Reaching 35 means truly understanding who you are while still second-guessing almost every choice you make. It’s the desire to crawl into bed early, yet secretly craving some alone time to indulge in a guilty pleasure like reality TV. It’s enjoying a night out with friends, only to wake up the next day feeling the aftermath of a hangover that reminds you you’re not in your twenties anymore.
At 35, you might hit the gym in the morning but still complain about those creaky joints when climbing the stairs. You cherish every moment with your kids, but you also find yourself locking the bathroom door just to enjoy a few sips of coffee without tiny hands reaching for you. You might go on a romantic date night, yet end up back home by 10 PM because both of you are just too tired to keep the evening going.
You may have a clearer vision of what you want from life, but there’s still that lingering uncertainty. Your car might be nice, but it’s cluttered with crushed goldfish crackers and sticky fingerprints from your little ones. You’ve got a 401K and a Roth IRA, but let’s be honest, you’re still figuring out what they really mean. There’s nothing like the freedom of eating ice cream straight from the tub while lounging on the couch, simply because you can.
You strive to raise your kids well, yet find yourself yelling at them when they’re having fun—like hitting each other with Nerf darts. At 35, you rely on dry shampoo and coffee, not caring if people judge your choices. You send your little one to the babysitter wearing a bucket as a hat just to avoid a tantrum. While your best friends are still in your life, you don’t see them nearly as often as you’d like.
You may stick to a budget but still find yourself signing up for subscription boxes after a few too many drinks. You might mistakenly think that 2001 was just a decade ago, and you’ll probably compare every video game your kids play to the classic Oregon Trail. Dropping the kids off at your parents’ house is a blessing, allowing you to blast some music with explicit lyrics while you get ready without a toddler in your lap.
You may diligently apply sunscreen before heading out, but sometimes you “forget” because you still believe a tan looks better. You might offer unsolicited advice to college girls about avoiding belly button piercings because, let’s face it, life changes after having kids. You might find yourself at a meeting with a parent of a high school friend who once caught you sneaking drinks at their house two decades ago.
You can’t help but wonder how Carson Daly transitioned from TRL to the Today Show, and maybe you’re just a bit eager to see Britney Spears live in concert. You feel a rush of nostalgia every time “The Sandlot” plays on TV. Being 35 is a bittersweet blend of feeling both young and old. It’s my reality, and I’m ready for another incredible year ahead.
We are a diverse community of women, connected by the journey of motherhood. We embrace our complexities—we are partners, daughters, sisters, and friends, and we long for conversations beyond parenting. For more on personal stories, visit our Home Insemination Kit. If you’re navigating the teenage years, our Home Insemination Kit Tweens & Teens page is a great resource for support. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource.
In summary, turning 35 comes with a unique set of experiences, blending the joys and struggles of motherhood with personal growth and self-discovery.