On Being 30

Tonight at work I had a bit of time on my hands. I got momentarily lost in a loop of linked articles --words of wisdom and random lists on everything you can imagine. Some are just too good not to share. This is a compilation from Glamour Magazine. I can honestly say that each of these resonates with me and I think I've accomplished each one. Some I feel more passionate about than others, but they're all glorious. Love.

By 30 you should have ...

1.  One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come. (Sigh, yes. Good.)

2.  A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. (My bed. My glorious bed. My moust proud possession and purchase.)

3.  Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. (That little black dress.)

4.  A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.  (Isn't this so true? So adult?)

5.  A youth you're content to move beyond. (Yes -content!)

6.  A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age. (Oh the tales to be told -but not for several years :) )

7.  The realization that you are actually going to have an old age --and some money set aside to help fund it.

8.  An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account --all of which nobody has access to but you.

9.  A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.(Proud moment!)

10.  One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

11.  A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra. (check, check, and check :) )

12.  Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.

13.  The belief that you deserve it.

14.  A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30.

15.  A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30 you should know ...

1.  How to fall in love without loosing yourself.

2.  How you feel about having kids.

3.  How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. (A true defining moment of adulthood)

4.  When to try harder, and when to walk away. (SO important -sometimes it's just not worth the other)

5.  How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next.

6.  The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.

7.  How to live alone, even if you don't like to.  (SO important!!!!)

8.  Where to go --be it your best friend's kitchen table or a yoga mat --when your soul needs soothing.

9.  That you can't change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.

10.  That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over. (And it was pretty close to perfect.)

11.  What you would and wouldn't do for money or love.

12.  That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long. (Oh SO true)

13.  Who you can trust, who you can't, and why you shouldn't take it personally.

14.  Not to apologize for something that isn't your fault.

15.  Why they say life begins at 30. (And it does. It really does. It's a beautiful thing!)