Tomorrow I will be 31 years old. Officially in my 30’s rather than this flirtation with just turned 30 that I’ve been claiming for the last 12 months. So how am I feeling about it? I thought I’d break it down…
MIND
At 31 my mind is in overdrive trying to keep up with multiple schedules, to do lists and basic needs (wait, has she eaten yet? when was her last bathroom break? did I call the repair man? did I buy his birthday present? did I upload those photos yet? why is the laundry full again already?). Whoever said a woman’s mind is like a browser with a million tabs open is so spot on, and oddly enough my computer often looks like that too.
For someone that prides themselves on time management, I often feel I’m not able to keep up with it all, but somehow I keep my head above water most days by the grace of God. Still, I never complete everything (does anybody??). I hate to use the word busy, but it’s a very busy phase of life. Couple that with the fact that I’m a very nostalgic person who doesn’t want to miss a moment and it’s enough to stress me out some days. I’m really working on picking a couple things that MUST get done and getting comfortable setting others aside to enjoy the hour at night with David, to sit and paint with Hailey or play airplane with Kaitlyn.
That being said, my mind also feels sharp and I am grateful for that. The stimulation I get from blogging and doing things on the side like the segments with WCCB suits me. I adore being a wife/mom and I love having my own thing going too. I also am thoroughly enjoying ‘playing grown up’ with David as we assess our life, goals, finances and future. It’s exciting.
BODY
Although I may appear to nitpick at it by measuring it, I am incredibly at peace with my body, more so now than ever before. It has grown and carried two babies and provided enough milk for both of them to thrive. It can carry a preschooler on one hip and a baby on the other. It feels strong and energetic most days, which is why I prioritize taking care of it.
I’m also starting to see small signs that tell me I’m not 18 anymore. Little wrinkles don’t disappear as quickly once I stop smiling, I see the difference in the skin on the back of my hand versus Hailey’s when we snuggle and it’s taking a little more effort to tone up my muscles than it used to. These things don’t concern me, but I do notice them and it reminds me that time is passing, to enjoy it and to take care of myself so I can have many years of feeling strong and healthy yet to come.
SOUL
Oh, my soul. My soul is so, so joyful. I hate to spew happiness all over you this morning, but it’s all I have. I am married to a man I love that challenges me, supports me and is 100% in this life for the long haul with me. How I found someone so perfect for me, I will never know but I will always be grateful for. Together we have two beautiful girls that keep me on my toes but bring such joy and meaning to my life. I’ve found myself staring at them in pure awe of what a miracle life is.
Then there is our family. I feel so fortunate that David and I have parents, siblings and grandparents that are healthy, involved in our lives and mostly normal (juuuuust seeing if any of those family members are paying attention wink wink).
I have friends that are amazing. Old friends that I love and have gotten to watch our lives develop together and new friends that fill our weeks with laughter, play dates and support. I have you guys that bring such a strong sense of community to my life and I’m grateful to have this space to chat with you with everyday.
At 31 my life is more full than I ever imagined, yet still have a deep excitement of what lies ahead. I’m in no rush to get there and time can slowwww down as far as I’m concerned, but I’m pleasantly surprised how comfortable I am being ‘in’ my 30s despite often feeling like I’m still 22. It’s not always tied up in a pretty little bow, but man, I wouldn’t trade these 31 years of life for anything.
How old are you?
How old do you feel?
Do you think anyone ever feels like a grown up or is it something that just sneaks up on you?
John J. Stathas says
What a nice summary of your life at this turning point. You “have it all”, appreciate it, and are able to articulate it in your usual wonderful style of expression. Look forward to celebrating number 31 with you tomorrow!
Brittany Dixon says
I love you! See you in a few hours!! 🙂
Karen says
I am 41. And I officially felt like a grown up when I was in charge of my mother’s end of life decisions a few years ago. Ever since then life for me changed in a very drastic way.
And yes some days I do feel older but most days I am very proud of what I do at 41 compared to others my age:)
Happy Birthday!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Karen, I can’t imagine having to handle such decisions. I know I’ve been blesses to live a relatively easy life to this point and I sometimes fear how I will handle incredibly hard situations if/when they arise. I try not to focus on things I can’t control so I don’t dwell on it, but I have such admiration for you and others that have had to deal with incredibly difficult situations. You’re amazing.
Ann says
I’m 28 very soon to be 29. I still feel 22 years old most days – and like I’m just pretending to be a grown up. Then I think about all the bills I pay, things I maintain/manage, and how long I’ve been out on my own in the real world and I surprise myself! I know what you mean about wrinkles and your hands – when I put on eyeshadow I notice sneaky fine lines and my crows feet have become more apparent in photos. But it doesn’t bother me because great skin/minimal wrinkles run in my family, and hey! it shows I live a great life and have smiled more than my fair share 🙂
Great post, and love the blog. Keep up the amazing and inspiring work!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I just told my Mom this week I feel like I’m 30 going on 13. I act like I’m in my 30’s most days (doing the whole ‘responsible adult’ thing) but now that I’m getting married I suddenly feel like I’m a little kid again. It’s weird.
Brynn says
I love that you included your soul in this post. I’m 30 and feel more at peace than ever with my life. Of course that’s not to say there aren’t obsticals and challenges, but my confidence, self worth and self worth help me manage daily life stress so much better. Happy birthday!
Kathleen Ojo @ My Ojos says
I’ve kept coming back to read your blog over the years because of your wonderful, positive attitude and your spirit of gratefulness. Thank you for spewing some positivity into the world this morning. And happy birthday!!
Kathy says
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful weekend celebration! 🙂 How old am I? Ha! Approaching 50 and I feel your age! Training for my 3th half marathon and feeling stronger than ever! I can relate and remember my 30’s when it all can seem like a blurr. You’ll be just fine! Enjoy those babies…they grow way to fast! My baby just turned 16 today!
Again-have a fabulous birthday!
Alexis says
AWWWWW what a great post!!! Happy 3-1 buddy!! You know I love you to pieces and wish I could be there to celebrate with you (and Hailey!) but I will send my birthday wishes from afar!! You’ve been such an amazing friend all these years (too many to count!) and I couldn’t make it by without you. Wishing you the BEST birthday ever—love you so much!!! xoxoxo
Lyndsey says
Well, we are birthday sisters, my birthday is tomorrow too! I’ll be turning 27, and I actually feel like I AM 30! In fact, everyone at work thinks I’m in my 30’s and I just keep it quiet and let them ha. This past year I married my love (next week, the 27th makes 1 year), we traveled internationally together for the first time, started a business, and bought our first home! It was a whirlwind and I’m excited for this next year as we are starting to talk about planning our family 🙂
Heather says
I am just about to turn 32, and most of the time I don’t feel that old. There are definitely days where it hits me – I can see obvious physical changes, and I’m treated differently depending on how old someone thinks I am. Most of the time I still feel like I’m in my 20’s, though, whether I look it or not. It’s always suprising to me when I meet someone who seems so mature and I automatically assume they must be older than me and it turns out we’re the same age or there is an age difference of a couple years. Ha ha.
Lee says
I am 36. I feel like I am about 30 though.
Katie Harding says
Beautiful post! I am 35 and feeling every bit of 35 lately as I just had my third baby and GOODNESS, it is exhausting! You look GREAT girl no matter how old you are!
Marjorie says
Happy Birthday Brittany!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I am 36 and loving it. The 30s have been awesome so far.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Happy Early Birthday, Brittany! You’re life definitely seems to be full of love and happiness. You are one lucky, mama!
I’m 27 and I’d say I feel 27, though sometimes I accidentally say I’m 25 still. I definitely don’t feel younger because I love quiet nights at home with David, or dinner parties more than going out. I actually really don’t enjoy going out and definitely don’t feel comfortable at bars like I once used to. haha. I guess I still feel pretty young though because when I hear that someone I used to know from high school is pregnant, I’m still in the mind set of “what will she do!?” rather than “oh, that’s so nice!”. I know, terrible, right? It’s weird because I feel like I’m at the age where I thought I’d be pregnant but now I don’t see that happening for another couple of years. 🙂 Anyway, I’m rambling. Hope you have a great birthday weekend!
Maria says
Happiest of birthdays to you! We can embrace the 30’s together – I’m turning 31 in a month as well!
I laughed at your mention of “playing grownup”. I found it odd the other day that we needed to have a meeting with our tax accountant. Is this real life?
Have a fun weekend and it better include chips and salsa!
Alex @ Get Big, Go To Work says
Happy early birthday! I hope you have a great day with your family.
Lauren says
I’m 30 and most of the time I feel 22. I have always liked staying in with a few versus going out, which made for a “boring” high schooler 😉
I keep wondering when I will feel “grown up”, even though I’m married, work full time, bought a condo with my husband and have a toddler. I look around at friends around our age and sometimes feel like we are all playing at being grown up, we are the same as we always were. Sounds silly, but I guess growing up, I thought there’d be a more drastic shift?
Melanie says
Happy Birthday! I am 42 and am surprised by that everyday! Someone how I arrived at this age and still feel like I am in my 30’s. Hard to explain but I definitely don’t feel like I am in my 40’s (sounds weird to say that too!) 🙂
I also had my son two months before I turned 41 so life is busy and crazy with my almost 2 year old son. Was a tough transition but he’s amazing and such a wonderful blessing my husband and I.
I think I feel more like an adult now that I have my son to care for and worry about but it definitely sneaks up on you! My husband is also 3 years younger than I am so maybe that helps too? 🙂
Enjoy your birthday! Love reading your blog!
Melanie 🙂
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I love this so much! You seem so at peace and content with life – that is so wonderful. Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful weekend celebrating! xoxo
Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes says
I’m 25, but am getting to the point where I constantly have to remind myself of that age. It doesn’t feel natural to say “25” when I definitely still feel 22. I know it’s not a huge difference, but the fact that I’ll be closer to 30 than 20 in just a few months is strange. Like you, I’m not really concerned about getting older or the physical changes, but it’s still a weird feeling to think of myself as an adult.
Victoria says
It seems as though I am the outlier in your group of commenters, but I am 18 (19 in a month)! I feel my age – being in my second year of university and first year of really micromanaging my finances (subletting a townhouse, buying my groceries, gas and other expenses) and having true independence living hours away from home has opened my eyes to the responsibilities of being an adult. Reading blogs like yours, who have shared so candidly over the years, have allowed me to transition with grace, and I thank you for that. Have a great birthday – you deserve it!
Laura @FitMamaLove says
Sounds like 31 is going to be a great year for you! 31 hit me harder than 30…I seem to feel the age change more on the odd years, than the big ones. The last time I really felt it was when I turned 22. Have a very happy birthday!
Jen says
Happy birthday a day early! Love that pic of you holding your naked baby, so cute!
I am 34, getting very, very close to 35 (November). It’s amazing how the time passes and yet, I agree, I still feel like I’m just playing grownup in many ways.
34 was a fantastic year, and I am thrilled with where I am. I remember when I was turning 31 very clearly, though, and I kinda freaked out! My now-husband and I weren’t married yet, and I had no idea what would happen, and I knew I wanted kids, so I felt like the clock was ticking. By the time I turned 32, though, we were married, and this year we welcomed our gorgeous little girl. Life is good 🙂
I hope you and your family have a fantastic time celebrating!
Emily says
I turned 36 this year! I have complicated emotions about it – I feel like I don’t look or feel 36. It certainly doesn’t seem like I am 2 years away from saying “I started college TWENTY YEARS AGO!” I guess having two young kids (Parker, 3 and Avery, 15 months) and having friends who are mostly younger than me keep me feeling young. LOL! But in some ways, I love to kid about the simpler way of life we used to have. I mean, I remember dialing up to AOL in 11th grade!
Lauren Brennan says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Enjoy your day with your loved ones. What a great post and reflection on your blessings.
I just turned 34 (!), and some days I feel younger and some days I feel much, much older. But most of the time, I am totally content with where I am, because it just keeps getting better! I feel so incredibly blessed in life, and although I have lines on my face, at least they are laugh lines, and I’ve earned them. 🙂
Keep smiling and earning those laugh lines, friend!
Karen Cassidy says
I’ll be 31 in the beginning of January so I am right there with you.
I hope you have an amazing birthday weekend.
Question, where did you get those paints?
Brittany Dixon says
I think I got it at Michael’s, but you can google dot paint and they should come up! 🙂
Shari says
I was saying the same thing recently — I, too, just turned 31, but sometimes I feel like I’m several years younger. I agree, though: every moment is a blessing and we should appreciate them all. Happy Birthday to you! 🙂
Jenni says
Happy Birthday!
I’m 29 and some days I feel like a grown up and some days I wonder when I’ll ever feel like I actually have it all together! Having a great husband and awesome kids does make life fun though!
Enjoy your day!!!
Suzanne says
Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post!!
Kelli M. says
Happy birthday! I know 4 other people whose birthdays are also today. That’s got to be some sort of record haha! Enjoy your bday weekend!
Liz says
Happy Birthday! I am 33 and feel about 28. Until I had my 2nd daughter I felt 22, but something about 2 kids has aged me. Ha! I loooove my 30’s though, so much more content and happy with myself overall. I have 2 young girls too and live in the lake norman area if you ever want to get together 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Liz, something about having two is starting to age me too 😉 Busier than I imagined! I’d love to meet up sometime!
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Happy birthday!
Anna says
Your positivity is contagious! Happy birthday, Brittany! It’s awesome to see you are taking the time to acknowledge all of the great things in your life. I am 30 (feel like I’m in my mid twenties!) and definitely need to slow down and appreciate all of the blessings in my own life more often. Thank you for sharing!
Monica says
What a beautiful post! Happy birthday!
I am 35 (and a half) and some days I feel 20 and some days I feel 100, depending on how much sleep my 18 month old let me have the night before! (I’m one of the lucky ones that has a child who never sleeps…)
I’m often surprised at how I don’t feel like an adult yet in some ways. Obviously being married 11 years, having a house and a daughter and a full time job makes me feel like an adult, but other times, I feel like I should have it more “together” by this age, and it makes me feel like I did in my early 20’s.
No matter what age I am, or what age I feel, though, I am so lucky. I have the best daughter ever, a great husband, fantastic friends and family… even my little dog is the best dog ever. Having it “all together” or not, I’m so, so blessed.
Elisa says
I’m 42 and home now with my 6 week old baby. He was a surprise as I wasn’t going to have kids! My husband just turned 48 (and my 43rd birthday is in 4 more days!). We don’t feel so old! Our new son is just what we needed but never knew it. 🙂