Thank you Gray Away for sponsoring today’s conversation.
My birthday is coming up in a few months, and the closer we get the more I’ve been reflecting upon my 20s. I can’t believe I’ll be turning 30 this year, and as much as I thought I would be sad or anxious about getting older, I’m not. I’m so grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned in the past decade of my life. My 20s held some of my greatest accomplishments and I’m excited for all of the milestones my 30s will hold.
I was reading an article a while ago written by an elderly woman that outlined some of the greatest things about aging. She mentioned that it only gets better as you get older. If you’re playing your cards right, when you’re old you get to sit back and take in all the fruits of your hard labors. Saving money, taking good care of yourself, and working hard at your career are all things that pay off long term. I like to think I learned a thing or two in my 20s about how to carry myself and trust in my own abilities. I’ve gained so much self confidence in the last decade, and I’d like to share with you some of my biggest takeaways.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Why does our happiness seem to hinge on how well other people are doing in relation to us, rather than our own personal successes? A little friendly competition can keep us working hard at our goals, but be careful not to let social comparisons get in the way of your perception of yourself. We are each on our own path. Instead of wondering how you measure up to someone else, work on being a first rate version of yourself. There is only one you and you have something special to contribute to this world!.
Allow your goals and dreams to evolve. I’m not doing what I went to college for and that used to bother me a lot. I’ve grown to not only accept that, but embrace it. I’m happier and more fulfilled now than I was when I was doing what I thought I wanted in the past. Listen to your heart and don’t be afraid to make adjustments.
Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. Any major triumphs I’ve experienced in my 20s have been a combination of hard work and risk. Paying off college debt was no fun and there was a lot of sacrifice involved- long overtime hours, moving far away for a job, and less splurging on ourselves- but the results were well worth it. It was hard while we were in the trenches but if I had it to do over, I’d do it the same way in a heartbeat.
Focus on your happiness and well-being. As I get older, I realize it is important to let go of the things and people that weigh you down and to focus on the positive.
I’m also less worried about my pants size and more focused on my overall health. Sure, eating healthy and exercising will make you physically fit, but I’m more concerned with those feel good endorphins, having energy, staving away heart disease, and setting a good example for my kids. I’m happier when I have a regular calorie-burning routine and a balanced diet. Fitting into my skinny jeans is just the bonus! .
Making sure my outer appearance matches how I feel on the inside is the total package. I don’t need an hour to get ready in the morning (although I would gladly take one if it was available!) but I’ve learned a few techniques to help me feel my best. I wear different variations on the same outfit every day and I’ve mastered some simple makeup and hair styling techniques.
My hair was my crowning glory throughout most of my 20s, but after having kids it’s thinned out significantly and I’m getting my first few wispy grays. To remedy that, I’ve been using Gray Away Root Touch-up Magnetic Powder in Light Brown. Beautifully colored hair and a healthy complexion to match give me an instant boost. When I feel good about myself I radiate positivity. A positive attitude is catchy, and the whole day goes better for me and anyone who makes contact with me. Taking care of my appearance is a no brainer part of my day!
Gray Away Root Touch-up Magnetic Powder has a self-adjusting color technology that blends and matches the hair color perfectly. The hidden sponge allows you to get right in there with the powder and it doesn’t change the texture of your hair at all. There are no harsh chemicals or dyes and it washes right out with a shower! It’s the perfect way to extend the life of your color just for the day. Such a perfect little pick me up and perfect for travel since there is a mirror within. These are new at Walgreens right now (February 2016) and you’ll be able to pick them up soon at Ulta too (March 2016).
The 20s were all about hard work and learning lessons the hard way. Now that I’ve gained some wisdom, I can’t wait to see what being 30 is all about. With all this self confidence in my back pocket, I am ready for whatever lessons life brings me next!
What are some things you’ve learned over the years? Do you have any self confidence tips?
Very thoughtful and well done post!
I learned self confidence soon after I had my baby – it changes you so much and you have to learn to love yourself despite what your body goes through!
I love this post! i also love that you’ve come so far at such a young age.
Wonderful post–I agree with all your points, especially the one about comparing yourself to others. You go girl!
A lovely post.
I was looking at my roots today and wondering what would make them disappear. I love the Gray Away spray and this sounds like a product I’d really like too. Great post btw.
Great post! At 31 I do not have grays. I’m so happy! I hope it stays away. I really loved your post.
My mom was looking for something like this! I’ll have to tell her about it!
I agree w/ everything you said. Life in general is all about your own race. Focus on your goals, learn from past mistakes and run at your own pace; the finish line is painted the same color 🙂
I absolutely love this post! The comparison part is the worst – I would cheerfully age five years if people stopped comparing already!
I think you’re setting a great example for your kids. 🙂 I remember being excited to turn 30 – I was finally being viewed as an adult! lol. I loved turning 40 even more. I could do without the grey hairs, though, for sure!
You go girl! I was not afraid to turn 30, it was just another birthday 🙂 But they’re right about learning to love yourself the older you get. I am definitely more confident now than I was in my 20s.
It took me awhile to cope with hitting 30, but once I embraced it I loved it! This is a fabulous post!