Just one year ago, it had never crossed my mind to be concerned over turning 30 cos I thought nothing would really change a lot. Its just a different first digit of my age, that’s all. And plus, I’m not gonna have any major makeovers to my lifestyle and stuffs. So yup, things shouldn’t really be much different.
How wrong.
Its like the body knows damn so well that I’m crossing over to the 3rd decade of my life, that out of a sudden, I started experiencing changes to my body, such that for a while, my life had certainly gotten disrupted.
First up, early this year Mar, small red bumps started appearing on my entire 2 legs. Its really scary! And the worst part was that it started getting itchy now and then, and if I scratches it, the bumps will swell and turn into a ugly red shade. To say it was a terrible experience is an understatement. Till now, I never quite understand the full reason behind this breakout on my legs. The symptoms came the day after I went for a foot reflexology session, but I could not fault the massage place cos I’ve been there like more than 10 times, and nothing had ever happened after that. I visited the doctor, applied the medicinal cream given, changed my body wash and lotion, etc etc. Eventually, it subsided and although my legs look like the same as before, its actually not. If I look closely, or run my hands against my legs, I can still feel the bumps, but they are really tiny and inconspicuous. One would have to touch my leg to feel them. Its sad leh, cos the skin on my legs used to be like so smooth. SIGH! And now, I’m really particular on the type of body wash and lotion I apply on my legs. I dare not luan luan buy the cheap cheap kind. Can only go for those specially or sensitive skin, which are usually slightly pricier than the drugstore brands.
Secondly, the skincare products which I use on my face are no longer suitable. I’ve had to change the range cos my skin started getting a bit drier than before, and yes, I’ve got wrinkles (aka laugh lines) around my mouth area. Wah lau. If this is happening just when I’m turning 30, I cannot imagine what its like when I in my 40s. Fortunately, after a series of hit and misses, I did manage to find something which is suitable for my face.
Thirdly, my metabolism rate has really taken a nose dive man. But sadly, I still eat the same amount as before. Huh Huh Huh. I find myself having to exercise more frequently and diligently in order to stay trim and maintain the weight. And of course, people in their 30s really shouldn’t stay up whole night playing mahjong or etc. When I was at the chalet recently and spent the entire night chatting with colleagues, I couldn’t really recover the energy back even after 1 whole day of sleep after that. Back when we were in the uni, we only slept like from 2am – 8am if we have classes at 8.30am. But it was a ok, and the cycle would repeat itself and we wouldn’t feel a thing. Now, I always think twice before staying up late (not mentioning not sleeping at all). 12am is like the latest I can go, if I need to work the next day.
However interestingly, I gained a new insight into the inevitable process of turning 30 when I spoke to my Aunt Lydia a while back. She’s happily single in her 40s, and I enjoy talking to her on her life experiences and she looks really young for her age. That day, she asked how old I was and I replied with a frown that I would be approaching 30 soon. Here’s what she responded:
” That’s a good age! I always feel that my 30s had been the prime of my life, not the 20s as what the popular belief is. In our 20s, we are still like a fledging youths trying to search for the best job, best hobby, and figuring out the clothes and makeup which best suit us. Hence the 20s are somehow filled with more mistakes and failures as we fall down and pick ourselves up again. But the 30s….by that time, we should have landed ourselves in a job of our choice, and would have figured a lifestyle which best fits our expectations and needs. Hence, the 30s should be the prime of your life, the part where you enjoy the fruits of your 20s labour and where you are at your most confident and self-assured .”
I like that. Heh heh. Knowing that I’m stepping into the best years of my life, and not degenerating into a old auntie….that’s nice. But of course, I admit that the above may only apply to singles, and not married couples. Cos for them, the 30s would usually be filled with starting a family and having children. But come to think of it, that may also be the best years of their lives as well…watching your baby grow up, etc etc.
So if you are also stepping into your 30s now…fear not! YOU ARE AT YOUR PRIME!!!
Enjoy it while it lasts! =)
Posted by E.T. on May 2, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Well said