friends and family carries with us into the real world, and helps us become people that others enjoy interacting with.

You also have to learn when to let people go and move on. Whether it’s a friend or significant other. Some people are toxic, and only drain the good out of you.  If there is someone in your life that brings out the worst, then consider taking some time off from them and see if feel better without them! I’m currently going through that with someone I’ve met since moving to the Big Easy. I sometimes get the feeling I’m only there for her to complain to and go out trolling for men with. For the record, she’s the troller, not me. I’m not big on chasing men in bars. Most nights with her end up with me being extremely annoyed. So maybe it’s time to take a break from her? They say you are the company you keep, and I certainly don’t want to be a Negative Nancy. 

So embrace 30 folks! Take care of yourselves and others. Be kind to strangers. Get lost in a good book or a good walk every once in a while. Take the trip you've been wanting to take. Call your friends. Prove to yourself every now and again that you can still rap every. single. word to the first CD you ever bought ("Girl, you looks good, won't you back that azz up...") Enjoy life! It doesn't last forever... but it does go by a little easier if you mind your manners :)