I’ve come to a realization recently: my mid-30s have ushered in a significant identity crisis, and I feel the need to share this experience. My hope is to connect with others who may be grappling with similar feelings, and perhaps we can exchange advice, encouragement, or just a mutual understanding.
Over the last five years, transitioning from my 20s into my 30s has been filled with confusion. I find myself torn between wanting to relive my teenage years—rocking my Converse and scrolling through Forever 21’s latest styles—and the stark contrast of pushing my toddler in a shopping cart at Stein Mart, hunting for those thick leggings my mom gifted me last year. You know, the ones that are both practical and somewhat reminiscent of Spanx, hitting that awkward length where they nearly touch my bra. All while sipping on hot tea and reviewing my child’s speech IEP.
This inner struggle is very real, dear friends. I yearn to send my friends hilarious memes packed with adult language, yet I also feel the weight of deep conversations with my husband about the realities of childhood and safety as my daughter enters the slumber party phase. I crave the simplicity of sipping Kool-Aid Jammers and munching on microwaved Lunchables pizzas, but I also dream of indulging in a fresh goat cheese salad from the local bistro that my husband brings home after work.
I oscillate between binge-watching nostalgic shows like Full House and scrolling through the latest social media stories from celebrities. Somehow, I also find myself gravitating towards the stylish cross-body bag gifted to me by my mother-in-law—Liz Claiborne, no less (and I adore that gold-plated beauty).
I often feel lost in this dichotomy, caught between embracing my youthful, trendy self and the more mature, organized version of myself that I’m expected to be as a 34-year-old mother. The embarrassing truth that I’m 34 and still using phrases like “got me trippin’” isn’t lost on me either; maybe I should just indulge in some Sour Patch Kids for good measure.
Writing this has turned out to be quite therapeutic, leading me to reconsider my initial plea for advice. Putting my thoughts down, it’s clear that fully owning one identity over the other feels somewhat disheartening. Who wants to be known as the “trying-too-hard” mom? On the flip side, diving headfirst into everything adult—from Macy’s to Family Circle—just feels too soon.
The idea of giving up my beloved SpaghettiOs and committing to steam-cleaning my couch annually is a bit much, don’t you think? So, here I am, balancing between these two identities that I both cherish and resent. If you’re in the same boat, come hang out with me. I’ll reassess my identity crisis when I hit 40 or 50—maybe.
Sporting Chucks seems like the best way to approach this next chapter of life, and I’m convinced I’ll be in my twenties at heart forever.
For more insights on navigating motherhood and relationships, check out this helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination from Kindbody. And if you’re looking for guidance on understanding common questions about PCOS, visit this informative site. You might also find this article on at-home insemination kits helpful.
Summary:
In my mid-30s, I find myself facing an identity crisis marked by a tug-of-war between youthful desires and the responsibilities of motherhood. I oscillate between wanting to embrace my trendy side while grappling with the realities of adult life. This internal conflict is a common struggle, and through sharing these thoughts, I hope to connect with others who feel the same way.