Jan 4, 2008

The 'Big Day'- turning 30

"It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved but by reflection, force of character, and judgment; in these qualities old age is usually not only not poorer, but is even richer."

– Cicero


Okay, so it finally has arrived: the "big day" of me turning 30!


People keep calling me and keep asking how I feel now that I'm old... or that I look much younger than 30. I guess it's supposed to be a significant change in my life, but to be honest it feels like a normal birthday, spending time with my family and spending most of the day on the phone.

Am I supposed to freak out just because I'm a thirty-something now? Is my life going to go down the drain now? Gosh, I certainly hope not.

One of my friends told me that starting in 24 hours, I am officially closer to 40 than to 20. Sounds depressing, doesn't it?

On the brighter side, turning 30 also means:
  • I have become more comfortable in my own skin. I am content with my life, even though there certainly were some big bumps and bruises along the path. But that's what keeps life interesting, right?
  • I've accepted that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to, starting with finally getting the signed EWE Baskets Jersey of Rickey Paulding to auction off for the LAF, and bumping into Dan McClintock in the process ;-)
  • I’ve learned how to compromise without compromising myself in order to make life easier for both me and other people
  • I've learned that I don't have to be perfect. Being healthy and comfortable in my own skin defines me more than anything. That one took some time, but I got there!
  • I am capable of independence (well, I kind of learned that when I went to Wisconsin in 2000, but it's good to remember it every now and then, I kind of miss the Wisconsin winters, though).
  • Doing the right thing, means doing the right thing by my standards, not someone else’s.
  • Being a good friend is just as comforting as having a good friend yourself.
  • Most of all, I've learned to be happy and enjoy life with my family, my mom and dad and my friends. They are invaluable and I just love them more than anything!!


I’ve turned 30… So what?! Bring on the next 30 years!

10 comments:

Obsessedwithlife said...

Happy Birthday and I like your attitude!

Scott Joy said...

Happy Birthday, Henrike, and congratulations!!

Henrike said...

Thank you both. The attitude is fairly new, but it works for me right now ;-) And Rachel, you're attitude is pretty amazing, too. Hope you're feeling better and less fatique! Have a great 2008!

Obsessedwithlife said...

Thanks for your kind words, Henrike. I am starting to have a lot more energy and eating better and sleeping more. It seems to be helping.

Did you leave some music ideas on my blog?? I'd love to hear some of your favorites!!

Rach

Brian Dowd said...

Henrike,

Happy Birthday! 30 years old is just a number. Heck I am 33 going on 34 and outside of work (got to be professional to make a living :-) I still act like a kid. At least that is what my wife says :-)

I hope your birthday was a great one!

Amanda said...

Happy belated birthday! I've been kind of MIA lately. Will e-mail and update my blog soon. Hope all is well.

Henrike said...

Thanks Amanda, I was a little worried about you, since I couldn't reach you. I hope you're doing good. I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, but hopefully that'll change soon. Hope to hear from you again soon. Have a great 2008!!!

Kate said...

A very, very Happy Belated Birthday to You! Thirty is a big day, but I have to admit that at the moment it seems VERY YOUNG to me (I turn 38 in February).

I hope you are feeling better and better and taking good care of yourself. You do have a wonderful philosophy of life (I think you ALWAYS did and are just adding new things to it).

All my Best,
Kate of Le monde de fromage de Kate

carlsbad said...

HAPPY (Belated) BIRTHDAY!

30 was a great year for me -- so here's to your having a wonderful 30 as well!

Henrike said...

Thank you, Kate.

I'm taking good care of myself. Turns out, I don't have mono, but "just" some thyroid cysts and I just have to take some pills for an unlimited period of time.

That may sound like not such good news to some, but when working with cancer survivors and having gone through the whole experience myself, it's a reason to celebrate!

Hope you're doing well. I'm thinking about your family and you. So sorry to hear about your grandma. However, I love your new Livestrong Army Utah logo. Very impressive- just like you.

Henrike.