being thirty

People warned me about being thirty:

  • Hairs turn grey
  • Metabolism changes and weight is gained
  • Knees and back will start hurting
  • Acid reflux and early bedtimes are part of life
  • Forever being "29" 

Well I'm thirty. And maybe some of the warnings did come true, but I take pride in not letting it bother me. Not hiding the fact that I am in my 30's, and not thinking about being 30 since being 29 and everyone talking about it. Until now. I am thinking about being 30 now. Parts of it are not that great and do need a warning, but not what people were talking about. 

Warnings that are actually needed about being thirty:
  • Parents are starting to age. Overnight stays in hospitals are going to start happening, and they require thoughtfulness and planning (did I pack a phone charger for myself and the patient, when do I get food, am I sleeping, are they sleeping, when should I go for a walk and when should I stay by their side?)
  • You and your siblings are going to start parenting your parents. Two-hour long sibling conversations are dedicated to intervention discussions. 
  • Your generation of family members are going to pass away. Not great-grandparents and grandparents, who probably passed in the last decade. But aunts, cousins, peers, childhood friends. The tragic "they died too young" starts; as a kid they didn't seem that young. They sure do now.
  • For those who do not have kids, it is going to be your responsibility to watch out for the few remaining "young folk" of your generation. The Cool Aunt makes a little more sense now.

Maybe the hair dye and workout plans aren't about keeping ourselves young. Maybe it's about trying to convince ourselves that everyone else isn't getting older too. 


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