Well, just like that, I turned 30 last week. Was it as momentous or ground-shifting of an occasion a
Well, just like that, I turned 30 last week. Was it as momentous or ground-shifting of an occasion as some people (and our society) make it out to be? ▫️ Well, yes and no. I mean, the partying in Mexico was certainly epic (and probably the most I’ve ever partied EVER. Hey—ya girl likes to have a good time, okay?) ▫️ I’ve always stuck to the notion that growing older (purposefully not saying “getting old” here) is a gift that perhaps a lot of us take for granted, mostly because of the negative connotations associated with aging. Passing time, experiencing the world, witnessing change in myself and others around me—this is all stuff that forms the wonderful genealogy of life. ▫️ Every year brings more confidence, clarity, freedom, and enjoyment into my world. I’ve found that the less rigidly you think about yourself, or stick to some idea of “this is who I should be,” the more liberating. We’re not static selves. We’re always changing, ever in flux. I don’t believe that we’re ever the same person throughout our lives. And lately, I’ve been really embracing the notion that there is a full range to who we are and who we can be—in my case, from the Charley that’s goofy, to the Charley that’s serious; the me that takes her job seriously to the me that likes to fuck off and play in the world. The me behind the camera and the me that takes a selfie. We’re light and shadow, and it’s perfectly fine to embrace both. ▫️ One thing I want to focus on this year: better showing up for others. Figuring out how to love, and how to give love, not just in the romantic sense. Growing up as an only child in an individualist culture has made me feel like I’ve just been racking up points for myself. Friendships, family, meaningful connections—those are the raw matter that makes up a fulfilling life. It’s these things I want to show up more for. At 30, there is still so much more to learn. https://www.instagram.com/p/B5JbzPohDGJ/?igshid=1kijddg2nylfq -- source link