Hello 30, You're worth the wait!
Hello 30,
Yes, I turned 30 today!
What's the big deal?
Those of you who know me would realize why this is a big deal for me! No no, I am not one of those who would want to hide their age. So, briefly describing myself, I have always been quite open about the age my whole life. Growing up I used to spend time with myself in my favorite corner of the house, reading books, putting my thoughts down on paper, or praying to God. I never had/craved attention from people, be it family or school. I always find solace in solitude and solitude is bliss! I guess having such a childhood made me the person who I am today. I still choose books over people, that doesn't mean I don't like social gatherings. It depends on what 'KIND' am I going to be attending! And maybe because of my 'WEIRD' or not so 'AGE APPROPRIATE' habits, I struggled to make friends. People always made me feel so 'UNCOOL' and typical 'NERDY'. Probably, they were right. I never had the content they were looking for. I could not discuss playing games or cartoons, because I grew up watching Doordarshan and the only time we turn on the TV is to watch news and Shaktiman. So having a childhood without watching cartoons was considered uncool. And books made me a nerd.
When I was in 3rd grade, I started going to the public park with my grandpa and papa for yoga at 5 AM. I was the youngest member, few people were I guess in their late 30s and the rest, seniors. After that, the only people I have been exposed to are seniors - through my grandpa. Trust me, my grandpa and I had the same friend circle, I got to know them because I was always with my grandpa, even in my early 20s, I had the same people and some more who were older than me. I could never 'IMPRESS' the crowd of my age. Now, spending so many years of my life with older people and not of my age group, I felt spirituality, good deeds, karma, loyalty, love, and such virtues are the only way to live and lead a life. Everything else felt ‘hollow'.
Till this day, I struggle to make new friends of my age. Even now, I have more older friends than the ones of my age group.
This made me old at heart, I have always been an old classic soul - be it music, books, thoughts, habits (except being able to get up early - I really wish I could fix that one thing).
All these years, amidst all the changes, growth, and development, one thing that remained constant - Acceptance!
I accepted myself wholeheartedly even though I was rejected by the same age crowd. Not even once, I dared thinking to compromise on my ethics and values that I believed in, just to fit in, just so I can be accepted by the crowd, from childhood till now turning 30, my goal was never to please people or to get attention unless it's through my good work or contribution. In my opinion, it has zero value if I can be accepted by society but myself. I always stood by what I believed in, accepted myself, and hence I am living a life with zero regrets. So yes, that's why it's a big deal. We seldom meet people with zero regrets.
Now so I am 30, I shall continue to accept myself, I am welcoming more wisdom, virtues, integrity, and love!
I know I am going to flaunt my grey hair and crooked teeth. I am going to love the fine lines on my face. I am so ready to be more mature, count every blessing and express gratitude, gain more knowledge and intellectually be richer in this coming decade and gain every lesson that it has to offer me, day by day - aging gracefully!
Like I read somewhere - "In the world full of Kardashians, be Audrey Hepburn." I shall always choose elegance and intellect over attention and materialism.
On my 20th birthday, I didn't envision how my 30 would look like. This past decade had a major impact on my life, I learned more than I thought I could. Now I look back and realize that I am much more capable than my thoughts. At times, I have been, and sometimes even now, I am being hard on myself. That perspective has led me to find the scope of growth + learning in every situation.
I have many plans/goals to meet before I turn 40 and I shall sincerely be dedicated to achieving those, however, I am more excited for the surprises in coming years - to be the better version of myself every day!
Hello 30, I promise to take good care of mind, body, family, society, and be a responsible human! I look forward to finding the treasure that 30s has to offer me!
Kindness, love and peace
Hiral Joshi 'Aish'