Chapter 30: Thirty (One)

By Isla Skylark -

It's been a weird year. Before I knew it, I found myself in a new country, a new job, and a new relationship.

There were many times I wished I wrote or blogged, but alas, I did not. I had no strength, no mental or emotional capacity, and I kept finding excuses not to write.

But before time flies even more than it has, I thought I should make a quick review post about how it has been being thirty.

Turning thirty felt like crossing an invisible threshold, leaving behind the uncertainties of my twenties. Yet, the reality was more nuanced. The new country brought with it a whirlwind of cultural adjustments, from navigating unfamiliar social norms to deciphering a language that danced just beyond my comprehension. Each day was a lesson in humility and resilience.

The new job, while exciting, demanded a steep learning curve. I often found myself questioning my capabilities, wondering if I had bitten off more than I could chew. Impostor syndrome became a frequent, unwelcome companion. Yet, with each challenge, I discovered depths of perseverance I hadn't tapped into before.

Entering a new relationship added another layer to this complex tapestry. The joy of companionship was intertwined with the fear of vulnerability. Adjusting to sharing a life which I am defining has been a challenge in and of itself.

Throughout these experiences, I often felt adrift, as if I were navigating a dense fog without a compass. The familiar anchors of my previous life were absent, and I had to forge new ones. It was in this process that I began to understand the true essence of being thirty:

  • Self-Acceptance: Recognizing and embracing my flaws, understanding that perfection is a myth, and that growth stems from imperfection.

  • Resilience: Realizing that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to learn and adapt.

  • Authenticity: Understanding the importance of staying true to myself, even when external circumstances push me to conform.

Now, as I reflect on this year, I see it not as a series of challenges, but as a period of profound transformation. Being thirty has been about shedding old skins, embracing change, and stepping into a more authentic version of myself.

As I look ahead, I carry forward the lessons learned, ready to face whatever comes next with an open heart and an unwavering spirit.

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