Almost Thirty, pt.1

In less then a month I will be turning thirty.

To be honest, I thought I would feel more anxious about it, or have a looming feeling of doom. But I don’t.

Now I’m not saying that I really looking forward to giving up my late-twenties status, but I’m not terrified of the future, nor have I have ever wished “I would love to be twenty one again”. Fuck that. My liver couldn’t handle it.

Turning thirty does have me reflecting on my twenties, and what I would like to improve on as I move forward in life. Since this blog is based upon the “wander” and the “what” of my adventure, I thought it was time to share a little more about myself as I approach this numerical milestone.

Therefore, leading up to the big 3-0, I’ll be doing a few posts on “What” my twenties have taught me. Today’s topic: Life is Not a Competition.

Sometimes we can’t help but compare ourselves to others, for example, “I have more experience, why did she get the job?” or “I know he pulled an all-nighter on that essay, how did he get an A?”

The list of comparisons can range from the extreme, “How is she married before me?” and the meaningless, “Why did he ask for her number and not mine?”

As you move forward in life, it is natural to think that sometimes you are ahead of the curve, “I’m only 25 and I’m Senior Manager of Whatever Inc.” or “I’m 27 and already have two kids”. Or, the opposite, “I’m 35 and still not a homeowner” or “I’m 25 and I’ve ever had a serious relationship”.

The list goes on and on. We can make endless comparisons to the people around us. The one’s we know and love, and the one’s we’ve never met.

But I have learned in my twenties that life is not a competition and constantly comparing yourself to others and where they are in life is only going to hinder your ability to focus on your dreams, goals, and aspirations.

Everyone is going to choose a different path and just because someone seems like they are “ahead of you” in one regard, doesn’t mean they are passing you in the game of life.

What life lessons did your twenties teach you? Care to share?