Turning 30: Embracing the milestone that’s not so scary after all

This month, I turned 30. Just writing those words feels surreal, like I’ve stepped into a new chapter of my life. Turning 30 has long had a reputation as a scary milestone. It’s often painted as the moment when you’re officially “old,” as if some invisible clock has started ticking louder than ever before. But now that I’m here, I’ve realised it’s not remotely as terrifying as I once thought – in fact, it feels more like a fresh start.

In our twenties, many of us are caught up in a whirlwind of self-discovery. We’re figuring out who we are, what we want, and how we fit into the world. Mistakes are inevitable, and so are lessons learned the hard way. But by the time we reach 30, we’ve done a lot of the groundwork. Sure, life is never perfect, and we’re always learning, but there’s a sense of clarity that comes with this milestone. We start to feel more confident in our choices and less concerned about other people’s opinions.

Of course, younger people love to joke about how old 30 sounds. They're wrong. If anything, being in your thirties seems like the best of both worlds. You’re young enough to try new things and take risks but wise enough to know what really matters.

When I think about age, I’m reminded of how many people embrace every stage of their life and career. J.K. Rowling was 32 when Harry Potter was first published, Vera Wang didn’t design her first wedding dress until she was 40, and Colonel Sanders was 62 when he franchised KFC and made it a global phenomenon. There’s no expiry date on success, joy, or reinvention.

The truth is, life doesn’t stop being fun or fulfilling because you’re no longer in your twenties. Whether it’s travelling, trying new hobbies, or setting new goals, there’s no reason to stop exploring and enjoying life just because of a number. Age doesn’t define us – our attitude does.

So, to anyone who’s dreading their thirtieth birthday, know this: it’s not the end of youth; it’s the start of something better. You’re stepping into a phase of life where you know yourself better, can laugh at your mistakes, and have the courage to chase what you truly want. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably celebrate with cake, because some things never change – no matter how old you are.