30+

Is it me or is it fact that once we single women meet the dreaded check box of the 30+ age category, that we discover the realization that we are in fact despite the age label, comfortable being ourselves. No more are we the vulnerable, naive individual adopting certain personas 'trying' to fit in along the way either with our peers or conforming to fashion, jobs and the like. Although it may be argued that some of us deem ourselves to have been pretty much 'together and on our paths in life' in our 20's, it has to be said that the pre 30's was the genre of 'finding' ourselves and it is only once the 30+ age box is ticked that we find the true essence of what being ourselves is all about.

We tend now to know our mind, body and soul, and actually like being in our own skin. We have learned what we actually like and dislike in every form irrespective of what others might think...be it hobbies, interests, music, food, education, ways of life and partners. We have learned to stand up for ourselves and be assertive, setting our own boundaries not dared to be crossed. And now that we have 'found' ourselves, next stop is to find our base...where do our new found selves fit in I ask...?

Is it tucked away in an artists haven in the west of Ireland?...in a coastal wind beaten 2 room semi shack which sports your wet suit and board?...in a small sleepy village with nothing happening except for the odd festival in summer?...in a European town encompassing a taste of country and city living?...in the likes of Australia, USA and Asia searching for something different?... such a vast choice...where will we end up and more to the point will our pre 40's be known as 'settling' ourselves?... who knows!? Perhaps something to ponder on when we have to tick that 40+ box!! Jesus!

One things for sure though - as soon as we accomplish this next goal - its then that we can finally indulge in interior design and tickle our fancy by purchasing the broad array of home furnishings that come in every colour under the sun in those quaint little town shops that we just happen to bump into at what seems to be presently inopportune times...prompting the same ol same ol, "oh look at that, isin't it gorgeousss, god if only we had our very own base - if only we were settled"!

(Inspired by my recent visit with fellow 'thirtyian' and much respected friend B.C. - July 17th, 2010)

Raffa