Turning 30
This year, I turned 30, and instead of feeling the rush society often ties to this age, I feel like I have more time than ever and a space to breathe and grow. There’s something quietly liberating about reaching this milestone.
Still, many things in life feel uncertain, but I’ve started to believe that my potential is beyond what I once imagined. I’ve found time to work on myself, both physically and mentally. I keep showing up at the gym, even though most of the time I’m not sure what I’m doing. I’ve allowed myself to sit with my feelings for as long as it takes and make decisions with less hesitation. I’ve even managed to get enough good sleep — a luxury I didn’t fully appreciate before.
There have been lessons too — like investing emotions in someone, only to end up sad. Maybe I had too much time on my hands, or perhaps it was something else. Either way, I don’t regret it because it taught me a lot about myself.
At 30, it hits differently when you realize you have the freedom to spend your time in ways that feel meaningful to you — whether small or big. There’s something profoundly freeing about that.
Of course, none of this happened overnight. It took uncertain choices, silent sacrifices, and plenty of self-doubt to reach this point (of calmness). Six years ago, we were stuck in a pandemic, completely unsure of life. Two years ago, I found myself broke after traveling extensively. The following year, I felt lost, relying on a part-time job as my only source of income despite holding a degree. Setbacks were everywhere, and the worst part was the lingering feeling that I hadn’t achieved anything significant before turning 30.
It’s one thing to recognize your situation and another to take action and change it.
Looking back, I realized how much my perspective on my situation shaped who I am today. Especially in those challenging moments, I began to see my circumstances not just as obstacles but as opportunities to grow.
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I have slowly appreciated my life by staying still rather than chasing things. I have learned to embrace that not everything will go as planned, yet the possibility of doing better is boundless. I have accepted things as they were and let go of what I couldn’t control. I approached life with patience.
I started small — hour by hour, day by day, week by week — until tasks became habits. Gradually, I became more self-aware and built routines to improve. I practiced yoga in the mornings to clear my mind, took free online courses in the afternoons to upskill, and prioritized a good night’s sleep. These seemingly small habits added up over time, impacting how I live and how much I value the life I have.
Then life slowly feels like the Empire of the Sun’s song, Walking On A Dream.
Living life at a slower pace isn’t always easy. Time, as the old saying goes, is gold, and being able to choose how you spend it is a privilege. But don’t you think you owe yourself a life free from constant worry and the weight of others’ expectations?
For me, it was a hard step but it definitely helped me assess my priorities. I took that part-time job because that was what I needed back then — so I could have more time to focus on myself and figure out what I truly wanted to pursue. This year, I transitioned back to a full-time job and have continued the habits I built during that time.
Moving forward, I’m enjoying the life I’ve built — fully aware of what I can do and deeply appreciative of everything that led me here. I still don’t have it all figured out and lots to check on my bucket list. I’ll probably make mistakes, feel stuck, or get lost again, but compared to the wisdom I’ve gained,
I no longer feel like life is happening to me; I feel like it’s happening for me.
So, be the coolest and unbothered tita or the unmarried but rich tito to others but don’t forget you’re living your life for yourself. Learn to be okay with being misunderstood, take only what’s good for your heart, and lead the life you always want!
We all have different ways of coping with life and building the future we envision. If you’ve made it this far in my entry, know that living your life doesn’t depend on what others say — or even what I say. What truly matters is what you tell yourself and how you going to spend your time.
