30: As you hit the big 3-0, it becomes clear that age is merely a number. Turning 30 feels strikingly similar to 29, which was just like 28, and so on. In fact, 30 often resembles being 22—only now you have a mortgage to manage.
31: At 31, a sense of nostalgia creeps in. You start to reflect on your 20s and wonder if you missed out on adventures or took enough risks. Conversations revolve around grand plans of backpacking through Europe or daring cliff dives in Santorini. But then, reality hits as you find yourself changing diapers and making time for a much-needed shower after a week.
32: By the time you reach 32, you might convince yourself that you can easily pass for 25. Jogging with your one-year-old in a stroller becomes your norm, and you sneak in sit-ups while they nap. Your physique starts to rival your high school days, making you think, “Wow, my 30s are fantastic!” But then, you suddenly wonder, when was my last period?
33: At 33, your baby is overdue by four days, and you haven’t seen your feet or bikini line in what feels like an eternity. You contemplate whether your husband can handle some much-needed grooming for you or if you should just embrace your unkempt state as you head to the hospital. With your mom cleaning the nursery and your toddler spreading toys all over, you find yourself fantasizing about the relief of an epidural and the swift arrival of your little one.
34: Turning 34 brings a monumental achievement: taking your 1-year-old and 3-year-old to Disney World. You feel like you’ve conquered a significant challenge. Mission accomplished!
35: At 35, you realize it has been ages since you had a real conversation with your husband. Between work and parenting, the connection seems to have faded. With a brave heart, you decide to leave the kids with their grandparents and escape for a week to Cancun. You find yourself laughing, drinking margaritas by the pool, and dancing the night away under the stars. A surprise boat tour and snorkeling excursion with your husband reignite the spark in your relationship, leaving you both refreshed and in love.
36: By the time you’re 36, your eldest is off to kindergarten, while your youngest is in preschool. The clutter of baby bottles and diapers has vanished, and you begin to feel a sense of closure about expanding your family. You start planning a family road trip to Graceland, only to be jolted back to reality when you discover a forgotten pacifier. Suddenly, that old pressure of having more kids seems to tick away.
37: At 37, an invitation to your 20-year high school reunion lands in your inbox. After a brief consideration, you weigh the pros and cons of leaving your kids with their grandparents and boarding your beloved dachshund. Ultimately, you and your best friend decide it’s more rewarding to plan a fun weekend getaway together instead of facing those familiar faces.
38: As you approach 38, the thought of turning 40 begins to loom heavily. You notice new lines on your forehead and the appearance of what you refer to as “old-lady hands.” You can’t believe how quickly time has flown since college, and you realize that life is fleeting. It’s time to shed the worries, fears, and negative influences that have been weighing you down.
39: When you reach 39, you come to terms with the fact that age is just a number. Yes, you’re only a year away from 40, but you’re not letting it stress you out. You feel youthful—perhaps 22 again, but with a wealth of experience. As you prepare for a family trip, you pack a high-waisted bikini, confident in your appearance and excited for what lies ahead. Next stop: Santorini!
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