There are things that used to make me cringe growing up. Things that made me uncomfortable or downright grumpy.
Things like waiting in a long line. Actually doing the work to get the results I want. Working out. Eating right.
Basically, adulting.
I won’t lecture you on the things you should do, because you probably already know. But there are some things that I have kicked back against in the past that I am rethinking now. It is serving me well to lean in to these things and even appreciate them.
Here’s some things you should embrace more by your 30s.
Your Flaws.
I have spent way too much time in life fighting my flaws. There are two things I’m learning, though: that everyone has flaws (hello!). My flaws do not make me unusual or odd.
And that often I’m missing something when I zero in on my flaws. Like that there’s actually strength and growth to be seen when I step back and look at the bigger picture.
Vulnerability.
Who’s seen Brené Brown’s Netflix special? Doooo it. (I also loved her book, reviewed here.) In her work, she cites vulnerability as something we can often identify as a weakness.
But actually, our vulnerability takes the greatest courage, and connects us to people in ways we never would otherwise. It strengthens bonds, and takes off the pressure to be perfect.
The Process.
Doesn’t it feel like it makes so much sense to rush right to the results? But then that process seems to drag out forever.
The process, I’m learning, is part of the journey, and is nothing to be afraid of. Plus, we spend so much of life going through it, rather than being at the destination.
And it often makes the destination so much sweeter when we’ve embraced the process and worked our way through it.
Work.
Speaking of work. (But I don’t wannnnaaaa.)
Seriously, though. It always seemed like, growing up, if something took a lot of work, it probably wasn’t worth it. We’re a very “instant gratification” society, are we not?
Embracing the work means finding satisfaction in the right now, even if it’s hard. Figuring out parts of it that you enjoy, or making the work something you enjoy, makes it even more embraceable.
Challenging Times.
I’m often surprised when I find myself facing difficulties again. Like, things should be good. I thought I was doing better. I thought this was a sure bet. Why is this so hard??
Challenging times mold us and grow us. Plus I am convinced that God is even closer to us in times of distress, challenges, and hardships, simply because we need it.
Know that it will come to an end someday, and figure out what you can get out of it right now. Also look for all the ways you’ve grown since the last challenge, and notice the people who come to your aid right when you need it.
Failure.
Why do I constantly see failure as a bad thing? I actually fear it. I’m afraid of how I will look and how embarrassed I will be if (when) I fail.
My husband often says, “fail fast.” Instead of mourning our failure over months and taking a long time to get back up again, fail. See what you can do better. Try again.
Appreciate it as a learning opportunity, rather than an enemy. It makes a big difference. And truly, the people who fail a lot and “fail fast” are the ones who end up being the most successful. (See: Thomas Edison and Abraham Lincoln as just two examples.)
What are some things that life is teaching you to embrace a little more?
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