It's been swell 20's....

30 years ago today my mother was still pregnant with me. Little did she know that in less than 24 hours she would give birth to a spunky little girl in the back seat of a station wagon on the Staten Island Ferry right by the Statue of Liberty.

30 years ago.

Today is the last day I'll have in my 20's.

This decade of my life started out in a world that I will always label as "pre-9/11". My life was full of so many ridiculous experiences for someone so young...traveled the world, seen so much of the U.S., lead a small part of a larger non-profit organization and was determined to move to the Middle East to do humanitarian work.

September 11, 2001 changed so much for millions of people. Myself included.

If my teens were like a highway lined with youth, zeal and passion - I think my 20's have been the off-road bumpy transition into adulthood. I married the man of my dreams, had 2 precious children, and instead of moving to Egypt or Jordan found myself navigating the streets of New York with a double stroller. I've felt older than my age and yet so juvenile in my overall ability.

I guess my 20's were typical for the following reasons:

  • I transitioned from KNOWING I was right about everything to realizing how little I know about anything
  • I realized how incredible my parents actually are
  • I finally understood it takes more than me to "change the world" - phew...
  • I suddenly learned the value of sleep
  • I saw that I actually had to take care of my body because it was  ::gasp::  going to AGE!!
  • I learned (am still learning) that "love" isn't the ooey-gooeys I have for someone, but rather the constant beautiful commitment to selflessly give for the other person's benefit. 
I'm looking forward to this next decade. I still feel like such a kid. But I've never had a more clear picture of what is truly important in life. I've never felt so grounded and yet so full of boundless potential.

And, aw, come on - I live in New York City!! 30 really IS the new 20. :-)

Twenties: You've been great, but it's time to move on. I'll have a moment of silence to reflect on lessons learned and wonderful memories had, but there won't be any tears shed with this good bye.

Three cheers for the 30's!!!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I thought in NYC 40 was the new 20, which makes you a teen! The 30's are so wonderful - enjoy. Hoping your birthday is as special as you are - for real. Cathy

Dayna said...

This is a fantastic post! Well said! Thirties are great. Your "twenties" lessons sound very similar to those mine. The thirties have been great. With your wonderful attitude, you're going to love it!

And what a birth story!

Evita Gahagan said...

Cathy - ha ha, it would seem that way with Real Housewives and Sex in the City - huh? But nah...I think 40's are the new 30's. ;-)

Dayna - thank you. I look forward to reading about your family's transition back to the States! I'll be patient...;-)