I turn 32 today aka my second anniversary of turning 30 (woo hoo!!!!) Every year for my birthday I like to reflect back on the woman I’ve become and all the things I’ve learned over the years. Some people dread turning 30 but so far it’s been some of the best years of my life!
And here’s why…
1. You’re better equipped to handle ish
About 10 years ago me asking for something would go something like “Hi, um, excuse me…do you think that maybe I could…” whereas now it’s like “Hey, how u doin. I want xyz without abc. How long do you think that will take?”
Plus you’ve made enough mistakes in your 20s to learn how to deal with tough situations accordingly in your 30s.
2. Your library of ‘f–ks to give’ diminishes greatly
If I had a dollar for every time I didn’t have any f–ks to give, I’d have enough money to start my own Mega Millions lottery. By the time you hit your 30s, you’ve been dealt with enough crap that you just have no tolerance for BS anymore.
3. It’s so much easier to drop toxic people
When we’re younger we have this attachment to people who aren’t necessarily good for us for whatever reasons—be it that we’ve known them since childhood or whatever, we sometimes let leeches in to drain us for every once of energy we have. But in your 30s? See point #2.
No one has time for people who take 10 years to figure out plans for the weekend or for them to criticize your every move.
4. You’re less likely to fall for the thirst trap
True story—I ran into a guy I knew from waaaaaay back in the day when I was in New Orleans. I said hi and then kept it moving. Weeks later he was in my inbox talmbout “How you doing, miss lady” to which I replied with pleasantries. Then he goes “I didn’t know you were at Essence Music Fest” to which I go “Yeah, I said hi to you at a party. SMH.” To which he replies “Say what??? I don’t remember that” and then he started to go on about something else but I just didn’t continue the conversation beyond that…lol. I could see from the Facebook within Facebook thing on the side of the page that he was liking a bunch of big booty girl pics and I wasn’t about to be like old Danielle and entertain him at all. And how the hell do you forget we had a face-to-face 30 second convo??? Old Danielle would’ve still engaged in conversation and got herself drawn into some forthcoming bullshit.
Or the ex-boyfriend that has been calling me incessantly for the last three months. I would have looked at that as “OMG, look how much he likes me” and then get mad when he did exactly what made us break up in the first place. Now it’s like dude, get a GA-RIIIIIIP.
5. You get to reinvent yourself
Though I typically behave like a 12 yr old, I’ve become a bit “stiff.” I’m not a shy person (like at ALL), but I need to glide when I walk and be more “sensual”…you know, add a little Eartha Kitt-ness to my persona. So I’m taking a pole dancing class this week to break myself out of my stiffness…lol. Also writing for Cosmo for Latinas has also helped me to be more “free”—I often have to re-edit myself to be more playful and sexy with my writing and you KNOW that’s eventually gonna seep through into my personal life. Heyyyyyyy
6. You’re probably a lot better with money
In my 20s—especially my early 20s—I would see something I liked and would buy it immediately (sale or no sale—yes, the thirst was REAL) and repeat this over and over until I had a mountain of debt and tons of clothes I barely wore. Now I’m still as obsessed with clothes but only buy things I know I’ll wear 50 million times so I’ll be like “Oh that dress is cute but I think I’m just gonna go ahead and wear my Gap boyfriend shorts and BCBG blazer—again.”
I also got myself out of that debt mountain and make much smarter money decisions than I did when I was in my 20s (and mind you I was selling investments and giving financial advice for a living when I was in my 20s—those who can do, those who can’t teach I guess)
7. You get to giggle at people who are 28 who say we’re old
Because once you reach your late 20s, things like simple math go out the window.
And speaking of your late 20s, that funk you were in from like 26-28 1/2? Things get so much clearer on the other side ;)
8. Beyoncé is our age
Nuff said.
9. I hear some physical stuff is better…
Except you’ll have to Google this because um…
10. Remember when people like Halle Berry, Gabrielle Union, and Salma Hayek were in their 30s?
And how much hotter they are now that they’re in their 40s? That means there’s another awesome decade to look forward to. So let’s make sure we get our minds and bodies for the fabulous 40s! (And now that I’ve said that I think I find the mental motivation I needed to lose these damn 40 pounds—ha!)
Happy birthday Danielle! I love your list, so true and very inspiring and as usual, served with a slice of humor. Have the best day ever, you are an inspiration. xo
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Thank you!!!
Happy Birthday! I have 2 more years til 30 but I could relate to a lot in this post! Love it!
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Glad you could relate! Thanks, Ayana!
Love this! I like when you write personal posts. Even though I’m no where near 30, I enjoyed this post because it shows me what I should probably working on achieving throughout my 20s.
Happy Birthday!!
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Thanks, Niqua!!!!
Happy Birthday!! I loved this post… I’m turning 26 on Sept 7th and I felt like I was getting stuck in a rut! But this just inspired me to keep pushin’ because I have so much to look forward to ;)
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Ahhh so many fab Virgos in this post!!!
I know it will feel crappy for a while, but believe me it gets better!!! Hugs to you!!!
thanks, Cierra :)
Yo! Happy birthday!!! totally agree with all listed!!! I’m looking forward to looking like 1/10 of Salma Hayek when I hit the 40s!!!
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RIGHT!!!! Thank you!!!
Happy birthday Danielle!! I love this post. Hope this day is as fabulous as you are!
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Thanks so much, Brenda!
Happy Birthday! I’ll be 31 in two weeks (go Virgos!) and my 30s are amazing so far. Much better than my 20s, for sure.
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Thanks! Woo hoo!!! Virgo Love!!!! If not for our parents getting freaky during the holidays, where would we all be? lol
Happy early birthday to you!!!
Happy Birthday!!!!!! Hope its awesome and sparkly and great!
This: And speaking of your late 20s, that funk you were in from like 26-28 1/2? Things get so much clearer on the other side ;)
Makes me feel soooo much better because I’m 27 and I swear fo’Lord….Ugh. Just ugh to finances and school debt and career options. This makes everything not so bleak.
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LOL—aww, Neicy!!! I swear it gets better—I, too had the longest funk in my late 20s and thank goodness it all cleared. ***hugs to you***
Thanks!!!
Happy Birthday!!
Love this post! I can totally relate, as I will be on my second anniversary of 30 soon too.
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Woo hoo!!! 1981 babies!!! Thanks, Alicia!!! Happy early birthday to you!
Happy birthday Danielle! I accomplished alot in my 30s and really miss the 30s…cause the 40s? Mayne lemme tell you. I turn 41 on August 31 and love having a birthday that always leads up to a holiday weekend.
To quote the great poet Luther “Luke” Campbell: what’s that number one birthday month? August! Say what’s that number one birthday sign? Virgo!
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LOL—OMG do you know one of my friends sent me the link to that video in a text message! It’s a sign!!! lol
Happy Birthday, Danielle! This post made me laugh so hard..and also made me feel better about turning 30 in a few weeks!
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haha! thanks, Janelle! Happy early birthday to you!!!
I enjoyed this post.
I’m a year short of 30 so I’m not there yet, but I hope my 30’s will be MUCH better. LOL
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They will!!! Thank you, Erin!!!
Awesome post! I’m looking forward to my 30s for all those reasons you mentioned ;) Except I’m a 28 year old who says she’s old lol but compared to my 25 year old friends… I really am!
Happy Birthday girl! Congrats on all your recent success, you deserve it :)
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Your 30s will be amazing, Kimberlee! It’s so much clearer on this side! Thank you!!!
Wow, what an article!!!! Loved it. You are too awesome for words. Hope you had a great day. I had my last daughter named Danielle Morgan Gray in my mid 30s on August 26. What a blessing! So proud of you.
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LOL—awww, thanks, mom! I love how you put my whole government in this…lol. Love you!
Happy Birthday to you my darling! Wishing you all the best and more wonderful years to come.
Couldn’t agree more with your list though I am 3 yrs shy from 30, your list will definitely come in handy (some I have accomplished). :)
Happy Birthday to you once again. Have a great day xx
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Haha!! Thanks, Joanna!
Happy birthday fellow Virgo! I really appreciated this post! My 30th bday is coming up on the 1st (eeek) and I’ve been between debbie downer and blah betsy about it. Things like this list put things in perspective. Gracias!
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thank you!!! come on in—the water over her is fine :)
Great post. Happy, happy birthday. I hope your day was fabulous
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thank you!!!
Awws. Happy Birthday Danielle! – I turn 30 March 2014- I hope it’s better than my late twenties.
By the way I will send you a private message via FB about where I originally know you from.
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It definitely will be!!!!
Ohhh the suspense of the FB inbox!!!! LOL
Happy Birthday Danielle!!! I celebrated my 4th anniversary of 30 not to long ago and I’m loving every minute of it! LOL
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Thank you!!! Woo hoo—happy belated to you :)
Happy belated birthday Danielle, you hit the nail on the head. I will be 36 on 4th Sept, and all you said is soooooooo true….(love your blogs) although I admit I’m not looking forward to 40 tho LOL (as I can see the changes in body already) , but I still feel like 25. :)))))
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Thanks, Janelle!
My niece (and Beyoncé’s bday…lol) is on the 4th! Happy early birthday to you :)
How you feel is what matters most :)
Thank you :) – Yes it’s Beyonce birthday as well, (it was funny when I found this out whilst watching MTV and Destiny Child came on saying ‘happy birthday to our girl’ , I almost freaked out, how did they know it was my birthday ?….then realised it was a message for Beyonce lol.
.Happy Birthday to your niece, all the best to you and your family. God Bless .
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LMAOOOOOOO!!!!! OMG—I would have done something similar!!! haha!!!
thank you!!! enjoy your day :)