When you're 30, it's never really how you pictured it when you were 13. The high-profile, high-paying job might be non-existent. The jetsetting, glamorous lifestyle might still be a dream. The picture perfect house is perfect...in a photograph, but it's not your own.
When you're 30, you acquire a few practical skills and things: how to stay up till 3am to book that cheap (read: P700 two-way) flight to SG, where to find the most inexpensive but trendy blouses / accessories in DV, how to clean an entire bathroom with a bar of soap and an old toothbrush, how to stay awake on an ordinary bus at midnight, how to talk to government employees so they fast track your documents, or which foundation best suits you so your skin looks absolutely flawless.
When you're 30, you've seen enough of the world but there's still so much more to explore. The world map is not just a poster on your 5th grade classroom, it's YOUR map now. You can go anywhere, explore anything; everything is at your fingertips. But no matter what city you visit, you will always, always long to go back to that congested, old city you grew up in.
When you're 30, you've met enough people to 'know' people. Some people will rub you the wrong way the first time you meet them. Be wary of them. Instincts are usually right on these things. But there are people you meet and your initial conversation will start a spark that will continue to burn for a lifetime. Hold on to these people. Your instinct is probably right on that one.
When you're 30, you truly understand the value of family. No friendship, colleague or 'barkada' can ever replace them.
When you're 30, you realize that people are unpredictable. You can never put them in a box and expect them to act the same way all the time. People will disappoint you, no matter how much you think you know a person. They will break your heart and not meet your expectations. But then again, you probably do the same thing to them, one way or another. No one is perfect anyway. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Even when you feel its unfair and you don't understand why you need to do it. Most especially when you feel like that.
When you're 30, you've experienced triumphs that will make you feel on top of the world. The winning 'hangover' will probably only last overnight (or a week if you really stretch it) though before you start itching for the next goal. You've also experienced defeats that made you question your ability and your purpose. You will cry in defeat, oh yes you will. But no matter how many defeats you experience, what is most important is that you get up and start over again. Nothing defeats losing than standing up again to try.
When you're 30, you appreciate even more the importance of laughter. Life is too short to be taken seriously all the time. Give yourself a break and laugh at your mistakes. Chances are, after a few years, you will laugh about it anyway.
When you're 30, you are thankful you met a man who looked deeply in your heart and knew all about you and loved you still. He knew you before you were ever conceived and had a plan for you. He made you in His image and that means you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He was able to do exceedingly abundantly more than what you can ever ask or imagine. If you get another 30 years with this man, consider yourself blessed indeed.
