ugly truths of being in my 30s no one talks about
I really thought I’d have it all by now, the dream career, a family, maybe even a bigger house
But that wasn’t the case. Instead, stepping into my 30s felt like starting over in so many ways.
Here are some of the not so pretty parts I’ve experienced in this new decade:
I started questioning everything: my relationship, my purpose, my 5 year plan… even my 10 year plan. It felt like time was slipping through my fingers, and I couldn’t catch up.
My circle shifted. Some friendships faded, not out of drama, just distance, different paths, and small changes.
Physically? My body changed.
Same workouts, same meals, but suddenly, weight gain, hormonal acne (yes, even in my 30s!), and a few gray hairs made an appearance. 🙃
Honestly, being in my 30s is scary. Every day can feel like a race against the clock, like I’m always behind.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
It’s okay to feel lost. It’s okay to slow down.
I’ve had to really sit with my emotions and face parts of myself I used to avoid.
And most importantly, I’ve realized that purpose and happiness don’t come from external praise or checking boxes…they come from within.
#lemon8partner #girlgrowth #lemon8challenge #girltalk #30sandthriving #healingera #lifein30s
It's so true what Cleo Natalie shared – stepping into my 30s really did feel like a reset button, sometimes a really confusing one! I remember thinking I'd have all the answers, but instead, I found myself grappling with so many of the 'ugly truths' she mentioned. The 'messy side of being a 30's girly' is no joke, right? One thing that really resonated was the feeling of 'questioning everything.' For me, it wasn't just big life plans, but daily choices. I realized I was living by a script I'd written in my early twenties, which no longer fit. To combat this, I started journaling daily. Not just 'what I did' but 'how I felt' and 'why I felt it.' This simple practice helped me uncover some deeply ingrained beliefs and 'unfulfilled expectations' that were causing a lot of my anxiety. It's like I was finally giving myself permission to re-evaluate what true success and happiness meant *to me*, not what society dictated. And oh, the friendships! It's tough when your circle shifts. I used to blame myself, thinking I wasn’t doing enough. But then I realized it's a natural part of growth. Instead of clinging to what was, I focused on nurturing the friendships that truly aligned with my evolving self. I also actively sought out new connections through local workshops and interest groups – people who understood this new phase of 'finding purpose and happiness from within.' It wasn't about replacing old friends, but creating a support system for the person I was becoming. The body changes were a real punch to the gut, especially after years of a stable routine. I saw the text "weight gain and hormonal acne" in the OCR, and I instantly related! It felt unfair. My breakthrough came when I shifted my mindset from fighting my body to understanding it. I started listening to podcasts on women's health in their 30s, experimenting with different types of movement that felt good (hello, gentle yoga instead of intense HIIT), and focusing on nourishing foods rather than restrictive diets. It's an ongoing journey of self-acceptance and learning to appreciate my body for its strength, not just its appearance. It’s hard to let go of those unrealistic expectations, but it’s so freeing. What I’m really learning is that personal growth in your 30s isn't about having it all figured out. It's about embracing the journey, allowing yourself to feel lost, and actively working on 'finding purpose and happiness from within.' Don't be afraid to slow down, to ask for help, or to completely change direction. This decade is a powerful time for self-discovery and building a life that truly reflects who you are, not who you thought you 'should' be by now. If you're in your 30s and feeling similar, know you're not alone in this beautiful, messy, and utterly transformative chapter!
