How To Turn 30 Without Losing Your Shit

I turned 30 this month.

Despite my meltdown and despite wishing it wasn’t true, the inevitable happened and I said goodbye to my roaring twenties. *sob*

But I’m focusing on the positives now you see.

Because I also said hello to another decade of new opportunities, new people and new places. Plus, I’ve decided that in your thirties you have more money, more knowledge and less giving a fuck. So that’s got to be better, right?

RIGHT?!

Well anyway, the whole turning 30 thing wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. That’s what I’m trying to get at here.

But that’s definitely because I took some steps to avoid losing my shit on the big day. And I figured, hey, maybe I should share these with you. Because we’re not getting any younger, babes.

How To Turn 30 Without Losing Your Shit

Make a big deal out of it

No matter how you feel about turning 30, it’s a big fucking deal.

People will say “it’s only a number” and “30 is still so young” but you are entering a new decade of your life. It’s a milestone whatever way you look at it.

So it should be bloody celebrated.

Don’t be all like “I don’t like birthdays”, “it’s not a big deal” or “I’m just going to stay in with a glass of red”. You’ve made it to 30. You’ve survived education and learning to adult and relationships and starting out in your career. Celebrations shall be had by all.

Spend it doing what you love

I’m not saying you have to have a massive piss-up if that’s not your jam. I just think you should celebrate the way you want to.

For me, that had to be travel.

I wanted to celebrate a new decade and a new era of my life by seeing somewhere I’d never been before. I don’t know if it’s that part of me that’s like “I’m still going to travel in my thirties, nothing’s going to change” that made me want to do this. Like I needed to prove that I’ve still got it, y’know?

But either way, I thoroughly enjoyed my shindig in Copenhagen. And that’s what it’s all about. Doing what you love.

Because you’re 30 now and you’ll do whatever the fuck you want and no-one can stop you.

Spend it with your friends

Having people around you that you love definitely eases the blow.

When you’re dancing to the Spice Girls and your pals are shoving double jagerbombs into your hands, it’s like “Oh, so 30 is just the same as 29”. I haven’t shrivelled up and gone away to die.

Although if your friends are anything like mine, they’ll definitely be taking the piss out of your newfound decade. Which leads me onto my next point…

Make sure at least one of them is older than you

LOL.

The thing is, I’m one of the older ones of my friendship group. So most of my squad are happily living in that 25-29 bracket, teasing me for turning 30.

“Watch your step, Grandma” was something Josh said to me for my entire birthday week. Even though he’s only 5 weeks younger than me. Can’t wait until it’s his turn.

So I think not being the oldest at the party definitely helps you make it through.

Luckily I’m the second oldest in my gang and my pal Scott was there to soften the blow! Like yeah, he’s doing okay, we got this thirties thing. No dramas.

(If you’re reading this Scott, that’s not the only reason you were invited haha.) 

Document it – you’ll want to remember it

I can’t say it enough – turning 30 is a big deal. On the run-up to my big 3-0, I asked people I met what they did on their thirtieth. And everyone has a story. Whether it’s a party or a trip or just a funny anecdote, it’s a time in our lives that we remember.

You know like when someone asks you how you celebrated your 18th birthday? You always have that story waiting, right? (FYI I spent the night before my 18th outside a pub in London waiting for it to turn midnight so I could stroll in with my ID)

So make sure you document it.

I took loads of photos and just had such a great time. And I can’t wait for when someone asks me what I did on my 30th birthday. I can say, I spent it in Copenhagen, eating pastries and doing jagerbombs with all of my best friends like a boss.

Anyway, they’re just a few things I think helped me get through the whole turning 30 thing. I made it through. It didn’t kill me. I still feel the same.

YOU GOT THIS.

Now tell me, anyone who is over 30 – how did you spend yours?

Let me know in the comments below, tweet me at @HeelsInBackpack or find me over on Insta at @Heels.In.My.Backpack!