These people get raw and real on tough realizations in their 30s

Hard to Swallow Truths in Your 30s

Danah Gutierrez

<p>I don’t know about you, but a birthday always signifies a lot of introspection to me. I recently turned 33 (the day before Valentine’s), and despite all the busyness with the parties and celebrations, there’s something about getting a year older that makes me pause, reflect, and ponder a lot about life and living.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a26994b5-348a-4e62-8988-1072b6d455aa_1.png" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Birthdays often make me reflect and introspect amidst all the celebrations</span></span></span></div><p>Perhaps it’s because of the fact that we’re getting much closer to our end, or maybe it’s the practical need to do an inventory of where our energy and resources go. Perhaps it’s because of our innate capacities to evolve and transform to better ourselves and the lives we lead. I’d like to believe that getting older is inevitable, but getting wiser is a choice. I’m constantly finding the lessons to learn from my mistakes and unwarranted detours, and see how God can use it for my good and His glory. </p><div><br/></div><p>Along with my personal musings, I have a deep interest in picking other people’s brains, especially those who are years ahead of me, and ask about their own realizations, too. I’m a big believer in mentorship and learning from those who are several batches higher in the school of life. I feel like God designed people to go before us because there is so much power in listening to and learning from our seniors.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/31f5d1fe-ca4e-44d2-8727-1e5d4bd90b6a_3.png" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>So I did my own poll and had a backyard research within my network. Here are some hard to swallow pills in your 30s. </p><ul><li>“Not everyone is your friend.” —Maan D.P.</li><li>“Some people you know or familiar with, one by one, are dying.” —Bruno P.</li><li>“There’s a lot of expectations for marriage and raising a family, and people will assume success and financial stability from you.” —Josh A.</li><li>“Not everything you envision when you are younger will come true. I thought I’d be this sophisticated cosmopolitan woman ready to conquer the world. Turns out, I’d rather be the homesteader, living a simple but content life in the country.” —Princes G. </li><li>“We’re only adults 8 hours, 5 days per week. Apart from that, we are still kids.” —Joaquin M.</li><li>“Nothing will be given to you on a silver platter, and fame and money are not as good as advertised.” —Mark M.</li><li>“You don&#x27;t always have to be the best at everything, nor the center of everything to be relevant.” —Mirma T.O.</li><li>“There will always be someone younger than you who&#x27;s also/already better than you.”—Dean M.</li><li>“We don’t deserve anything just for existing. Everything worthwhile requires tremendous effort. There are no shortcuts. We deserve what we actually work towards.” —Liz L.</li><li>“Hardest pill to swallow but also the most liberating is that you are responsible for your happiness. Not your significant other, not your parents, not your kids.” —Moca D.</li></ul><br/><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/1fa213e2-1906-4a17-8fc9-1b4fc45dfcbc_2.png" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Aging is a constant invitation to do an inventory of our time and resources.</span></span></span></div><ul><li>“The earth has 24 hours, we only have 10-12 hours of active use of it. Being more aware of time on what you’re spending it on, how much of it you’re using, and who you’re spending it with. Every waking moment counts. Can’t do heavy all-nighters but also can’t sleep in.” —Anthony B.</li><li>“There will be a lot of things that you don’t want to do but you’ve got to do it anyway because you don’t have a choice, you’re the adult now.” —Ciara B. </li><li>“The realization that you need to heal a lot of internal wounds, and that the process ain&#x27;t pretty, but you gotta do it to survive, then thrive, and be woman of your dreams. And my breasts will never be as perky as they used to be unless I get rich and have them surgically lifted and brought back to me.” —Joelle T.V.</li><li>“Our parents are getting old fast, and we have to be responsible for their emotional and financial needs while we also having to deal with our own struggles.” —Yvette C.</li><li>“Your body won’t be coping with familiar activities like it used to.” —Jae P.</li></ul><br/><br/>These nuggets of wisdom may be hard to swallow, but there’s something about looking at the truth straight in the eye and allowing it to be a compass to navigate life through. As they say, the truth will set you free, but it will piss you off, first. That only goes to show that life gets better in time, even though we ironically lose more of it. What I love about aging is if that we do it right (and not regress), we’re able to be a much more grounded and beautiful human being, with a much braver and wiser soul. <div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/47888f5a-7379-4b2e-8408-0f24496fa325_20240220_194335.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> Spent my birthday morning strapped to an ultralight with gratitude and adrenaline rushing through me</span></span></span></div><p>Here’s to thirty-three, and feeling free.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/mind-and-spirituality/benefits-of-hobbies-on-mental-health-and-happiness/37661" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">These Hobbyists Share the Benefits &amp; Joy of Their Creative Outlets</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/mind-and-spirituality/the-importance-of-awe/35267" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Importance of Awe</a></div>

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Hard to Swallow Truths in Your 30s

Hard to Swallow Truths in Your 30s

Danah Gutierrez

Published Mar 07, 2024 01:54 PM PHT

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Updated Mar 07, 2024 02:28 PM PHT

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