…Like many others, except today is my induction into the Grown Woman society. You see today folks, I’m thirty. A man once passed thirty and he said:
“Thirty was so strange for me. I’ve really had to come to terms with the fact that I am now a walking and talking adult”
I thought to myself something very similar this morning, as I ate leftover mini chocolate doughnuts for breakfast. I probably should have realised that I’m a ‘walking, talking adult‘ many years ago. Maybe when I graduated; maybe when I moved out; maybe when I got married. Maybe while I checked my bills today and then flicked them off the desk. Instead, the realisation has been a tip-toeing second place runner who’s finally catching up with yours truly. Not quite though- I’m too fast, I’m too quick
It’s not strange though, it feels natural- the year’s up on 29, this was the only way this was going to go! Contrary to what your grandmother and your aunty told you about a woman hitting thirty this is exciting. Of course some things have changed. Hangovers feel like complete death now and I can’t stay out late at Livin’ Proof then casually function at my optimum the next day like I did at uni. I don’t want to do that any more though, I don’t need that ability. Who needs that?
All the ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘Love You ‘and ‘Damn you’re old, Char!’ messages from my family and friends make me feel unexpectedly sentimental, blessed. Everything seems right to me- not perfect- but right. Something that comes with getting older is you learn the imperfections are what’s really you and that’s what you love- in yourself and others. Thirty means I’m on the brink of something new. A new hand being dealt for my next chapter and I don’t know what the cards are but I think they are good ones. I think there are at least two aces.

This eternal sunshine is only on the inside. I’m looking outside my window and I’m gradually accepting that this is going to be the first birthday ever in life where the sun doesn’t come out! Whatever, I don’t need it. If Glastonbury doesn’t need it, I don’t need it.
Overwhelmingly though I feel thankful. Like for most other people, it isn’t always the smoothest ride to the beach but I’m thankful for the bumps, they make me. I’m thankful that I’m alive, all my faculties are in place and I have a good body (when it wants to behave!). I’m thankful that somehow, I’ve ended up on my life walk with an incredible man who is all the things I didn’t even know I needed. I’m thankful that my baby sister has grown into a smart, funny woman who reminds me its ok to do weird stuff quickly before anybody looks. I’m thankful that my brothers put their macho and muscles aside for a second if I need to talk. I’m thankful for my best friends, who have become my family. I’m thankful for my family, who will always have my heart.
I’m thankful that I still sometimes get ID’d for alcohol purchases. I just thought I’d say that. I love that.
I’m going to look back at this piece one day and wonder why I don’t think in a straight line but not all lines are supposed to be straight. There are many paths I could have taken and today, I am thankful for taking the ones that led me here.
Thirty, I’m coming for you!
Hey Char, happy birthday to you! 🍻
Pfiuh, growing older is a thing. I remember I was nervous turning 20 and had to pay the bills for the first time. And then when I left the quarter hunderd years… I thought oh wow, things are getting serious and so on and so on… I have the feeling you’re gonna be the most authentic you!
– E.
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Thanks Box of pages! it’s all I can be! I hardly remember turning twenty but I remember turning 25
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Happy birthday! X
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Thanks Tiffany!
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Simply amazing! Excellent read, happy birthday dear x
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thanks! sis? I think? maybe? If this is someone else then sorry for being weird haha
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Happy birthday Char! Cheers to an exciting year x
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Thanks Christa!
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Happy birthday Char.
I think I remember growing ol
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Thanks!
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Just missed your birthday but reading your post made me really happy for you. I chuckled a little. Your writing is amazing!
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Thanks Ashley! I appreciate it
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I hope you enjoyed your birthday Chair. Welcome to the 30’s 🙂
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Thanks! hope I have a good stay here
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Hi Char,btw. I changed my blog’s url and name from Voices in my Head. Just found out now that I lost all followers. So I have to request everyone to unfollow and then follow my blog again. I hope you don’t mind doing that. Thanks.Diana
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np, will do that, thanks
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Love this! Turn up tonight ; )
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🙂 In recovery mode
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I fully embraced 30 and the last couple years have probably been my best yet!! I went through a bad breakup right before 30, and have been living life to the fullest which partially inspired my blog. I think it’s all what you make of it. I believe it’s the new 20 – you’re still young but have a clearer idea of who you are. Enjoy it all!!!! 🙂
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Thanks Millia! I think it’s going to be a great decade and definitely life will become what you decide to make of it!
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I am a fifty year old man who has thee children and supervise sixteen adults. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that I am a walking, talking adult. I can assure you it is not something I ever strived to be.
Tim
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haha! thanks for the reassurance Tim. I’ll probably be the same when I have some little ones
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